A Vegas break that feels like a time machine. This 1861 ghost town and ATV/RZR tour takes you outside the Strip for a guided Gold Mine stop at Nelson Ghost Town and then sends you through Eldorado Canyon by ATV or RZR with safety gear included. I especially like the mix of history on foot and big-desert fun on wheels, plus the free photo/video media your guide captures during the ride.

Two things you’ll probably appreciate right away: the tour includes the safety briefing and full gear (helmet, goggles, gloves, helmet sock) and you don’t need prior experience to enjoy the ATV/RZR portion. One drawback to keep in mind: the desert rules are strict, so if you show up without completely closed-toe shoes, you won’t be allowed to ride.

Plan for weather and paperwork energy. This activity depends on good weather, and you’ll need to sign a damage waiver and follow the credit-card incident procedure if anything happens. If that sounds like a hassle, double-check your risk tolerance before you go.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Two guided stops, one smooth 4.5-hour block: Nelson Ghost Town, then Eldorado Canyon on ATV or RZR
• Gear is included: helmet, goggles, gloves, and a safety orientation before you start
• No experience required: the guides set you up and keep you moving with a guided route
• Free photo and video media: your guide captures the fun during the ride
• Smallish groups: up to 24 travelers, so it’s not a cattle-car situation
• Hotel pickup from select spots: includes Resorts World Las Vegas, when you qualify

Nelson Ghost Town and Gold Mine Stories in 90 Minutes

You start your day with a guided look at Nelson Ghost Town, a spot about 45 minutes from Las Vegas. The big hook here is the historic Gold Mine experience tied to the old-west feel of 1861. Even if you’re not a “mines and metals” person, the guided format is what makes it work: it’s built for people who want stories with context, not just dusty buildings.

This first stop runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. You’ll get a proper walkthrough and time to take in the sights at a walking pace, plus games as part of the ghost town portion. That matters because it gives the day a clear rhythm—history first, then you shift gears to adrenaline.

One practical note: because your ride portion follows, I’d treat this stop as your “energy warm-up.” Wear something you can handle in the desert sun and heat. If you’re tempted to dress light, the desert has strong opinions about that, and the tour outfit rules are explicit.

The 4.5-Hour Flow: Ghost Town First, Then ATV or RZR Fun

Overall, you’re out for about 4 hours 30 minutes. The structure is simple and efficient: you drive out, do the Nelson Ghost Town stop, then head into Eldorado Canyon for the ATV/RZR portion.

Here’s why this flow is a good value: you’re not spending half the day waiting around. You get two separate experiences that feel different—walking sightseeing and games in the ghost town area, then a guided ride through canyon country.

It’s also nice that the Eldorado Canyon segment includes photo-taking by your guides while you’re riding. That means your camera doesn’t have to be your full-time job. You can focus on driving, not on trying to get action shots.

The ride portion is about 1 hour 15 minutes. If you’ve done short ATV rides before and felt rushed, you’ll likely appreciate this timing—it’s long enough to feel like an actual outing, not a quick photo-op loop.

Eldorado Canyon ATV/RZR Ride: Scenic Canyons, No Experience Needed

After Nelson, you head to Eldorado Canyon, again about a 45-minute drive. This is where you choose your machine: ATV or RZR. The tour provides use of the vehicle and the safety gear, so the experience is more about guiding you through the desert route than testing your skill.

The ride segment runs about 1 hour 15 minutes. The key promise for first-timers is clear: no experience required. You’ll get instruction and a safety orientation before you go out. That’s not just a checkbox. It helps you understand how to handle the terrain and the vehicle rules so you spend time riding instead of guessing.

You’ll ride through the scenic canyon area with a guide who keeps the group together. Guides also take photos throughout the tour, so you come away with memories even if your own phone work is… let’s call it optimistic.

Food-wise, lunch is available to purchase, and bottled water is included. I like this setup because it keeps your day flexible—eat if you’re hungry, skip it if you’re not.

