If you’re ever venturing about 15 miles southeast of Primm, you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem called Nipton, nestled right in San Bernardino County, California.
It’s actually the closest California community to Primm, making it a quaint but fascinating stopover on my explorations.
Getting there is a breeze; just hop off Interstate 15 at exit 286 on the California side, and take Highway 64, affectionately known as Nipton Road, heading east for about 10 miles.
The moment you see the ‘Welcome to Magical Nipton’ sign, you can’t help but feel intrigued by its invitation.
This place has quickly become a delightful spot for me whenever I’m wandering through the area.
The nearby railroad line to the west adds a touch of old-world charm, while to the south, the expansive Mojave National Preserve offers endless natural beauty to explore.
Nipton’s History
Nipton’s roots go way back to the early 20th century when it started as a mining camp. It was quite the hub, connected by its rail line, serving as a lifeline for countless mines by delivering supplies.
Beyond its industrial role, Nipton was also a key cattle-loading station for the area’s ranches and managed to become a social hotspot in a region where neighbors were few and far between.
Back in its heyday, around the early to mid-20th century, Nipton was quite the bustling spot. It wasn’t just miners and ranchers who found their way here; movie stars and railroad magnates were also drawn to this little desert community.
Steam engines, a symbol of progress and adventure, would frequently pass through, carrying goods and passengers to places as far-flung as Las Vegas or the sunny locales of Southern California.
Life in Nipton had a charming simplicity, with its small hotel, bar, and restaurant serving as the heart of the community, offering a warm welcome to anyone passing through
A Curios Place to Visit
Here, you’ll find a charming general store that seems to hold stories within its walls, the Whistle Stop Cafe & Saloon that promises a warm meal and a friendly chat, and unique accommodations ranging from RV parking spots to cabins and even teepees.
There’s also a historic schoolhouse, intriguing art exhibits, a fireworks stand for those festive moments, and homes that carry the whispers of the past.
The community is home to around 25 residents who live here year-round, many of whom are employed in nearby sectors such as the groundbreaking Ivanpah solar power plant, the railroad, mining operations, and various service industries.
Despite its small size, the presence of the RV park and other lodging options ensures Nipton never feels deserted.
Geographically speaking, Nipton sits at an elevation of 3,031 feet, placing it about four hundred feet higher than Primm and adding to its quiet charm.
It’s conveniently located just a twenty-minute drive from Primm or an hour from the bustling city of Las Vegas, with the Nevada border merely 3 miles to the east. T
Nipton Today
Lately, Nipton has felt the impact of health concerns on travel, leading to a noticeable quietness in the air. The Nipton Trading Post, once a bustling spot for picking up essentials, snacks, and even lottery tickets, has sadly closed its doors.
This leaves those of us in the area heading over to the Lotto Store in Primm for our lottery ticket fix, which, funnily enough, boasts a Nipton address.
If you’re venturing south, your next chance to snag a lottery ticket would be at the Shell Gas Station in Cima, California. It’s a bit of a drive, about 10 miles south of Mountain Pass on I-15, but it’s the closest option for those heading in that direction.
The nearest places to fuel up are back in Primm or a 25-minute drive east to Searchlight, Nevada. It’s a little detail that reminds you of Nipton’s quiet, secluded charm.
For those looking to explore the great outdoors, the Mojave National Preserve is easily accessible from Nipton Road. Just 7 miles west of Nipton, you turn south onto Ivanpah Road, and you’re on your way to the preserve’s entrance.
Joshua Tree Forest
If you head east from Nipton on Hwy 64, you will rise in elevation to about 4,700 feet. In this vicinity is a Joshua Tree forest. Hwy 64 in this area is also known as the Joshua Tree Highway.
From the high point on the ridge, the road descends until the Joshua Trees end at about 3,600 feet and then arrive in Searchlight.
All of this wilderness is located in Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
