Located along Nevada’s border with California, Pahrump is a small town on the doorstep of Las Vegas. It was originally inhabited by the Southern Paiute, who referred to the area as “Pah-Rimpi”, which roughly translates as “Water Rock” in reference to the artesian wells that dot the Pahrump Valley.
Things to do in Pahrump
Native American artefacts and objects from early settlers are on display at the Pahrump Valley Museum, together with fossils, rocks and minerals collected in the region. Several historic buildings have been transformed into “Main Street Pahrump”, with highlights including the general store and one-room schoolhouse. Take the time to stroll through the museum’s cactus garden, which is dotted with sculptures and a memorial dedicated to local veterans.
On the southern edge of Pahrump is the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, which hosts the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School. Get behind the wheel of a C7 Corvette Stingray or a Grand Sport to learn what it takes to be a race car driver on the longest road course in North America. Also on site is a repair shop that keeps race cars in performance condition.
Pahrump makes an excellent base for exploring Death Valley National Park, which straddles the border between Nevada and California. It encompasses salt flats, sand dunes and canyons that provide a habitat for bighorn sheep, coyotes and the endangered Death Valley pupfish. Adjacent is the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a rare desert oasis with boardwalk trails.
Getting around Pahrump
Pahrump is around 1.5 hours’ drive from the centre of Las Vegas and Harry Reid International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Regular buses connect to Pahrump, while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.