The allure of the open road, quirky roadside stops, and a dash of Nevada history await on this overnight escape from Las Vegas to Tonopah.
A Ride Through Nevada’s Quirky Heart
This trip wasn’t just about the destination; it was about the journey—the thrill of the open road, the camaraderie, and the hidden gems along the way.
With our motorcycles roaring and the desert wind rushing past, we found joy in the unexpected, from alien-themed stops to hauntingly beautiful ghost towns. It was a ride that brought us closer to Nevada’s unique character and each other. Heading north on Highway 95, you’ll encounter eccentric attractions, mysterious histories, and a sky full of stars.
We hopped on our motorcycles, left the city lights behind, and embraced the freedom of the open desert—a story filled with adventures, a few surprises, and plenty of good food.
First Stop: Area 51 Alien Center, Amargosa Valley
A little over an hour into the ride, the first stop was as strange as it was iconic. The Area 51 Alien Center Gas Station in Amargosa Valley greeted us with its bright green paint and a giant alien mural that felt like a sign we were stepping into another world. It was one of those places that makes you pause and just smile at the absurdity of it all.
We parked our bikes and stretched our legs, grabbing a few alien-themed souvenirs and chatting with a couple of other travelers who were just as intrigued by the quirky atmosphere. It was also the perfect spot to fuel up—not just the gas tanks but also our curiosity. There was something about the odd mix of an alien-themed convenience store and a brothel out back that made it uniquely Nevada.
Second Stop: Beatty, NV
With the wind in our faces, we continued north until we rolled into Beatty. Known as “The Gateway to Death Valley,” Beatty has that small-town charm that makes you feel right at home.
We pulled into the parking lot of the Sourdough Saloon, a local watering hole that’s been around long enough to gather some great stories—and I think we might have added a few more that day.
The bartender was full of local lore and miner tales, and we couldn’t resist trying the infamous “miner’s shot,” which, let’s say, warmed us up more than we expected :-).
After a couple of drinks, we made our way over to Smokin’ J’s Barbecue and Eatery Saloon for some grub. We weren’t disappointed. The brisket was smoky and tender, and the ribs fell right off the bone. Nothing pairs better with a long ride than a hearty plate of barbecue. We sat outside, swapping stories with other bikers who were passing through, and it felt like time slowed down for just a little while.
Third Stop: Goldfield, NV
Back on the road, we headed further north to Goldfield. If you’ve never been, Goldfield is like stepping into a living museum of Nevada’s boomtown past. There’s something haunting about the old buildings, still standing proud despite their age. We stopped at the Goldfield Car Forest, or Cars Graveyard, a place I’d only ever seen in pictures but had always wanted to visit.
Seeing it in person was a different experience entirely. Old cars jutted out of the desert ground at strange angles, like some kind of mechanical Stonehenge. It’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder and creativity as you walk through the rows of rusting vehicles.
We stopped at a bar right outside an old bank—a relic of Goldfield’s heyday that had been preserved. We weren’t sure if it was kept for nostalgia or just because no one had the heart to tear it down. Either way, it was like a throwback to the past, and sipping on cold drinks while surrounded by the place’s history was an experience in itself.
Arriving in Tonopah
After hours on the road, the sight of Tonopah’s silhouette against the setting sun was a welcome one. The air had a crisp chill to it, and the town seemed to exude an energy that was both inviting and mysterious. It was like stepping into a story where the past and present coexist side by side, each corner promising something intriguing to discover.
Checking into the Mizpah Hotel
As the sun started to dip behind the hills, we finally rolled into Tonopah. It’s a town that feels like it has one foot in the past and the other in the present, with its mix of historical charm and modern eccentricities.
We checked into the Mizpah Hotel, a grand old building that’s supposedly haunted. The staff told us a few ghost stories as we checked in—enough to make us keep an eye out for any strange happenings during our stay.
The Mizpah’s lobby is like a step back in time, with rich wood paneling and vintage decor that makes you feel like you’re part of an old western movie.
As I keep telling friends and people who travel, do not expect “Vegas hospitality” when you go on those types of trips. Take it all in proportion and enjoy the journey. There are no 24/7 bars, clubs, or room service. That is reserved for staycations.
Visiting the Clown Motel
After dropping our bags, we wandered over to the Clown Motel. I’d heard about this place for years—famous for its collection of clowns and proximity to an old cemetery—but seeing it in person was something else.
The clowns were everywhere, staring at us from every wall and corner. It was both creepy and fascinating, and it made for some great pictures to send to friends who were safely back in Vegas.
Dinner at an Old-School Casino
Dinner that night was simple but satisfying. We went to one of the old-school casinos in town, where the food was hearty, and the prices were from another decade.
The vibe was a far cry from the glitz of the Strip—more relaxed, with locals laughing and sharing stories and a sense of community you don’t find in the city.
Drinks at the Tonopah Liquor Co. Bar
To cap off the night, we headed to the Tonopah Liquor Co. Bar. The place had a warm, laid-back feel to it, with wooden floors that creaked and shelves stocked with all sorts of spirits.
We shared a few drinks and talked about the day’s adventures, surrounded by folks who were just as friendly as they were curious about our bikes parked outside.
Stargazing at the Tonopah Star Trails Observatory
The trip’s highlight, though, had to be the Tonopah Star Trails Observatory. We rode a little out of town, away from the lights, and parked our bikes under a sky that seemed to go on forever.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars in my life. We laid back on the desert ground, and for a while, all we could hear was the wind and our breathing as we took it all in.
It was one of those moments that make you feel small in the best way possible—just a tiny part of something so vast and incredible.
After a night filled with adventure and good company, we rode back to Las Vegas the next morning, the desert stretching out endlessly in every direction. There’s something special about these kinds of trips—the kind that reminds you that the journey is just as important as the destination. The strange sights, the warm people, and the quiet moments under the stars all made it clear: there’s magic to be found in the unexpected, just beyond the glow of the Strip.
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