Austin (Ghost Town), Nevada: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Scenic view of the highway approaching Austin, Nevada with mountains in the background

Book reservations in numerous Languages + World Currencies.

Hotels by Trip.com

Flights by Trip.com

Once Nevada’s second-largest city with over 5,000 residents during the 1860s silver boom, Austin now stands as one of America’s best-preserved ghost towns with fewer than 200 residents. This living ghost town sits at the geographic center of Nevada, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into the Wild West era without the tourist traps found in more commercialized destinations. From ancient Native American pictographs to historic churches and a three-story castle, Austin packs an astonishing array of attractions within a 50-mile radius.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Austin is located along U.S. Highway 50, famously dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America.” This remote location is part of its charm but requires some planning to reach. The town sits approximately 280 km (173 miles) east of Reno and 483 km (300 miles) north of Las Vegas.

Closest Airports

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (REK) – 280 km (173 miles)
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – 483 km (300 miles)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 579 km (360 miles)

Most visitors rent a car from one of these airports and enjoy the scenic drive to Austin. The journey from Reno takes approximately 3 hours, while driving from Las Vegas requires about 5-6 hours. Be sure to fill your gas tank whenever possible, as service stations are limited along these remote stretches of highway.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Austin sits at an elevation of 2,011 m (6,600 ft), which gives it a different climate than much of Nevada. This high-desert location experiences four distinct seasons, with significant temperature variations between day and night.

Recommended Seasons

Best Times to Visit

Late Spring (May-June): Pleasant temperatures ranging from 10-24°C (50-75°F), wildflowers in bloom
Summer (June-August): Warm days at 21-32°C (70-90°F) with cool evenings, ideal for outdoor activities
Early Fall (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors, comfortable temperatures of 7-21°C (45-70°F)

Seasons to Avoid

Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures often below freezing, possible snow making some attractions inaccessible
Early Spring (March-April): Unpredictable weather with potential for late snowstorms and muddy conditions

Weather Tip: Due to the high elevation, temperature swings of 15-20°C (30-35°F) between day and night are common year-round. Always pack layers, even in summer.

Getting Around Locally

Main Street of Austin, Nevada with historic buildings and mountains in background

Austin’s compact historic district is easily walkable, with most attractions in town accessible by foot. However, many of the area’s most impressive sights lie outside town limits and require transportation.

Personal Vehicle: Essential for exploring attractions beyond the town center. A high-clearance vehicle with 4×4 capability is recommended for backcountry roads like Kingston Canyon.
Walking: The historic downtown area can be explored on foot, with churches, shops, and historic buildings all within walking distance.
Cycling: Mountain biking is popular in the surrounding areas, though the steep terrain in town can be challenging.

Important: Cell service is extremely limited in and around Austin. Download offline maps, carry paper maps, and inform someone of your planned route when exploring remote areas.

Where to Stay

Historic bed and breakfast in Austin, Nevada with Victorian architecture

Despite its small size, Austin offers several accommodation options that provide an authentic experience of this historic mining town. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months.

Historic Lodging

Miles End B&B
Restored 1860s building with period furnishings
Phone: (775) 964-2364
Union Street Lodging
Historic guest house in the center of town
Phone: (775) 964-1112

Motels

Cozy Mountain Motel
Simple, clean rooms with mountain views
Phone: (775) 964-2478
Lincoln Motel
Basic accommodations with parking for larger vehicles
Phone: (775) 964-2698

Camping

Bob Scott Campground
4 miles east of Austin on US-50
10 sites, open through October
Big Creek Campground
13 miles south of Austin
5 sites including one group site

For camping information and group site reservations, contact the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Austin Ranger District at (775) 964-2671.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Interior of a rustic saloon in Austin, Nevada with wooden bar and Western decor

Dining options in Austin are limited but authentic, offering hearty meals that reflect the town’s Western heritage. Most establishments serve both food and drinks, continuing the tradition of the Sagebrush Saloons that once dotted Nevada’s mining towns.

International Café & Bar
Classic American diner fare and Nevada specialties
Open daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone: (775) 964-2622
Toiyabe Café
Homestyle cooking with all-day breakfast
Open Tuesday-Sunday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: (775) 964-2220
Lucky Spur Saloon
Located in nearby Kingston, famous for burgers and cold drinks
Open Thursday-Monday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: (775) 964-2627

Local Tip: The International Café’s Basque-inspired dishes reflect the heritage of many early Nevada settlers. Try their lamb stew if available!

