Exploring Potts Ranch - Monitor Valley, Nevada

Potts Ranch, abandoned since the 1940's, stands alone in the middle of a virtually uninhabited desert valley about the size of New Jersey - the Monitor Valley in central Nevada, stretching through Nye County. Very little information on this ranch exists, but I've been able to find enough to piece together this vague history of the house and former post office. Let's explore this peaceful, windswept ruin and the geothermal vent nearby known as "Diana's Punch bowl".

Located about 40 miles north of Belmont, this was home to the Potts family from 1870 to 1940. Belmont was the nearest major population at the founding of the ranch, but by the time the ranch closed, Belmont was a ghost town as well. Behind the ranch house are several out buildings including store sheds, outhouses, and a stable, most of which likely are as old as the ranch itself.

I've been to this site three times since 2015. The ranch is on private property, but non-intrusive visitors are permitted. On the last visit, a "No Trespassing" sign was on the wall. Interior footage was shot on visits before that sign was put up.

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