Eldorado Canyon BLM Lands

At a glance

Visual character

“A dramatic canyon mouth on the Colorado River below Hoover Dam — historic mining ghost town, vertical canyon walls, and desert river confluence. Used extensively in film and TV. Old West mining aesthetics baked in.”

About

Eldorado Canyon in southern Nevada, managed by BLM's Las Vegas Field Office, is a compact but visually rich canyon environment on the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. The canyon cuts through volcanic and Precambrian rock to meet the river, framing dramatic vertical walls over a green Colorado River ribbon. The adjacent historic mining ghost town of Nelson — populated with ruins, vintage mining equipment, and abandoned vehicles from the 1850s through 1940s — is privately owned but frequently open to commercial production on coordination with the landowner. The combination of BLM canyon scenery and adjacent historic mining structures creates an Old West aesthetic 40 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Commercial filming on BLM lands requires a Special Recreation Permit from the Las Vegas Field Office at 702-515-5000. A remarkably popular location for music videos, commercials, and small feature productions seeking desert ghost town atmosphere with straightforward logistics.

Where you'll be