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Stokes Castle in Austin, Nevada with desert landscape in background

Austin and its surroundings offer an impressive variety of attractions, from well-preserved historic buildings to ancient rock art and natural wonders. Here are the must-see sights that make Austin one of Nevada’s most fascinating ghost towns.

Top Attractions

Stokes Castle – This three-story granite tower was built in 1897 by a railroad magnate and modeled after an Italian villa. Located just outside town, it offers spectacular 60-mile views of Reese River Valley.
Historic Churches – Austin is known as Nevada’s “City of Churches,” with three remarkable 1800s-era churches. St. Augustine’s Catholic Church (1866), Methodist Church (1866), and St. George’s Episcopal Church (1878) all showcase frontier religious architecture.
Main Street Historic District – Walk through Austin’s remarkably preserved main street, featuring original buildings from the 1860s silver boom. The historic district contains over 10 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
Toquima Cave – Located about 30 minutes south of Highway 50, this cave contains some of North America’s most vibrant and well-preserved Native American pictographs, with red, white, black, and yellow pigments still clearly visible after thousands of years.
Hickison Petroglyph Site – Just east of Austin on Highway 50, this site features ancient rock carvings and a short hiking trail leading to a summit with 100-mile views of Big Smoky Valley.

Ancient pictographs in Toquima Cave showing colorful Native American rock art

Outdoor Activities

Spencer Hot Springs – Natural hot springs about 30 minutes from Austin with adjustable temperature and stunning views of Big Smoky Valley.
Kingston Canyon – A scenic backcountry drive requiring 4×4 capability, offering fishing at Groves Lake and access to hiking trails.
Toiyabe Crest Trail – At 70 miles, it’s Nevada’s longest maintained trail, offering spectacular high-country hiking with sections reaching 3,048 m (10,000 ft) elevation.
Pony Express Trail – Follow the historic mail route that operated in the 1860s, with visible trail sections and interpretive markers just west of Austin.

A driving tour booklet with detailed information about these attractions and others is available at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.

Check 30,000+ Local Sightseeing Tours Worldwide

✓ Numerous languages and currencies are available

Click Here

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Interior of a small historical museum in Austin showing mining artifacts and displays

Austin’s rich history is preserved through several cultural institutions and annual events that celebrate the town’s mining heritage and Western traditions.

Museums & Cultural Sites

Austin Historical Museum – Located in the old Austin courthouse, this small but informative museum displays artifacts, photographs, and documents from Austin’s mining heyday.
Jason’s Art Gallery/Little Bluebird Turquoise – Located on Main Street, this shop showcases locally-mined turquoise jewelry and art, offering authentic Nevada souvenirs directly from the nearby Little Bluebird turquoise claim.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park – About 110 km (68 miles) south of Austin, this unique site combines a preserved ghost town with the fossils of ancient marine reptiles, including the only complete Ichthyosaur skeleton display in the United States.

Annual Events

Austin Founders Day – Held in June, this celebration features historical reenactments, live music, and traditional crafts.
Prospectors’ Dream Wine Walk – A summer event where participants sample wines while exploring Austin’s historic buildings.
Reese River Valley Fall Festival – Autumn celebration with harvest-themed activities, local food, and crafts.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Hikers on the Toiyabe Crest Trail with mountain views

The mountains and valleys surrounding Austin offer outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities in a pristine natural setting. The high elevation provides a cooler climate than much of Nevada, making it ideal for summer outdoor activities.

Hiking & Mountain Biking

Toiyabe Crest Trail – Nevada’s premier long-distance trail offers day hike options or multi-day backpacking adventures.
Hickison Summit Trail – A moderate 3.2 km (2-mile) loop with excellent views and access to petroglyphs.
Austin Summit Trail – A challenging mountain bike route with technical sections and panoramic vistas.

Fishing & Water Activities

Groves Lake – Located in Kingston Canyon, this small lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
Big Creek – A mountain stream offering fly fishing opportunities for native trout.
Spencer Hot Springs – Natural hot springs with three soaking pools of varying temperatures, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Spencer Hot Springs with mountains in the background at sunset

Wildlife Viewing

The diverse ecosystems around Austin support abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for the protected Hickison Burro Herd, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, golden eagles, and numerous desert-adapted species.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Desert landscape around Austin showing the remote terrain

Austin’s remote location and historical significance require special consideration for safety and respect for both the natural environment and cultural heritage.

