Goodsprings - Fallout in Southern Nevada
Visit this world-famous Clark County ghost town in the Mojave Desert.
Goodsprings, Nevada is often referred to as a ghost town. Although not abandoned, this tiny former mining town has a population of just 216 people (figure accurate as of 2023). The town is probably most famous for being one of the locations in the Fallout computer game franchise. The rustic huts and wide deserted roads backed by the hilly landscape are ideal for the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout: New Vegas. It is, however, famous for a couple of reasons and this quiet little town sitting just above the California state border line is a wonderful place to spend a morning.
The Pioneer Saloon
This is the oldest saloon bar in Southern Nevada and as well as being a famous filming location, this place is steeped in history. Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Mexican all filmed here along with multiple music videos. The wooden bar is iconic and a beautiful rustic room to sit and enjoy a drink. The furnace is a disused US Army Cannon Heater; atop it sits a piece of meteorite that landed in the local area. The wall next to it has three holes in the wall from a shoot out in years gone by, the bullets having passed straight through the walls.
The back room is the Clark Gable and Carole Lombard Room. On 16th January 1942, the actress Carole Lombard died when the plane she and 21 other people were travelling in crashed into the Potosi Mountains behind the Pioneer Saloon. Clark Gable, her husband, sat at the bar in the Saloon for 3 days, awaiting news of her situation. It is said that there are burn marks in the bar from where he stubbed out his cigarettes. This place holds so much history, it is an absolute treasure trove.
There are also a couple of walls dedicated to Fallout: New Vegas, a wholesome tribute to the game that provides the largest pull of tourism for this little bar.
Top Tip: this is a great breakfast stop and the smoked meats and potatoes are tasty! The flapjacks also looked delicious!
The Heart of the Mountains
If you look beyond the Pioneer Saloon, you will see the hills that line this little town. A plane crashed into the hills many years ago and the debris and flames scattered in such a way that a heart has been scorched into the landscape. An unexpected but poignant tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the mountains of this area which appears to be an unfortunate hotspot for plane crashes.
Top Tip: although it is clear from the Pioneer Saloon, walk further down the road for a clearer photo opportunity.
Fallout: New Vegas
The town really leans in to the game that has provided their biggest drive of tourism in recent years. The General Store has merchandise for the fans but it is the locations around the town that are the attraction for most. I have put map co-ordinates below to detail where the locations are but the town is very walkable and you can easily roam to see everything.
Goodsprings Cemetery
Located just before the Goodsprings town sign, this is the location where the Courier is shot at the start of the game.
Goodsprings Sign
A great photo opportunity with a collection of bottle caps gathering beneath it, left by fans making the pilgrimage. This specific sign is not directly in the game but the look and feel of the surroundings really grabs your attention as you enter this wonderful ghost town.
Pioneer Saloon
The Prospector Saloon in the game which serves as the social hub of both the real town and the fictional town.
Goodsprings General Mercantile Store
Whilst Chet’s in-game store will sell you the basic equipment and ammo you require, this store will sell you t-shirts, bottle caps and lots of other great bits of merchandise.
Campbell Stone Cabin
Another location used by Obsidian as a source for the general look of the textures for the town.
Goodsprings Community Church
A staple location in any town, this again inspired Obsidian when exploring the town for ideas.
Coyote Ranch
Another source of inspiration used by Obsidian, not specifically featured in the game.
Goodsprings Museum and Olde Post Office
This building inspired the exterior of Victor’s Shack in the game.
Goodsprings Elementary School
This building inspired the Goodsprings Schoolhouse location in the game. You will be familiar with its locked safe and Giant Mantis occupants.
Goodsprings Gas Station
Abandoned in the game (or is it?) and desolate in reality.
The Lucky Thirty Kate
I have to mention the amazing work that Kate has done on her site and recommend that you all give it a visit if you have any intention of also making the pilgrimage to Mojave Wasteland!
