Lucky Boy
Short-Lived Silver Bonanza
State: Nevada
County: Mineral County
Founded: 1908
Abandoned: 1920s
Peak Population: 800
Lucky Boy boomed when silver was discovered in 1908. Within months, the town had 800 residents, multiple saloons, and a newspaper. The ore played out quickly, and by the 1920s the town was empty. Stone and wooden ruins remain in photogenic desert setting.
Quick Strike
Lucky Boy was a classic Nevada boomtown - explosive growth followed by rapid decline. At its peak, miners extracted rich silver ore from the surrounding hills.
Bust
When the easily extracted ore was gone, mining became unprofitable. Unlike some Nevada towns that had multiple booms, Lucky Boy never recovered.
Timeline
- 1908 - Discovery Silver discovered
- 1909 - Peak Population reached 800
- 1920s - Abandoned Mines closed
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy with high-clearance vehicle
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- Named for the Lucky Boy Mine
- Stone ruins are well-preserved
- Accessible by dirt road
Location
Address: Lucky Boy Pass Road, Nevada
Coordinates: 38.3167, -118.6167