Experience the eerie allure of Tonopah’s haunted past with the Ghosts of Tonopah Haunted History GPS/APP Smartphone Guided Walking Tour. For just $5.75 per person, this outdoor adventure lasts around 50 minutes to an hour and takes you through some of Nevada’s most famously haunted locales. From the historic Mizpah Hotel to the spooky Clown Motel, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into a town that’s anything but sleepy. What makes it truly appealing? First, the flexibility—you can start the tour anytime, and it’s entirely outside, making it perfect for a spontaneous or planned visit. Second, the professional narration, complete with spooky music, elevates the experience beyond a simple walk, helping bring the stories and ghosts to life.
A couple of things to consider before jumping in: since it’s self-guided via your smartphone, you’ll want to ensure your device is charged and maybe bring earbuds if you want to hear the narration clearly amid outdoor noise. Also, because some stops like the mining park might require additional admission, it’s worth planning for potential extra costs if you want full access. This tour is best suited to those curious about ghost stories, history buffs, or travelers seeking a unique, affordable way to explore Tonopah’s eerie side.
Key Points
- Flexible Schedule: Take the tour anytime that suits you, with no expiration.
- Outdoor Experience: 100% outside, ideal for fresh air and avoiding indoor restrictions.
- Rich Content: Professionally narrated with spooky music to enhance storytelling.
- Iconic Haunted Sites: Includes famous locations like the Mizpah Hotel and Clown Motel.
- Cost-Effective: At only $5.75, it offers great value for a tailored, self-paced ghost walk.
- Additional Access: Post-tour virtual experience unlocks further stories you can listen to anytime.
A Detailed Look at the Haunted Trail Through Tonopah
We’ll start at the historic mining park gates on Burro Avenue, where the tour kicks off outside this evocative setting. The old mine, once a hub of activity and tragedy, sets the tone for the stories that follow. The area’s ghosts are said to linger here, and the outdoor nature of the tour lets you soak in the desert atmosphere while hearing about the area’s haunted reputation.
Next, we visit the Mizpah Hotel, a true highlight. Once one of America’s most luxurious hotels and the tallest building in Nevada, it’s now renowned as “the most haunted hotel in America,” according to USA Today. Standing before its historic facade, you’ll learn about the ghostly tales linked to its past guests and staff. This stop takes about 10 minutes, and since it’s free to look around from outside, you can appreciate the grandeur without extra costs. The review from Ladye_A highlights this as a very informative part, with her noting that the GPS kept up well, though wind made hearing a bit tricky.
Following that, the Vanwood Variety Store offers a glimpse into early 1900s commerce. Originally a bank, it’s now haunted by the spirit of a former employee. A quick 5-minute stop, it’s a favorite for those interested in the town’s layered history.
The Tonopah Liquor Company, another small but hauntingly interesting site, was once a lively bar with upstairs brothel. Today, ghost stories suggest spirits haunt every floor, making it a fun and spooky stop for those intrigued by wild west history and paranormal tales.
The visitor center/Information Center provides a broader view of the town’s haunted landscape. From here, you get a distant view of a castle believed to be haunted, adding to the eerie scenery. This stop, lasting about 10 minutes, offers a chance to appreciate the town’s architectural contrasts and spooky legends.
The Clown Motel is a highlight—if not the most iconic. Known for its creepy clown statues and the stories surrounding its haunted reputation, you’ll see the hotel’s exterior and hear about why it’s considered one of the creepiest places in America. The review from Ladye_A mentions it as a “creepy hotel,” and this stop is about 10 minutes long, adding a fun, if slightly unsettling, element to the journey.
Finally, your tour concludes at the Old Tonopah Cemetery, established in 1901. Expect to see graves from long ago and hear the stories of those buried there—many of whom are the ghosts of local legends. This peaceful yet spookily atmospheric ending lasts around 10 minutes and is ideal for reflection or photo opportunities.
