Pahrump

Understand

History

Pahrump was first inhabited by the Southern Paiute. It was slowly inhabited by European settlers in the late 19th century. They reportedly chose the name for Pahrump after the original Southern Paiute name Pah-Rimpi, or "Water Rock," so named because of the abundant artesian wells in the valley. Because of the artesian wells, the new inhabitants of Pahrump Valley began large ranch-style holdings, mostly over 1,000 acres (4 km²) in size. On the ranches, alfalfa and cotton were grown, and livestock were raised.

Since the late 1970s, Pahrump has had steady growth, increasing from about 2,000 residents in 1980 to 22,000 in 2017. Pahrump is an archetypal example of an exurb. Almost all significant agriculture has ended in the valley, and the surface aquifers have been drained over the years.

Climate

Summers in Pahrump are generally hot and dry, with occasional pushes of monsoonal moisture beginning in early July. Being at a similar elevation to Las Vegas, daytime highs in summer average within a few degrees of Las Vegas. Record highs are similar between the two cities as well. A typical day during June through August brings temperatures around 100°F, and occasionally 110°F. Nighttime temperatures, however, are noticeably cooler. This is due to the lack of an urban heat island in Pahrump, allowing for intense radiative cooling after sundown. As a result, summer nights are pleasantly warm, bottoming out in the mid-60s or 70s (F). Pahrump's location in a valley leads to large diurnal temperature ranges, typically 30°F but occasionally 40°F. By late August and early September, the sweltering summer heat noticeably tempers down. September is the gateway to fall, which brings very pleasant weather. October highs are generally 80 °F and nighttime temperatures in the 50s.

Like other locations in the Mojave desert, winters are typically mild, with occasional pushes of cold air from the north. Daytime highs average from the mid-50s and 60s, but low temperatures hover around freezing for most nights between December to February. Spring brings pleasantly warm temperatures and cool evenings. Like other locations in the Mojave desert, this is the windiest time of year. Snowfall is rare in Pahrump, but there is generally at least one snow day per year.

Tourist information

• Visit Pahrump tourism website

Get in

By car

From Las Vegas head west to Nevada State Route 160, known as Blue Diamond Road within the Las Vegas area, with the remainder referred to as the Pahrump Valley Highway.

By bus

Greyhound has a daily bus service from Los Angeles, taking just over eight hours.

By plane

The nearest airport with regularly scheduled flights is in Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), approximately 60 mi (about an hour drive) east of Pahrump.

A private airport, Calvada Meadows Airport, also serves Pahrump, however, aircraft must request permission before landing at this small airport.

Get around

Pahrump Valley Transportation is the only public transportation in Pahrump. It runs by appointment, and offers transport to some destinations in Las Vegas. Pahrump has taxi service operating 24 hours a day.

Go next

• Las Vegas
• Death Valley National Park