SR 165 begins at a junction with US 95 approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Boulder City.

[1][2] The town of Nelson was established in 1905 following several mining claims being discovered in the valley.

Although the small community is still inhabited, the remains of many mining operations and abandoned structures can still be seen in the vicinity.

The third leg of SR 60 ran east from Nelson 7 miles (11 km) to the Colorado River.

[6] The northwest leg of old SR 60 was renumbered to State Route 165 in this process, and by this time was realigned to be only 12 miles (19 km) long.