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What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t
Included in your ticket is a code to unlock the tour on the Walking Tour App, which is your guide through these haunted locations. You can explore at your own pace, and since the tour never expires, you can revisit or take it again later. An added bonus is that after your initial walk, you’ll unlock a virtual tour to hear the stories anytime—great for reminiscing or sharing with friends.
What’s not included: admission to any sites that might require it, like the historic mining park. Since the tour is entirely outdoors, you should prepare for a walking experience without food or water included.
Meeting Points and Practical Details
Start at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park at 110 Burro Ave, where you’ll begin your ghostly adventure. The tour ends at the Old Tonopah Cemetery at 917 N Main St, a fitting conclusion to a haunted walk. With hours from noon to late evening, you can plan your visit to match your schedule. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, especially those who enjoy self-guided explorations.
What the Reviews Say
Despite some mixed feedback, most reviews are positive. Ladye_A raves about the tour as “very informative,” appreciating both the narration and the pace, especially noting the GPS’s reliability. She mentions wind noise as a minor issue but still considers it a “great tour.” On the other hand, RobertT_Z’s experience was disappointing, with complaints about difficulty finding the start and the short narration length. The company responded to clarify the starting point and the tour’s structure, emphasizing the importance of beginning at the designated location.
This highlights a key point: accurate start location and preparation are crucial for a smooth experience. The tour’s value hinges on following the instructions carefully and being ready to enjoy the outdoor walk.
Why Choose This Tour?
If you’re seeking an affordable, flexible way to explore Tonopah’s haunted sites at your own pace, this GPS-guided tour delivers. It’s especially suited to independent travelers, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a mix of history and spooky tales. The outdoor format makes it adaptable for different weather conditions, and the virtual storytelling feature means the experience extends beyond your walk.
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Who Will Love This?
Travelers with a curiosity for ghost stories and haunted legends will find this tour irresistible. History buffs will enjoy the detailed backstories of buildings like the Mizpah Hotel and Clown Motel. It’s also perfect for those who prefer a self-guided, independent experience without the constraints of a scheduled group tour. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add some spooky fun to your Nevada trip, this ghost walk is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
This ghost tour isn’t about high-pressure guided groups or indoor spooky attractions; it’s about exploring Tonopah’s haunted streets at your own pace, with stories told through a professional narration amidst genuine outdoor scenery. It offers great value for a small price and is flexible enough to fit into most travel plans. The inclusion of a post-tour virtual experience adds a layer of enjoyment for those eager to revisit the stories later.
While you’ll need to bring your own device and possibly earbuds, the experience’s affordability and the chance to uncover local legends make it a compelling option for curious travelers. Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or a longer Nevada adventure, this ghost walk provides a uniquely spooky window into a town that has more than its fair share of ghost stories.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, since it’s a self-guided outdoor walk, most travelers of all ages should be able to enjoy it. Just keep in mind that some stories and sites might be more suitable for older children or adults.
Do I need to bring anything?
It’s recommended to bring your smartphone fully charged, possibly earbuds if you want to hear the narration clearly, and comfortable walking shoes for the outdoor route.
Are there any admission fees I should know about?
Some stops, like the historic mining park, might require additional admission if you want to go inside. The tour itself is free to start from the designated location.
Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available any time, and since it’s outside, you can explore it at night for a spookier experience, just be mindful of safety and weather conditions.
How long does the tour last?
It takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour, but since it’s self-paced, you can take longer if you wish to linger at certain sites.
Is the virtual tour included?
Yes, after completing the outdoor walk, you’ll unlock a virtual tour that you can listen to anytime, making the experience more enduring.
Exploring Tonopah’s haunted past with this self-guided GPS tour offers a fun, flexible way to dive into Nevada’s ghostly legends. Perfect for independent travelers, history buffs, or anyone who loves spooky stories, it’s a budget-friendly option that combines storytelling, scenic outdoor settings, and a touch of the supernatural.