The Gear, Helmet Rules, and Desert Safety You Should Actually Respect

This tour includes the stuff that makes riding safer and more comfortable: helmet, goggles, gloves, and even a helmet sock. You’ll also get a safety orientation and instruction before you start the ride portion.

That gear isn’t optional in practice. The desert is dusty, hot, and full of things you don’t want in your eyes or on your skin. Gloves help with grip and comfort; goggles matter if the air gets dry and gritty; helmets are about keeping you protected when the terrain throws you a surprise.

There are also very specific shoe rules. You must wear completely closed-toe shoes. No Crocs, no Yeezys, no high heels, no slip-ons, and no sandals or flip-flops. If you show up without closed-toe shoes, you will not be able to ride. Plan for boots or sneakers that fully protect your feet.

They also recommend you avoid shorts due to desert terrain and cacti. That’s not just “be nice” advice. The desert can be unforgiving, and you want abrasion protection where it counts. Also remember the guide can’t control wildlife presence—rattlesnakes, cacti, and other wildlife may be around.

Photos and the Guide Energy: Where the Reviews Really Hit

One of the strongest reasons people rate this tour so highly is the guide effort. A guide name that shows up in the feedback is Alisha, and the praise is consistent: she’s described as amazing, pushing beyond just “drive and stop,” and sharing facts while making the ride feel like a real guided outing.

That matters because ATV/RZR tours can either feel like a chaotic free-for-all or a structured experience. In a good tour, you learn what you’re looking at, how to ride the route safely, and you get help if you’re unsure. The included photo and video media package makes the experience feel even more complete—your guide captures your adventure without you needing to stop for every shot.

Also, the Nelson Ghost Town portion includes sightseeing and games. So it isn’t only the ride that gets attention. It’s a day built to keep you engaged even before you start driving.

If you like tours with a human touch—someone who’s out there running the day with you—this is the type of format that tends to land well.

Pickup at Las Vegas Hotels and the Small Group Advantage

If you’re staying on the Strip, the pickup detail is a real convenience win. The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels, and Resorts World Las Vegas is listed as one pickup location. Your office confirms pickup location and time by email, text, or phone.

The meeting point for the start is Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours at 16880 NV-165, Cottonwood Cove, NV 89046. If you’re doing pickup, you’ll be routed from your hotel and then taken to the start area. If you’re doing the drive-to option, you’ll meet at the location.

They cap the group at 24 travelers. That’s a sweet spot. Large enough to make it lively, small enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in a huge line.

Your guides will arrive in a white 15 passenger van with the Awesome Adventure logo. That’s useful if you’re prone to wandering to the wrong curb at the wrong time.

Price and Value: What $220 Really Buys You

The price shown is $220.00 per group (up to 1). That wording suggests the cost structure depends on your booking option, especially since the tour includes vehicle use and seating choices (ATV or RZR, and for RZR, 2-seat or 4-seat based on what you select).

So how do you judge value? You don’t just pay for “a ride.” You also get:

• The ATV/RZR use plus a professional guided tour
• Safety gear (helmet, goggles, gloves, helmet sock) and orientation
• Bottled water
• Nelson Ghost Town walking sightseeing, plus admission included
• Eldorado Canyon ride portion included
• A free photo & video media package
• All fees and taxes

When you compare that to piecemeal tours where you pay extra for gear, transport, and photos, the bundle starts to make sense. Also, the time matters: about 4.5 hours total is a solid half-day plan that gets you out of the city without committing your whole day.

My practical advice: confirm what your $220 includes for your specific party size and vehicle choice before you book. The damage fees and seating options vary depending on what you select, so it’s worth aligning your booking with how you plan to ride.

The Damage Waiver and Credit Card Rule (Read This Part Carefully)

This tour requires a damage waiver. On top of that, there’s a specific credit-card procedure: if any incidentals happen during the tour, the credit card must be called into the supplier before the tour begins, and the card holder is responsible for the damages.

