Ghost Towns in California

The Old West
Historic Ghost Towns & Mining Camps
California & Nevada

Historic cities and towns are commonplace inside California, but very few towns are totally abandoned. By definition ‘ghost towns’ are population locations that have previously thrived (usually in mining), but they ultimately have been deserted.  Sometimes a few residents will stick around for the seclusion, but the place often appears empty. Finding an open business is a rarity.

generalstore
inside the old general store

North Bloomfield allows visitors inside the buildings to check out the furnishings, decor, fixtures and the interiors. As part of a ranger guided daily tour, you can explore these historic structures up close and personal.

ghost towns

towns in business

California mining ruins

almost abandoned

shackleaning

findingfall
Malakoff Diggins State Park

deserted mines & ghost towns

creosote

Garlock, California
(most of the buildings torn down by Knott’s Berry Farm, for decor at their amusement park)

Kongsberg, Hwy 4
(old mining camp, east of Ebbetts Pass)

Panamint City, CA
(old mining camp, above Panamint Valley)

Montgomery City, Hwy 6
(old mining site, 4×4 required. N of Bishop, CA)

Skidoo, Death Valley NP
(old mining ruins, near Wildrose Canyon)

Tucki Mine, Death Valley NP
(old mining camp, near Wildrose Canyon)

California ghost town

field deserts
North Mojave Desert
greenshack
Randsburg, California; circa 1999
skidoo
skidoo mine, DVNP

Gold Country California

califrepublic

old forts, train towns & railways

Carrizo Gorge Goat Trestle
Anza Borrego Desert, CA

Colfax Train Yards
Colfax, CA

Donner Pass, Sierra Nevada
Donner Lake
Truckee, CA

Fort Churchill State Park
Nevada

Laws Railroad Museum
Bishop, CA

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Campo, CA

Railtown 1897 State Park
Jamestown, CA

Sierra Nevada Train Town
Portola, CA

Southern California Railway Museum
Perris, CA

train

woodsiding