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AMARGOSA: ALIENS

AND OFF-ROADERS

BY CHUCK N. BAKER

margosa Valley
A (formerly Lathrop

Wells) is an
unincorporated
town located on U.S.
Route 95 in Nye County. The name
Amargosa Valley is used locally with
reference to the actual geographic
valley, although for the most part,
it is coincident with the Amargosa
Desert and is noted as such on many
maps. But it would sound strange if
we called it Amargosa Desert.

The community is named after the
Amargosa River which flows through
the valley from its origination in
Nevada to its terminus in Death
Valley, California. Like most desert
rivers, the 200-mile (320 km) long
Amargosa flows on the surface only
when rare rainfalls flood the desert
washes, except for a 20-mile (32 km)
segment near Shoshone, California,
where the river flows perennially. So
the Valley is really the desert, and
most of the rivers are pretty much
dry unless it rains. But don’t let that
stop you from visiting the area on a
day trip.

The Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle
Recreation Area contains large sand
dunes that offer Off-Highway Vehicle
enthusiasts a wide array of trails Big Dunes, popular for weekenders Hungry in Amargosa? There is Jack’s
along with vistas of the Las Vegas from all over Southern Nevada, Cafe, El Valle Mexican, Punjabi Dhaba
Strip. is located on the north side of Indian, Sunny’s Kitchen and others
Amargosa Valley. Ash Meadows including the Area 51 Alien Cafe.
Longstreet Hotel, Casino, and RV Wildlife Refuge is located in the Hungry in Amargosa? There is Jack’s
Resort is a full-service hotel and southern end of Amargosa Valley. Cafe, El Valle Mexican, Punjabi Dhaba
casino with restaurants and a RV And we would be remiss if we didn’t Indian, Sunny’s Kitchen and others
park. The hotel is located on SR 373, mention Alien Cathouse, one of including the Area 51 Alien Cafe.
near the Nevada–California border. Nevada’s legal brothels. It is located Never can tell who you might run into
The hotel is popular with visitors to near the corner of U.S. 95 and SR at the Alien Cafe including, well, you
nearby Death Valley National Park. 373. know who I mean. Have a nice time.