Some 150 miles north of Las Vegas, Caliente is the only incorporated community in Lincoln County. Its just over 1,000 residents enjoy a quiet, close-knit lifestyle amid their historic surroundings. The city boasts three parks, two baseball diamonds, picnicking areas, a swimming pool, rodeo grounds and other community facilities.

Named for the hot springs in the area, Caliente soothes body and soul with natural mineral baths year-round, and an uncomplicated, friendly atmosphere which lends itself to relaxation.

Caliente is the subject of the state's Historic Marker #55, which recounts its origins:

Caliente was first settled as a ranch, furnishing hay for the mining camps of Pioche and Delamar. In 1901, the famous Harriman-Clark right-of-way battle was ended when rancher Charles Culverwell, with the aid of a broadgauge shotgun, allowed one railroad grade to be built through his lush meadows. Harriman and Clark had been battling 11 years building side-by-side grades, ignoring court orders and Federal marshals. The population boom began with an influx of railroad workers, most of them immigrants from Austria, Japan and Turkey. Not understanding the laws and customs of the land, racial conflicts were frequent. A tent city was settled in August, 1903. With the completion of the Los Angeles, San Pedro and Salt Lake Railroad (now the Union Pacific) in 1905, Caliente became a division point. In 1906-07, the Caliente and Pioche Railroad was built between Pioche and the main line at Caliente.

Much of the city's heritage is still there to view. A walking tour of Caliente is a real highlight of any trip to Pioneer Territory. The itinerary includes the 1923 Union Pacific Railroad station, now the hub of Caliente, functioning as city hall, museum, and chamber of commerce.

Other attractions include the Underhill Stone Residence, built with rock from around the local area in 1905, with a second story added in 1920. The 1905 Caliente Methodist Church and the remains of the Cornelius Scott Hotel -- where President Herbert Hoover once enjoyed a Caliente sojourn -- also speak of history.

Visitors also should not miss the Railroad Boxcar Museum. A trip to the ghost town of Delamar, 17 miles west, is also recommended.

Caliente really comes alive on the Fourth of July, when its traditional celebration draws visitors from several states for old-fashioned activities including kids' games, dancing, good food and a spectacular fireworks display.

Those who love the outdoors will be right at home at the nearby Rainbow Canyon and Kershaw-Ryan State Park. Picturesque pinion and juniper forests, flowing streams and abundant wildlife are among the attractions; campgrounds, picnic spots and interpretive hiking trails are popular amenities in the area.

Several welcoming motels and restaurants await the Caliente visitor after a long day of soaking in the sun, and enjoying the kind of Western inspiration that fueled the imagination of Zane Grey.

Western icons Butch Cassidy, left, and Zane Grey
spent quality time in Caliente.