Delamar Dry Lake Road

Delamar Dry Lake Road connects the substantial ruins of Delamar ghost town with one of southern Nevada’s most impressive dry lakebeds, crossing 15 miles of classic Great Basin desert. Delamar was once Nevada’s third-largest city, and the cemetery tells the grim story of silicosis deaths that earned it the nickname ‘Widowmaker of the West.’ The road itself is mostly graded dirt that any decent truck can handle, ending at the vast white expanse of Delamar Dry Lake where you can camp anywhere the eye can see.

This is easy desert touring suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. The road can get sticky after rain, so check weather before heading out. Spring and fall offer the best temperatures, though winter camping can be spectacular if you’re prepared for cold nights. No permits needed and dispersed camping is allowed throughout. Bring plenty of water and shade – this is genuine desert country with no services for 60 miles. The payoff is huge skies, absolute silence, and some of the most photogenic ghost town ruins in Nevada.