Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond

Between 40,000 and 65,000 people traverse Tioga Pass each year, often on the way to the ghost town of Bodie. Many are unaware that the road itself is historic and deeply intertwined with Mono County's mining history. Few stop, other than an occasional picture of the scenic overlooks. Near the top of the pass, there is even a scenic ghost town that few visit. Bennetville began at the same ... VIEW POST

Crater is a forgotten settlement at the southern end of Mono Basin. Concrete foundations, dugouts, debris, and a few dead trees are all that mark the location. While only a small settlement, Crater is filled with stories of life in the Mono Basin. Once a peaceful hamlet, the schoolhouse played a role with desperados, posses, and the tragic murder of a young Sheriff. Postal Service ... VIEW POST

Not far off Highway 92, north of Hiko, is this cool site. Petryglyphs are the big draw in that area, but I loved the camp. I'm not finding much information other than the name. Based on that, you would think it was a camp for a shepherd watching his flock of sheep. On the site Road Trip Ryan, he says he spoke with a BLM archaeologist who said the history is unknown. Ryan speculates it is a ... VIEW POST

On September 15, 1903, a mob of white men from the labor union went to Chinatown, demanding that all the Chinese leave Tonopah. Later that day, they destroyed the buildings in Chinatown and chased out the residents. Chong Bing Long, who owned a laundry mat, was 60 and unable to escape—the mob took him into the desert, where they beat him and left him to die. Several people involved in the ... VIEW POST

I missed photographing the fall colors, but wanted to visit before the snow flies. My main goal was Bennetville for my 3rd book, Beyond Bodie. It is at the top of Tioga Pass, and at 10,000 feet, it will soon close for the season. Bennetville I was worried about the hike, as I'm still recovering from surgery, and elevation is always a challenge for me. But Nevada Expeditinos took the ... VIEW POST