Mary Greenspan

Pahrump Area Guide

The wondrous town of Pahrump is found in Nye County, Nevada. Pahrump is nicknamed the “Heart of the New Old West”. As of the 2000 census, was home to 29,631 people, making it the largest settlement in the county. Pahrump is near enough to Las Vegas to enjoy the bustling light filled night life, but far enough away to enjoy the natural setting that Nevada has to offer. Pahrump is home to top-notch wineries, fine dining, and a spectacular mix of deserts and mountains. If all that were not enough, Pahrump also boasts a rich history and a long tradition of excellence as a community and fantastic place to live.

History

Pahrump was originally inhabited by the Shoshone and was discovered and slowly inhabited by American settlers in the late 19th century. The town’s name comes from the original indigenous name for the valley the town resides in: Pah-Rimpi, or "Water Rock." The valley was called “Water Rock” because of the abundant artesian wells in the valley. These artesian wells led to the new inhabitants of Pahrump Valley starting a number of large ranch-style holdings, mostly over 1000 acres in size. On these ranches, alfalfa, cotton, and livestock were raised.

Until the 1960s, as Las Vegas grew, real estate speculation became more popular in the area around Las Vegas, which led to increased interest in Pahrump. In 1974, Pahrump's first high school was constructed. Since the late 1970s, Pahrump has grown almost exponentially, increasing from about 2000 residents in 1980 to almost 25,000 in 2000. Pahrump is predominately a commuter town. Almost all significant agriculture has ceased in the valley, and the surface aquifers have been filled up over the years. Pahrump has also attracted a number of notable residents, including paranormal talk radio host Art Bell, former child star Dick Blue, and Michael Jackson, who purchased a home in the area in 2008, where he briefly had a home studio and home schooled his three children. Notable businesses in the area include Front Sight Firearms Training Institute and Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch.

As of May 2009, The Pahrump town board has set up an advisory board to incorporate Pahrump as a town or even city of its own.

Pahrump Parks & Recreation

Honeysuckle Park
Honeysuckle Park offers residents the use of Little League/softball diamonds, soccer fields, the Justin Leavitt Skate Park, the children’s play area and equipment, picnic area with BBQs and tables, restrooms, and a paved walking path around the perimeter of the park. Relax and enjoy a day in the shade at Honeysuckle Park.

Petrack Park

Petrack Park provides a community center, equestrian arena, softball/baseball diamonds, soccer fields, snack shack, children’s play area and equipment, picnic area with BBQs and tables, basketball court, tennis courts, cook shack, restrooms, and community pool for your convenience. The Bob Ruud Community Center has one large multi-purpose room, kitchen facilities, a small stage, two small meeting rooms, and restrooms for visitors and private party use. The McCullough Arena offers bleacher-seating for approximately 1200 people, rodeo/equestrian facilities, an entry gate/ticket shack, announcer’s booth, and arena.

Simkins Park
Simkins Park houses a softball/baseball diamond, soccer fields, children’s play area and equipment, picnic area with BBQs and tables, restrooms, and some shade for all Pahrump residents to enjoy.

For more details about the parks mentioned above, please visit: www.pahrumpnv.biz.

Events and Attractions

Pahrump Valley Museum & Historical Society
Established in 1991 by Harry Ford and Charles Gallivan, the Pahrump Museum and Historical Society offers exhibits on early farming and mining equipment, exploration and the Spanish Trail – 1776 to 1848, items from the cowboy and pioneer family lifestyles, Pahrump historical and political items, and Native American artifacts. The museum has also acquired several historic buildings from early Pahrump and is in the process of assembling a “Main Street Pahrump” display on the museum grounds. One of the premier exhibits featured at the museum is the Kariel and Jean Huff President Lincoln Memorabilia Collection, one of the finest in the country. Lincoln was in office the year Nevada became a state (1864). Another popular display at the museum is a wonderful example of a southwestern garden featuring a large variety of cacti which are labeled for easy identification. The garden graces the front entrance to the museum and is maintained by the Pahrump Valley Garden Club. Please visit the Pahrump Valley Museum and Historical Society website and click on the Museums link for more details. www.robertwynn.com

Pahrump Valley Roasters
Pahrump Valley Roasters is the largest specialty coffee roaster in southern Nevada, offering a variety of blends and flavorings roasted with the finest Arabica beans from all over the world. The dry climate and low humidity of southern Nevada make the Pahrump Valley Roasters’ location perfect for roasting and blending fine coffees for your drinking pleasure. Visit the Pahrump Valley Roasters location and see how your favorite coffee is roasted and prepared for your purchase or call ahead and arrange a Coffee Tasting. Please visit their official website for more details. www.pvroasters.com

Pahrump Valley Speedway
The Pahrump Valley Speedway brings thousands of racers and race fans to the valley each year. It is a quarter-mile stock car dirt track with action and thrills galore, dedicated to providing family style fun at prices families can afford. Please visit the Pahrump Valley Speedway’s official website for more details. www.pahrumpvalleyspeedway.com.

