Not quite the midwest of cowboy fame, Utah and Nevada have a rich history of cultural relocation that took place around the same time as spaghetti westerns. Panaca is one such place, small and out of the way with seemingly little to offer, but rooted in the history of western expansion in America.
Originally part of Utah, Panaca was first established by a community of Mormons who settled there in 1864.
Some Mormons had originally come into the area eight years earlier because the leader of the Mormon church and founder of Salt Lake City, Brigham Young, sent his disciples in search of a refuge in the event of a military campaign by the American government against the Mormons – an actual concern, given the Utah War of 1957-58 in which the Mormons faced the US military and lost.
The site of Panaca was chosen as an oasis in the desert and became part of Nevada in 1866, though the Mormons denied and ignored this change until 1870, when those who refused to acknowledge it left.
Panaca was doomed to be a very small outpost, rather than a mecca for the Mormons. Over time, Panaca was an agricultural community that farmed food for miners who didn’t have time to do it themselves. There were also timber mills employing local residents. Panaca never grew much bigger than the single school, small grocery, and church that are in town.
Where is Panaca? How far is it from major cities?
(photo: Chris English)
You can find Panaca in Lincoln County in the south east region of Nevada, only 18 miles away from the border with Utah. The nearest place with big town amenities like a Home Depot is Cedar City, Utah – an hour and twenty minutes away by car. If you want to get to the city of sin, it’s almost a three hour drive to Las Vegas.
How did Panaca get its name?
The name of the town came from a Southern Paiute word, pan-nuk-ker, which translates to either “metal,” “money,” or “wealth.” The original settlers learn of an area abundant in “panacker,” the land that would eventually become Panaca. They staked claim to the town and chose to keep the fortuitous native name.
How many people live in Panaca?
Panaca is home to less than 1,000 people. Many current residents are descendants of the town’s original settlers.
What is Panaca famous for?
Panaca has a couple of reasons to be famous, despite its small size. Firstly, it played a role in the history of the Latter Day Saints and the exodus of the Mormon peoples. Secondly, it stands out against the whole state as it doesn’t allow for gambling or drinking in town – in fact it’s the only “dry” community in all of Nevada.
Why is gambling not allowed in Panaca? What other Nevada cities don’t allow gambling?
Panaca is one of the two cities in the state of Nevada that prohibit gambling. The general idea behind why this is the case is due to its religious roots.
Mormons do not believe in gambling or drinking, thinking they’re both sinful activities. It’s no surprise they’ve outlawed this pasttime, given how long it took them to accept no longer being a part of Utah – if they ever accepted it.
The other city that does not allow gambling is Boulder City, barely 20 miles away from Las Vegas. Their reasoning makes more sense, as it helps to create a calm, quiet community just on the doorstep of the city of sin.
How hot and cold does it get in Panaca?
Despite being in the desert, Panaca doesn’t get nearly as extreme weather as some of its neighboring cities. The summer high averages out at 94º and the winter low averages at 19º. In the winter they can even get snow, an average of eight inches every year.
How much does it cost to live in Panaca?
As you can imagine, there’s not a lot of real estate turnover in Panaca. In fact, there are almost never homes for sale. There are a few parcels of land that go on the market, though, costing between $40,000 and $60,000. A blank slate to build a house on.
What to do in Panaca, Nevada:
Panaca Warm Springs
(photo)
The Panaca Warm Springs are a hidden oasis in the Nevada desert. It’s a beautiful, natural swimming area idea for swimming, soaking, or tubing.
The water is absolutely crystal clear – you can see right to the bottom! The most appealing aspect of the Warm Springs is their constant temperature.
The waters there remain 85º all year ‘round. Other hot springs in the state will spike up to 100º, making relaxation short-lived in the Nevada summer, but Panaca Warm Springs is a great place to picnic and swim year-round.
It’s completely natural setting means that there are no rules except relaxation. Just park off the nearby road and spend as long as you want soaking it all in.
Cathedral Gorge State Park
(photo: Frank K)
For absolutely breathtaking views, visit Cathedral Gorge State Park, where natural rock formations reminiscent of the gradients found in the Grand Canyon prove to be natural inspiration for science fiction landscapes.
The long, narrow valley spread over 2,000 acres was formed by an erosion that has left behind the beautiful gradation.
You can follow the many trails around the park, admiring the cathedral-like spires of the rocks and even venturing into cave-like formations.
Stay overnight at one of the 22 campsites, every one of which comes with its own picnic table, barbecue, and shade ramada. There are no reservations, so it’s first come, first serve.
Juniper Draw Loop Trail
Within the Cathedral Gorge State Park is the Juniper Draw Loop Trail, a relatively calm path that allows for those jaw-dropping views of the cathedral spires throughout the park.
The trail is just over 3 miles long and has a very slight elevation gain, making it an easy route for almost anyone to take. Not including stops to enjoy the view, the trail should take about an hour and a quarter to walk.
Mountain bikers are also allowed to use the path, so make room for everyone – including the family dog. Just be sure to keep ‘em on a lead.
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is a simple place in the center of town, allowing for a place of rest and relaxation for the whole community.
Though a relatively small space, there’s lots to do here. A baseball diamond takes up most of the park, but there’s also space for a small, concrete, single-hoop basketball court, and a children’s play set – covered from the hot Nevada sun so the little ones don’t burn their legs.
The park is also the site of the Clover Valley Mountains steam engine/sawmill, a piece of history on public display, memorializing the logging industry that had once flourished in the area.
Pine Tree Inn & Bakery
The Pine Tree Inn & Bakery is a traditional B&B that has four bedrooms for out-of-town guests.
You can stay in one of the suites in the main house or choose the more private, two-bed, single room, detached log cabin.
Every room on site offers a private bathroom. Like all good B&Bs, they offer a full, cooked breakfast in the morning.
Every room has satellite TV and the whole house has high-speed internet. It’s conveniently located in the small town which is right down the road from Lincoln County Airport.
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