Safety Considerations

Cell Service – Mobile phone coverage is extremely limited. Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans.
Vehicle Preparation – Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a spare tire.
Weather Awareness – Mountain weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts and be prepared for temperature swings.
Hydration – The high desert environment is extremely dry. Drink more water than you think you need, even in cooler weather.

Etiquette & Preservation

Historical Sites – Do not remove artifacts or disturb historical structures. Many buildings are fragile despite their sturdy appearance.
Rock Art Sites – Never touch petroglyphs or pictographs as oils from hands can damage these irreplaceable treasures. Photograph respectfully without flash.
Local Community – Remember that Austin is a living community, not just a tourist attraction. Respect private property and the privacy of residents.
Environmental Impact – Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash and minimize your impact on this fragile desert ecosystem.

Visitor Comments About Austin

“Austin completely surprised me with its authenticity. The Stokes Castle at sunset was breathtaking, and the locals at the International Café treated us like family. Don’t miss the turquoise shop—I found the perfect souvenir that reminds me of this special place every day.”

P.S., Grand Forks

“We detoured to Austin while driving the Loneliest Road and ended up staying three days! The hiking was exceptional, especially the Toiyabe Crest Trail. Spencer Hot Springs under the stars was magical—we had the pools to ourselves and could see the Milky Way clearly.”

Y.H., Saint Petersburg

“As a history buff, I found Austin to be a treasure trove. The preserved buildings tell such a vivid story of Nevada’s mining era. The drive through Kingston Canyon was challenging but worth it for the scenery. Just make sure your vehicle can handle it!”

V.I., Franklin

Additional Nearby Destinations

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park showing ghost town buildings and desert landscape

Austin makes an excellent base for exploring central Nevada’s hidden gems. Consider adding these nearby destinations to your itinerary:

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park – 110 km (68 miles) south of Austin, this unique park combines a preserved mining town with fossils of 225-million-year-old marine reptiles.
Belmont Ghost Town – 145 km (90 miles) southeast, featuring impressive ruins including a two-story brick courthouse.
Hickison Petroglyphs Recreation Area – 24 km (15 miles) east of Austin on Highway 50, offering camping, hiking, and ancient rock art.
Eureka – 112 km (70 miles) east on Highway 50, another well-preserved mining town with a restored opera house and numerous historic buildings.
Toiyabe National Forest – Surrounding Austin in all directions, offering extensive recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, and camping.

Practical Travel Tips

These practical tips will help you make the most of your visit to Austin while avoiding common pitfalls of traveling in remote areas:

Fuel Up – Gas stations are limited in central Nevada. Always top off your tank when possible, even if it’s not near empty.
Cash – Bring adequate cash as ATMs are scarce and some businesses don’t accept credit cards.
Supplies – Stock up on snacks, water, and any necessities before arriving, as shopping options are very limited.
Accommodation – Book lodging well in advance, especially during summer months and weekends.
Maps – Carry physical maps as backup. The Austin Chamber of Commerce offers detailed local maps and driving tour guides.
Seasonal Planning – Some attractions and campgrounds close during winter months. Call ahead to confirm availability if visiting from November through April.
Photography – The clear mountain air and dramatic landscapes offer exceptional photography opportunities, especially during golden hour.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Austin Chamber of Commerce at (775) 964-2200 or visit their website for the most current details about local services and attractions.

Embracing the Spirit of the Silver Frontier

Austin, Nevada stands as a remarkable testament to America’s frontier spirit, offering visitors an authentic journey through the Silver State’s mining heritage. Unlike more commercialized ghost towns, Austin provides a genuine connection to Nevada’s past while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. From the ancient pictographs of Toquima Cave to the architectural curiosity of Stokes Castle, from the refreshing waters of Spencer Hot Springs to the challenging trails of the Toiyabe Range, Austin rewards those who venture off the beaten path. As you travel the “Loneliest Road in America,” make time to discover this central Nevada treasure—where history, adventure, and small-town hospitality converge to create an unforgettable experience.

The above is subject to change. Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel information and deals.