They also list minimum damage amounts tied to what happens and what type of vehicle you ride:

• ATV damages minimum: $300 (rolled/tipped on its side, or tire/rim damage as described)
• 2-seat RZR damages: $600 for tire/rim damage; $3500 minimum if rolled/tipped on its side
• 4-seat RZR damages: $600 for tire/rim damage; $4500 minimum if rolled/tipped on its side

You don’t need to be scared of this, but you do need to take it seriously. If you’re booking a larger RZR and riding conditions feel tricky to you, be honest about your comfort level. The point of the waiver isn’t punishment—it’s risk management—but it can change the real cost if there’s a mishap.

If you’re the type who likes to ride gently and follow instructions closely, this may feel manageable. If you know you tend to push boundaries, consider choosing a vehicle setup that matches your comfort.

What to Wear, Bring, and Expect in the Nevada Desert

This tour runs in desert conditions. That affects clothing choices, your comfort, and how long you’ll feel good at the end.

Wear:

• Closed-toe shoes you can walk and climb in
• Layers if the morning feels cool but the sun gets strong later
• Long sleeves or pants if you want extra protection (the tour recommends no shorts)

Avoid:

• Crocs, Yeezys, slip-on shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes
• Anything that doesn’t securely cover your feet

Bring:

• Sun protection you can tolerate (the data doesn’t spell this out, but you know the desert)
• A credit card in the format they require, if you’re asked to call it in for incidentals
• A good attitude: you’re riding, so you’ll probably get dusty

Also remember: they recommend avoiding shorts due to cacti and terrain, and rattlesnakes or other wildlife may be present. The guides do their best to keep you safe, but the desert is still the desert.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This experience is a strong fit if you want:

• A half-day adventure outside Las Vegas
• A guided ATV/RZR ride without prior experience
• A history stop that’s more than a quick photo and a label

It’s especially good for couples, friends, and families with older teens, because the minimum age to operate an ATV is 16 with a valid drivers license and a parent present. Riders under 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

If you’re traveling with a group and want a guided day that feels organized—pickup, gear, briefings, and photo coverage—this tour checks those boxes.

It may not be the best fit if:

• You can’t follow the closed-toe shoes rule
• You dislike safety waivers and damage deposit-style procedures
• Your idea of fun is purely low-impact. This is active, bumpy, and outdoorsy

Should You Book Ride The Past & Have a Blast 1861 Ghost Town & ATV Tour?

I’d book it if you want an easy-to-follow plan that combines two different kinds of fun: guided 1861-era ghost town sightseeing and a real guided ATV/RZR ride in Eldorado Canyon. The included gear, safety orientation, and free photo/video package make it feel like a complete outing rather than a basic rental.

I’d pause if you’re uncomfortable with the waiver and vehicle-damage minimums, or if your travel style doesn’t match desert rules. Also, because it depends on good weather, keep your schedule flexible.

One more practical point: it’s often booked about a month in advance on average. If your dates are fixed, don’t wait too long.

FAQ

What’s the total time for this tour?

The tour is about 4 hours 30 minutes total.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours at 16880 NV-165, Cottonwood Cove, NV 89046, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need previous experience to ride the ATV or RZR?

No experience is required. You’ll get safety orientation and instruction before you ride.

What’s included in the ATV/RZR portion?

You get use of the ATV or RZR (based on your option), a professional guided ATV tour, safety orientation, and safety gear including a helmet, goggles, and gloves, plus bottled water.

Is pickup from Las Vegas hotels available?

Yes, pickup is offered from select hotels. Resorts World Las Vegas is listed as a pickup location. The office confirms your pickup location and time by email, text, or phone.

What are the age rules for operating?

The minimum age to operate an ATV is 16 with a valid drivers license and parent present. Riders under 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

What shoes do I need to wear?

You must wear completely closed-toe shoes. No Crocs, Yeezys, high heels, slip-on shoes, flip flops, sandals, or open-toed shoes.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but it’s available to purchase.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if something gets damaged?

All participants must sign a damage waiver. The tour notes minimum damage fees depending on vehicle type and incident type, and it also requires a credit card procedure to cover incidentals if they happen.