COMMENTS: Interesting Scenery.
REMAINS: Rubble

Silver ore was the metal discovered in this remote area in 1869 but it was not until 1875 that the mining camp of Joy was established. Joy’s elevation of 7,400 feet and its location made access to the camp difficult. In 1877 mining activity hit a slump, and from 1878to 1897 only one mine produced measurable amounts of ore. A small revival took place beginning in the spring 189 when a few old mines were reopened. The revival lasted only about a year and a half. The camp was all but abandoned until 1905 when its last revival began. Joy’s population remained fairly constant at 75 until 1918 when Copper Basin folded in the summer and with it when all the mines and all the stores, saloons, and other businesses. Today only scattered rubble, mine dumps, and hoisting works mark the site. The roads to Joy are very rough and a trip should only be attempted in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Submitted by: Shawn Hall from his book Romancing Nevada's Past: Ghost Towns And Historic Sites Of Eureka, Lander, And White Pine Counties Click here to purchase his book!