There is a certain hardiness required to thrive in the desert. This extreme environment can be unforgiving. But it also comes with serious rewards in the form of limitless sunshine or, in the rare event of a rain shower, a colorful explosion of blooming desert flowers.
Group tours of the American West can get an up-close look at this agony and ecstasy of desert life through the exploration of its remarkable past and phenomenal present. The agony of the desert can be seen in the ghosts of lost promises. When prospector Shorty Harris discovered gold 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas in 1904, he declared, “The district is going to be the banner camp of Nevada. I say so once, and I’ll say it again.”
It wasn’t long before Harris’ prediction came true and Rhyolite, Nevada, became the most booming of boomtowns. By 1907, Rhyolite featured electric lights, a three-story bank building, a school, hotels, shops, and even a newspaper, all while its mines churned out hundreds of tons of ore each day. But, by 1910, production had slowed to a crawl, and the mines closed entirely the next year. By 1916, power was shut off as all but a few residents had long left.
Today, group tours can pick through the remains of Rhyolite, located 35 miles from the visitor’s center of Death Valley National Park. Most buildings now lie in ruins, such as the bank building, reduced to the facade and a single wall. But, a few complete buildings still exist, such as the Bottle House, which was built in 1906 from 50,000 glass bottles. Rhyolite makes for a fascinating side trip for groups exploring Death Valley, with both engrossing history and natural beauty.
The desert is of course littered with ghost towns. Oatman, Arizona, isn’t technically one of them—its days as a Wild West boomtown are long past, but it maintains a population today of around 100. And that doesn’t include its world-famous burros, dozens of which you can usually find roaming around the town’s main street.
Groups can immerse themselves in a Wild West experience in Oatman, which is located along historic Route 66. Wooden planks creak as guests stroll in and out of shops and saloons, and a gunfight—staged, of course—is always liable to break out. For an extra thrill of the Wild West, ask the Oatman Chamber of Commerce about arranging a “hold-up” of your tour bus.
Credit: Bill Curry
Maybe it’s the natural beauty, or perhaps the tranquility, but the desert seems to attract artists in great numbers. The result has been thriving arts communities that make enriching destinations for group tours. Take Taos, New Mexico, for example.
Taos boasts more than 70 art galleries and many museums spanning hundreds of years of Taos artwork. Groups can take walking tours led by local artists, covering some significant sites within the arts community. And Taos is home to natural beauty as well. Visitors come from all over the world to see the Taos Pueblo, adobe buildings which have been inhabited for more than 1,000 years.
While in New Mexico, be sure to visit Madrid. This high desert community is located on the Turquoise Trail, a scenic drive along New Mexico Highway 14 that encompasses arts, crafts, museums, and more. Madrid is a former coal-mining town turned quaint arts community, with walkable streets lined by warm cafes, art studios, and unique shopping.
While cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas are bigger and might wield more influence, Palm Springs, California, could be considered the quintessential desert city—or, more accurately, cities. What people often mean by “Palm Springs” is the broader Coachella Valley, including not just Palm Springs but the communities of Palm Desert, Indio, Rancho Mirage, and more. The Coachella Valley contains something for everyone, from outdoor adventures and relaxing resorts to world-class arts and entertainment.
Palm Springs itself is practically a living museum of 1960s Americana, with midcentury modern architecture and history as a playground for the golden age of Hollywood. Groups can take tours of some of Palm Springs’ iconic homes and filming locations. And, for the best view of the entire valley and beyond, take a trip 8,500 feet up on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Groups can book special packages that include the ride up and a meal at the Mountain Station.
For more of the great outdoors, the Palm Springs area is located within proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, where groups can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and rock climbing. Take a drive up to Keys View for a 360-degree view of the desert landscape, including a possible sighting of Signal Mountain in Mexico on the clearest of days. For higher-octane thrills, several outfitters rent off-road vehicles for groups to explore the desert at a self-guided—but faster—pace.
Sports lovers will find plenty to enjoy throughout the valley. Hundreds of golf courses and many more tennis courts will keep those athletes plenty busy, and for those who would prefer to spectate, professional golf and tennis tournaments take place throughout the year. Perhaps surprisingly, you can even find pro hockey in the desert as the minor-league Coachella Valley Firebirds take to the ice at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.
Of course, there’s always the option to just relax by the pool. Palm Springs boasts countless resorts featuring countless amenities for whatever your group is looking for. These days, life in the desert isn’t so tough after all.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Rhyolite, Nevada; Credit: Unsplash/Tanya Nevidoma