Pahrump Valley Winery & Symphony’s Restaurant

Built in the Mojave Desert, Pahrump Valley Winery and Symphony’s Restaurant offers award-winning wines for tasting and guided tours. Stroll along the walking paths and stop for a picnic or just take in the stunning scenery and fresh air. Celebrate your special occasion in our rose garden gazebo with the Spring Mountains as your backdrop. Finally, dine in the upscale restaurant Symphony’s, offering fine food beautifully served in an atmosphere of quiet elegance at reasonable prices. Stay for the Grape Stomp, concerts, and dancing under the stars. To find out more, please visit: www.pahrumpwinery.com.

Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch
The 193-acre facility offers a 3.5-mile road course that will challenge drivers with elements inspired by the world renowned Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit and the Mosport International Raceway in Canada. Drivers will find banked corners, blind drops, technical off-camber corners, and plenty of straight-aways. Spring Mountain also offers the following performance driving schools: the Ron Fellows Corvette Driving School; Radical Racing School; Lotus Performance Driving School; and the SCCA License Recommendation School.

For members, Club Spring Mountain, a resort-style clubhouse, features: a track-side viewing tower; outdoor entertaining patio and BBQ areas; pool, workout facility and massage center; poker, billiards, lounge, and bar; men’s & women’s locker rooms & showers. Membership guarantees track time at the Ranch. To learn this and more, please visit: www.racespringmountain.com

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (SMNRA)
On the Pahrump side of the Spring Mountains, the region includes Carpenter Canyon, Trout Canyon, and Wheeler Springs Pass. The mountains provide a forested, spring-fed oasis in the Mojave Desert; a haven for wildlife, a cool retreat for visitors, a storehouse of forest resources, and a vital watershed fed by numerous springs. Charleston Peak is the crown jewel of the mountain range – rising to 11,918 feet; the peak is the third highest in the state and the only peak in southern Nevada that rises above timberline.

In the summer explore historic sites and enjoy hunting, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, horseback riding, cool mountain springs, picnicking, rock climbing, wildlife and wildflower viewing, and primitive camping. In the winter months there is Lee Canyon, which is home to the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort.

Four-wheel-drive is recommended in areas on the Pahrump side of the mountains, which includes Carpenter Canyon, Trout Canyon, and Wheeler Springs Pass. The SMNRA is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Discover this and more information by visiting the Resort and SMNRA websites.

Resort Website: www.skilasvegas.com
SMNRA Website: www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/districts/smnra

Lakeview Executive Golf Course
Lakeview Executive Golf Course has been voted the best “Executive or Midsize Course in Nevada.” Offering lush fairways, fast greens, five par 4s and 13 par 3s, it’s the ideal course for those who like to walk and enjoy nature. The mountain views are spectacular and the course is very playable for all golfers. Lakeview is open all year round, offering monthly tournaments, and the most affordable green fees in southern Nevada. For more details, please visit the Lakeview Executive Golf Course’s official website. www.pahrumpgolf.com

Mountain Falls Golf Club
The Mountain Falls Golf Club was designed by Cal Olson and the Nicklaus Design Team, creating a stunning golf course. This golfing oasis offers lush fairways and smooth greens set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Charleston and the Spring Mountains Range. The parkland course is perfect for every skill level and the course website offers daily specials, golf packages, and to reserve your tee time. Take the time to relax and dine at The Grill Room, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Please visit the Mountain Falls Golf Course website for more details. http://www.mountainfallsgolfclub.com/.

For a complete list of restaurants in Pahrump, please visit: http://www.pahrumpchamber.com/visitorinfolinks/diningguide.html

For a complete list of Pahrump attractions, please visit: http://www.pahrumpchamber.com/visitorinfolinks/pahrumpattractions.html

For a complete list of events, please visit Pahrump’s official event calendar at: http://www.pahrumpnv.biz/town/index.php?option=com_thyme&Itemid=107