Rhyolite

Rhyolite is an abandoned gold mining settlement in the Nevada desert, roughly 25 miles northwest of Death Valley. The remains of several stone buildings stand among shrubs and dry ground, while the foundations of long-vanished houses are still visible in the sand.

After gold was found in 1904, the settlement grew within a few years into a small town with thousands of residents. When the main mine closed in 1911, people left and only stone ruins remained.

The expansive remains show how quickly a modern settlement can rise from the ground. A small collection of crumbling structures made from local stone recalls a time when this was a busy center with paved streets and electric lighting.

A paved road leads from Highway 374 directly to the ruins, making access possible with a regular vehicle. The area is open and has no facilities, so visitors should bring water and sun protection.

An unusual construction made from thousands of glass bottles still stands among the ruins. A miner built the small house because wood was scarce and expensive in the desert, while empty bottles were readily available.

Location: Nye County

Inception: 1904

Elevation above the sea: 1,164 m

Website: https://rhyolitesite.com

GPS coordinates: 36.90389,-116.82917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:15