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Story by Arlette Ledbetter photos courtesy The Town of Pahrump
Every road trip has a major destination, like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas. It’s not those cities, however, that make road trips exciting. It’s the experiences you encounter along the way - the quaint towns, the attractions, the scenery. It’s the adventure of the journey that makes road trips so much fun. And just 100 km west of Las Vegas you’ll find Pahrump, Nevada, a small town packed with big fun. Make it a part of your next road trip, and you’ll see why Pahrump is the best kept snowbird secret.
First off, Pahrump has not one but two world-class wineries. That’s right: Wineries, in the heart of the Southern Nevada desert. It’s a difficult climate to cultivate a vineyard, but that also imparts a unique flavor to the Nevada-raised wines. Each bottle has a story, and the owners at the Sanders Family Winery and Pahrump Valley Winery will be happy to tell you those stories during your complimentary tastings. With a unique vintage from Pahrump, you will surprise your friends and unleash your inner sommelier.
Lush grapevines amidst the desert brush aren’t the only surprising discoveries for fun in the desert. Pahrump also has two challenging golf courses where you can play a round surrounded by the stunning Spring Mountains. Whether you’re a duffer or play from the back tees, a day on these lovely links is a great way to relax. With immaculate fairways and affordable greens fees, their courses feature some of the most pristine panoramic views of the Pahrump countryside. And best of all, they are open year-round. While your friends back home lament the polar vortex and a metre of snow, you’ll be lining up your four-foot putt.
Pahrump is the perfect place to stop on your road trip… literally. They offer three RV parks that have received a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from Good Sam. Pahrump has been called an RV’ers Paradise, and for a good reason. Their RV parks aren’t just a place to hook up and hang out; they are destinations in and of themselves. With over 1,300 RV spots, you won’t have to fight for the best spot, because they’re all the best spot.
If nature is more your thing, you can walk one of their gorgeous hiking trails, try your hands (and fingers) at rock climbing, or take an ATV for a spin. Looking to kick it up a gear? Feed your need for speed at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch or Pahrump Valley Speedway. Whether it’s mountains or motors, Pahrump has something that will take your breath away.
With its easy accessibility and comfortable atmosphere, Pahrump is a popular location for events and gatherings. They have film festivals, art shows, motorcycle rallies, concerts, a fantastic fall festival, and a grape stomp and wine tasting event that brings people from all around. No matter what the date on the calendar, there’s something coming up over the hump in Pahrump.
Aside from their golf, wine, scenery, racing, and great RV parks, Pahrump has one other great benefit that no other town can boast… location, location, location. They are situated halfway between Las Vegas and Death Valley, which means you’re only a short drive away from two of the most exciting and unique places in the nation. Also nearby are one-of-a-kind curiosities, like the Amargosa Opera House and Scotty’s Castle. Head for a walk through true American history at the Shoshone Museum, or visit a real ghost town in nearby Rhyolite.
Pahrump is the epicenter of an array of exciting day trips, attractions, or a nice place to stop for some hometown food, fun and hospitality on your tour of the exciting sights of southern Nevada.
From natural wonders to places that are just naturally wonderful, Pahrump is your basecamp to adventure and located among some of the most interesting places you’ll ever visit.
Pahrump is true Nevada.