Nipton, Desert community in Ivanpah Valley, California, United States.
Nipton is a small desert settlement in Ivanpah Valley near the Nevada border that contains buildings and facilities from different periods. The site includes a historic adobe hotel built in 1910, a general store, trading post, restaurant, RV park, eco-cabins, and teepee camping areas.
The settlement began as Nippeno Camp in 1905 during the California gold rush and later became a key cattle-loading station on the San Pedro railway line. This role made it an economic hub for livestock transport across the region.
The settlement now functions as a creative hub where circus performers and theater groups develop new productions and artistic projects in the desert. This artistic purpose attracts performers looking for a quiet place away from city distractions.
The settlement sits about two miles from the Nevada border and roughly one hour from Las Vegas, making it accessible for day trips from that area. With its small population of around 25 residents, it offers modest accommodations and dining options for visitors exploring the region.
The site spreads across roughly 80 acres of Mojave Desert land with eucalyptus groves and mountain views at about 10,000 feet elevation. This combination of vegetation and elevation creates an unexpected landscape for a typical desert location.
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