Goodsprings, Nevada - Worth a Visit?

Goodsprings, Nevada. For most, it’s nothing more than an exit sign off I-15 on the way to California—right next to what might be the largest gas station you’ve ever seen.

But have you ever stopped to explore?

With a population of roughly 150-200, Goodsprings feels like a forgotten Wild West ghost town, yet people still call it home. The local school, which currently has just four students, can never be shut down—it’s a registered historic site. Here, tumbleweeds, coyotes, and rattlesnakes far outnumber residents. And yet, beneath its weathered exterior, Goodsprings has a distinct character that makes you stop and take it all in.

At the heart of town, The Pioneer Saloon draws a loyal crowd.

On this warm February afternoon, bikers and travelers lounged outside, soaking in the desert sun as a local band played. I had heard whispers of this place years ago, and the stories were true—it’s a bar with a cult following, its location almost a well-kept secret among those “in the know.”

Beyond the saloon, Goodsprings has another hidden gem: a small museum showcasing relics from its mining boom days. The curator, a spirited woman in her mid-sixties, eagerly shared the town’s history. It was clear she could talk about Goodsprings for hours, and as she spoke, her love for this quiet desert enclave was undeniable. “It’s peaceful,” she said simply.

I glanced around, taking in the dusty roads and abandoned buildings. It struck me how easy it is to judge a place from the highway—without ever truly seeing it. But travel, even just a short detour, reminds us to look closer. Every town, no matter how small or overlooked, has a story worth hearing.