If you’ve ever fantasized about escaping the daily grind, leaving the city lights behind, and settling down where silence still reigns supreme, these 10 secluded American towns might be just what you’re looking for. But be warned – when your closest neighbor is miles away and getting groceries becomes a carefully coordinated expedition, peace comes with a price. These remote towns are out there – like really out there – and they remind us what true solitude looks like.
Here’s a look at America’s most isolated outposts where running out of milk isn’t a minor inconvenience – it’s a full-on logistical event.
1. Hanksville, Utah – Life on Mars (Almost)
Nestled in the alien red rock landscape of southern Utah, Hanksville feels like a training ground for astronauts – and, in fact, it literally is. NASA has used the area to simulate Martian missions, and after one visit, it’s easy to see why. The terrain is otherworldly, the silence almost deafening, and civilization? That’s about 110 miles away in Moab.
In Hanksville, grocery shopping is an act of planning, not impulse. Forget something at the store, and you’re dining on canned chili and crackers until your next haul. But the payoff is massive: endless skies, unbroken vistas, and the sort of personal space that city dwellers can only dream of. It’s a place for adventurers, artists, and the profoundly patient.
2. Supai, Arizona – No Roads, Just Mules
Supai is a town so remote that it’s not connected by any roads. That’s not an exaggeration – residents and visitors alike must hike, ride a mule, or charter a helicopter just to get there. Located eight miles from the nearest road and tucked deep within the Grand Canyon, Supai is only accessible by foot or air.
Running out of milk here doesn’t mean a quick trip to the store. It’s a full-blown expedition involving pack animals or aerial support. There’s no Uber Eats, no Amazon Prime – just canyon walls, community spirit, and a complete digital detox. This is old-school isolation with modern beauty.
3. Mentone, Texas – Where Silence Roams
With fewer than 30 permanent residents and surrounded by miles of West Texas desert, Mentone is about as quiet as it gets. There are no restaurants. There’s no supermarket. There’s barely a gas station. For all intents and purposes, it’s just you, the wind, and a handful of friendly locals who’ll definitely wave when you drive by.
The nearest meaningful town is over an hour away, and Carl’s Bad, New Mexico, is about 90 minutes in the other direction. So if you’re craving a burger and fries, pack snacks for the road. But for those who dream of wide-open skies, zero noise pollution, and nights filled with stars, Mentone offers a truly rare kind of solitude.
4. Eureka, Nevada – Deserted in Every Way
On the loneliest road in America, you’ll find Eureka – an old mining town that looks and feels like it was plucked straight from the 1800s. Located in the heart of Nevada’s Great Basin desert, Eureka is nearly 80 miles from the nearest modest town (Ely), and roughly 150 miles from any major city.
Grocery options here are slim. Avocados? Kombucha? Not unless you’re bringing them with you from three towns over. But what you do get is space – lots of it. Dusty streets, charmingly aged buildings, and a reminder that America’s western frontier still exists if you know where to look.
5. Plentywood, Montana – Just You and the Wind
On the windswept northeastern corner of Montana lies Plentywood, a place where cattle outnumber people and winter winds can whisper secrets through the open plains. Williston, North Dakota, is about 90 miles away, but if you’re looking for a true city, Billings is a staggering 300 miles out.
Life here is defined by community and resourcefulness. Need a new phone charger or fresh produce? Better hope the local general store has it, or else you’re improvising. Still, for those who cherish the prairie, starry skies, and slow living, Plentywood is serenity incarnate.
6. Jordan Valley, Oregon – Where the Desert Keeps Secrets
Tucked into southeastern Oregon’s high desert, Jordan Valley is the kind of place where your closest neighbors are likely to be cows. The landscape is stark, beautiful, and empty, and the nearest town of note is over an hour away.
Locals are used to making do with whatever’s in the pantry, and trips to the grocery store involve actual mental prep. The isolation here is profound. Even true crime stories once unfolded unnoticed in this part of the country until internet sleuths got involved. Jordan Valley is privacy taken to its most literal extreme.
7. Silverton, Colorado – Beauty in the Blizzard
High up in the San Juan Mountains at nearly 9,300 feet, Silverton offers breathtaking views – and equally breathtaking winters. Reaching the town from Durango requires driving the Million Dollar Highway, a stunning and dangerous route that becomes treacherous when the snow starts falling.
Silverton has fewer than 700 people, and it feels like a living museum from the Old West. There are no big box stores, and no chain restaurants. When the snow traps you in, you’re stuck – with your neighbors, your firewood, and hopefully a well-stocked pantry. But if you can handle the cold, Silverton will warm your heart with its charm and timeless vibe.
8. Shishmaref, Alaska – On Borrowed Time
Shishmaref is not just secluded – it’s precariously perched on the edge of the world. This Alaskan village of about 600 people sits on a tiny barrier island in the Chukchi Sea, vulnerable to erosion, melting permafrost, and climate change.
The only way in or out is by small plane, and even that is weather dependent. Getting groceries? You’ll probably have better luck fishing. Living here isn’t just about solitude – it’s about survival. But for those hardy enough to call it home, Shishmaref offers a closeness with nature that’s hard to match.
9. Glasgow, Montana – 4 Hours from Everywhere
If you want to feel like you’re truly in the middle of nowhere, Glasgow is your place. This Montana town is roughly four hours from any town with a Walmart, and that’s being generous. It’s surrounded by rolling plains and not much else, giving residents front-row seats to every sunset and full moon.
Groceries and supplies require spreadsheets and patience. But what Glasgow lacks in convenience, it makes up for with tranquility. This is where you go to unplug, to think, or to finally finish writing that novel you’ve been putting off.
10. Marfa, Texas – The Artsy Mirage in the Desert
Marfa feels like a dream. A dusty, artsy dream with surreal installations, desert landscapes, and the occasional ghost light dancing on the horizon. Located about 200 miles from El Paso, Marfa is far removed from anything resembling a city.
Though it’s more populated than most on this list, the isolation is real. No Target. No Whole Foods. Just quirky galleries, rustic charm, and an occasional flock of tourists trying to decode the town’s mystique. If you want both seclusion and an odd sense of style, Marfa might just be the best of both worlds.
Isolation Has Its Price – And Its Peace
Whether you’re dreaming of mountain peaks or desert plateaus, these 10 towns prove that seclusion is still very much alive in America. Life out here isn’t about convenience – it’s about connection. Not to cell towers or social media, but to nature, neighbors, and yourself.
Just remember to stock up on milk.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.