A Tonopah day trip from the Mizpah: Belmont Ghost Town
Belmont Ghost Town makes a feasible half-day or full-day drive from the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah — plan on roughly a 45–60 minute drive one way (about 45–46 miles) along US-6 and SR‑376/SR‑82. The site is a preserved 19th-century silver boomtown where the 1876 Belmont Courthouse is the main attraction; expect the last ~20 miles to be on a well-maintained gravel/dirt road.
In this guide
Getting there from the Mizpah Hotel
Leave the Mizpah Hotel (100 N. Main Street) and drive northeast on US-6/US-95 briefly, then follow US-6 east and SR‑376 (and SR‑82 where the route requires) toward Belmont. Mapping services and local staff can confirm the exact route before you go.
Allow about 45–60 minutes each way; sources list the distance as roughly 45–46 miles. The final portion of the trip — roughly the last 20 miles — is on a well-maintained gravel/dirt road, so check road conditions before you depart.
- Drive time: roughly 45–60 minutes one way
- Distance: about 45–46 miles
- Road surface: paved for most of the route, last ~20 miles on maintained gravel/dirt
- Ask the Mizpah front desk for current road status or a printed map if you prefer
| Start | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Mizpah Hotel (Tonopah) | — |
| Belmont Ghost Town | 45–60 minutes drive |
What to see at Belmont Ghost Town
Belmont is a former Nye County seat and silver boomtown; its most noted surviving structure is the 1876 Belmont Courthouse. The site includes a scattering of remaining buildings and foundations that illustrate the town’s late-19th-century layout.
Belmont is primarily an outdoor, self-guided experience — bring water, sun protection, and wear sturdy shoes. There are no formal visitor services at the site like a staffed museum building noted in the sources, so plan accordingly.
- Belmont Courthouse (1876) — main preserved building
- Old foundations, mining-era ruins and cemetery areas
- Photography and exploration: mostly self-guided
- Combine with a visit to nearby Manhattan Ghost Town if you have extra time
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Courthouse | Preserved 1876 building — primary landmark |
| Ruins/foundations | Scattered remains showing town layout |
| Visitor services | Limited — bring water and supplies |
Route, road conditions and vehicle recommendations
The route from Tonopah to Belmont uses US-6 and SR‑376/SR‑82; most of the way is paved but the final segment (about 20 miles) is a maintained gravel/dirt road. That gravel stretch is commonly driven by standard vehicles, but conditions can change after weather events.
Check the Mizpah front desk before you leave for any recent update on road conditions and weather. If you plan to explore rougher side roads or visit during wet weather, a vehicle with higher clearance is prudent.
- Final ~20 miles: maintained gravel/dirt — generally passable in most cars
- Check local conditions at the Mizpah front desk or with Nevada DOT before departure
- Carry water, a spare tire, phone charger, and basic roadside supplies
- Cell service can be spotty in remote stretches — download maps or bring printed directions
| Condition | Advice |
|---|---|
| Paved sections | Standard cars fine |
| Gravel/dirt final stretch | Usually passable; consider higher-clearance vehicle if wet |
| Remoteness | Bring water and recovery items; cell coverage may be limited |
Suggested half-day and full-day itineraries
Half-day: Depart the Mizpah mid-morning to spend 60–120 minutes walking among Belmont’s courthouse and ruins, then return to Tonopah for late lunch or an early dinner. This option works if you prefer a single stop and relaxed time to photograph and read interpretive signs.
Full-day: Combine Belmont with Manhattan Ghost Town (nearby) or add scenic stops along SR‑376. Pack a picnic, allow more time for gravel-road exploration, and return to Tonopah in the evening for dinner at the Mizpah.
- Half-day sample: 9:30 AM depart — 10:30 arrive — 12:00 depart — 1:00 PM back in Tonopah
- Full-day sample: add Manhattan Ghost Town or extended exploration near Belmont
- Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a camera for both options
| Itinerary type | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Half-day | Short walk around courthouse and ruins, photography |
| Full-day | Belmont + Manhattan or extended desert stops; picnic |
| Evening | Return for dinner at Jack Dempsey Room or drinks at Long Shot Bar |
Practical tips and safety
There are limited services at Belmont. Bring enough water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Food and fuel are available in Tonopah before you leave; do not assume amenities in Belmont itself.
Tell the Mizpah front desk your plans or check out with them for any local advice. Road conditions can change, and cell coverage may be unreliable in parts of the route.
- No guaranteed visitor services at Belmont — plan self-sufficiency
- Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person for a short visit in warm months
- Check weather and road status before leaving Tonopah
- If traveling with children, supervise closely around ruins and old structures
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Water and snacks | No services on-site |
| Sturdy shoes | Uneven ground and ruins |
| Printed route/map | Cell coverage may be spotty |
Return to Tonopah and dining options at the Mizpah Hotel
After your Belmont visit, return to the Mizpah Hotel for dinner or drinks. The hotel has three on-site dining options: the Jack Dempsey Room (dinner only, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.), Pittman Café (breakfast service in the morning) and the Long Shot Bar in the lobby (hours vary).
If you plan to stay overnight, rooms at the Mizpah are individually decorated. Room types include Standard Room, Economy Room, Junior Suite, Signature Suite (Wagon Room), and Signature Suite (Lady in Red); connecting rooms are available on request.
- Jack Dempsey Room: dinner 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; reservations recommended
- Pittman Café: breakfast (hours vary; generally early morning)
- Long Shot Bar: lobby bar for cocktails and casual bites; hours vary
- Ask front desk about room availability or connecting rooms if traveling with a group
| Dining venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Pittman Café | Breakfast (extra charge) |
| Jack Dempsey Room | Dinner (5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) |
| Long Shot Bar | Drinks and casual bites (hours vary) |
If you want a room with character after a day out
Mizpah’s rooms are individually decorated and include several distinctive suites. If you’re celebrating or want more space, the Signature Suite (Wagon Room) and Signature Suite (Lady in Red) are two unique options — ask the front desk about availability and exact layouts.
Standard Room, Economy Room, and Junior Suite are other choices depending on how much space and formality you want. All rooms have complimentary Wi‑Fi; in-room refrigerators or microwaves may be available on request for a fee.
- Signature Suite (Wagon Room) — distinctive decor (ask about availability)
- Signature Suite (Lady in Red) — canopy-style suite (ask about availability)
- Junior Suite and Standard Room for more conventional layouts
- In-room refrigerator/microwave available for a fee if requested
| Room type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Room | Options with King, Queen, or two Queen Beds |
| Economy Room | Queen Bed; more compact option |
| Junior Suite / Signature Suites | Larger, individually themed spaces |
