It’s worth taking a detour to Goodsprings the next time you’re near the state line between Nevada and California. The small town is about seven miles northwest of Interstate 15, tucked away between Jean and the quirky Sandy Valley community.
⛏️ Rich History
Goodsprings shares a common story among Nevada towns. It was born out of a mining boom, taking shape in the mid-1800s as silver, gold, zinc, copper, and other minerals were chiseled from the district surrounding Potosi Mountain.
🥃 A Pioneering Saloon
Today, Goodsprings has a population that’s barely more than 200 people, but retains a Wild West spirit tied to a dusty main street and the Pioneer Saloon, the town’s most famous landmark. It’s the oldest bar in Southern Nevada, originally ordered from a Sears catalog and built in 1913. A small steakhouse and outdoor patio were added over time. The main bar is infamous for Old West shootouts and you can still see bullet holes in the wall.
⛰️ Tragedy on the Mountain
Much of the Pioneer Saloon’s identity is connected to the legacy of Carole Lombard, a Hollywood actress who died in a 1942 plane crash on Potosi Mountain. Her husband, Clark Gable, anxiously awaited word of her fate at the Pioneer Saloon. Take a rugged hike to the crash site and you may see leftover wreckage. For further outdoor adventures, Adrenaline Mountain and Vegas Off Road Tours offer guided off-roading in the area.
🕹️ Playing Video Games
In recent years, Goodsprings has gained newfound notoriety as a featured location in “Fallout” New Vegas.” Fans can explore the video game’s true-to-life sights in person, including the cemetery, historic schoolhouse, and of course, the Pioneer Saloon, which was renamed the “Prospector Saloon” for its digital doppelganger.
