Spooner Lake in Nevada

Spooner Lake is one of Nevada's beautiful gems, tucked away at the base of Spooner Mountain's summit. At over seven thousand feet in elevation this treasure has drawn the attention of many generations of Nevadans, having seen history pass it by and then be recreated by Hollywood. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy its scenery and relive the days of cowboy films and series.

When hunting down the scenic locations of movie shoots and old cowboy television series, one place that draws more visitors than most in Nevada is Spooner Lake. This veritable hotspot for cowboy and settler shenanigans has been used for filming since the 1930's and as recently as the late 1980's. However, there is much more than just Hollywood inspiration lurking amongst its mountains, trees and patches of grass; there is a peace and beauty that is truly breathtaking.

The lake is situated amongst the mountains, just below Spooner Summit. Sitting at about seven thousand feet, it has gained fame from such shows and movies as 'Bonanza'. Today visitors can still find the remains of the reconstructed set and wagon camp that made the show so famous. For a small charge, entry into the lake area is permitted.

Spooner Lake is located just off Highway 50 and close to Route 28. It has a wealth of activities and adventures waiting for one and all. Fishing is fairly common, but hiking is the most popular. Many trails lead across the area, including up the summit and even to the peak itself. They offer varied skill levels, but the summit and mountain trails are definitely not for the beginner. In fact, intermediate to expert hiking as well as some rappelling or climbing skills are recommended.