Tour of The Wild West -Virginia City / Carson City
(every Thursday Memorial Day – End of October
Adults $80.00 Age 6-17 $70 5 and under Free
8:30am-3:30pm
If the tour is sold out, please send us an e mail with your name and
we’ll add you to the standby list.
Meet your knowledgeable driver/guide, and head out of South Lake Tahoe aboard your comfortable minibus, whose reclining seats and large windows allow you to relax and enjoy the mountain views on the approximate 1.5-hour drive northeast to Virginia City.
Your route takes you along part of the old Pony Express, the 1860s trail that carried mail across the United States, to Genoa, Nevada’s oldest city. Then pass through Carson City, the state capital, and through the historical towns of Silver City and Gold Hill. Throughout your drive, listen to narration from your guide about the region’s geology, native wildlife, vegetation and, of course, Wild West history.
As you arrive in Virginia City, your guide will tell you about how the town sprang up around Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit discovered in the US. You’ll be dropped off at the Virginia & Truckee Railroad station to board the train for your 6.5-mile (10.5-km) round-trip ride to Gold Hill and back. Learn a bit about the history of the railroad, which was built in 1869 to transport supplies to Comstock Lode.
Back in Virginia City, you have 2.5 hours of free time to explore the town however you wish. Walk through the historic district, a US National Historic Landmark, where cute Main Street is lined with 19th-century western-style buildings, including an opera house and old saloons. Perhaps visit a couple of museums, such as the Mark Twain Museum or Firemen’s Museum, the courthouse, the opera house or the Mackay Mansion (all entrance fees and activities at your own expense).
Have lunch at one of the local restaurants (own expense). When your time in Virginia City is up, return to your minibus for the drive back to South Lake Tahoe, where your tour ends
Trip advisor – top attractions in Virginia City
Virginia city tourism commission – attractions
Cost per person: Adults $80.00 Age 6-17 $70.00 5 and under Free
*tours are subject to cancelation due to lack of interest, weather and road conditions.
Cancellation policy: 24 hours, 48 hours for parties of 6 or more.
Tour includes a 6.5 mile ride on a V@T Railroad.
Tour departs from:
Hilton Vacation Club – Ski Run Blvd. 8:20am
Marriott Resorts – Red curb pullout on Hwy 50 by Gondola 8:30am
Golden Nugget casino – main lobby area. 8:40am
Tour returns back to hotels around 3:30PM
*times and locations are subject to change