Weekend Escapades takes us deep into the heart of Ely, Nevada — a high-desert town where history isn’t locked behind glass, it’s still rolling down the tracks. Tucked along the Loneliest Road in America, Ely surprises visitors with a living railroad, Old West character, and stories that refuse to fade away.

One of the true highlights of this weekend adventure is the Nevada Northern Railway, where historic steam and diesel trains still operate just as they did more than a century ago. Riding the rails through wide-open desert and rugged mountain scenery feels like stepping back in time, with the whistle echoing across a landscape shaped by mining, railroads, and perseverance.

But Ely’s story doesn’t stop at the depot. From its historic downtown and iconic Hotel Nevada to its uniquely Nevada traditions — including legal brothels that trace their roots to early mining days — this town embraces its past with honesty and grit.

Ely isn’t polished or pretentious, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s a place where the Old West still whispers through brick streets, iron rails, and neon signs glowing against dark desert skies. If you’re looking for a weekend escape filled with real history, unforgettable experiences, and a sense of discovery, Ely delivers in every way.

On this unforgettable Weekend Escapades road trip, we explored multiple ancient petroglyph sites hidden across the Southwestern desert. Carved into stone thousands of years ago, these mysterious symbols offer a powerful glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and stories of the people who came before us. From spirals and animal figures to abstract markings tied to the land and sky, this journey reveals why petroglyph sites still feel sacred today—and why preserving them matters for future generations.

Nevada is far more than bright lights and busy highways — it’s a state filled with quirky roadside attractions, forgotten ghost towns, and wide-open landscapes that tell stories most travelers never hear. From the dramatic formations of Cathedral Canyon to quiet desert towns slowly fading into history, exploring Nevada is like stepping back in time.

Traveling the backroads, we’ve explored places like Beatty, Nelson, Ely, Goodsprings, Goldfield, Caliente, and many more — discovering abandoned buildings, historic mining towns, and small rural communities that still echo with the past. These lesser-known destinations showcase Nevada’s rugged beauty, strange charm, and deep history.

In this blog, we dive into what makes quirky Nevada so special, why the open road leads to the best adventures, and how ghost towns and roadside stops continue to define the spirit of exploration across the Silver State.

Owning our first RV has been an exciting journey full of lessons and discoveries. We quickly learned the importance of winter weatherization, from insulating windows to protecting plumbing, to stay safe and comfortable in cold conditions. Campground power hookups also taught us to understand amperage limits and use surge protectors to keep everything running smoothly.

We discovered that leveling blocks are a must for stability and comfort, and setting up our tow rig correctly ensures safe and worry-free travel. Beyond the practical lessons, the real reward is the freedom to explore new destinations. Weekend escapades in our RV let us chase scenic views, visit hidden gems, and embrace adventure on our own schedule.

RV ownership is a mix of preparation and freedom—and every trip teaches us something new about life on the road.

When hiking trails, exploring abandoned places, or walking through ghost towns, what you carry in your backpack matters. From water and navigation tools to safety gear and essentials for long days off the grid, this guide breaks down exactly what we carry in our backpack for Weekend Escapades—and why each item is important for safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventures.

Ghost town road trips through the American Southwest offer a rare chance to explore abandoned places, desert landscapes, and forgotten history. From rough backroads to remote mining towns, proper preparation is key to staying safe and making the most of the journey. This guide breaks down exactly how to prepare for a Southwest ghost town road trip, including what to bring, vehicle essentials, desert safety tips, and how to explore responsibly in some of the most isolated places in the region.

Explore the rugged beauty and rich history of El Dorado Canyon and the Nelson, Nevada ghost town on a perfect Weekend Escapade. Just outside Las Vegas, this historic mining area features weathered buildings, vintage relics, and dramatic desert landscapes that bring the Old West to life. Ideal for road trippers, photographers, and ghost town explorers, Nelson, NV offers an authentic glimpse into Nevada’s frontier past and an unforgettable desert adventure.

Discover the hidden beauty of Parowan Gap, Utah, a breathtaking weekend escape filled with towering red rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, scenic hiking, and peaceful desert landscapes. Located in Southern Utah near Cedar City, Parowan Gap offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural history, and uncrowded exploration—perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Utah experience.

Step into Delamar, Nevada—one of the West’s deadliest ghost towns—on a haunting weekend escape through abandoned ruins and forgotten history. Once a booming gold mining town, Delamar now stands as a chilling reminder of ambition, loss, and the harsh realities of desert life.

Colorado City, Arizona is more than a name on the map—it’s a town shaped by isolation, belief, and change. A weekend here invites travelers to explore quiet streets, vast desert views, and a history that still echoes today.