We are closed for the 2023 season, see you next year! Visit Holidayroadusa.com for tickets this winter!

Nights of the Jack logo

Must-See Ghost Towns In California

top ghost towns LA

Ghost towns are reminders of once lively California, tucked away in the state’s sharp landscapes. These deserted communities, bubbling with activity and vitality, now stand as silent reminders of earlier times, providing a window into the past of California. These ghost towns represent the hopes, hardships, and victories of the pioneers who formed the Golden State, from the era of the gold rush in the 19th century to the silver mining boom in the early 20th century. In this blog, we will investigate some of California’s most famous ghost towns—each with a unique story to tell and secrets to solve.

BODIE STATE HISTORIC PARK: A WINDOW TO THE PAST:

The Bodie State Historic Park is one of California’s best-preserved ghost towns. This monument allows tourists to travel back to the late 19th century. Bodie, once a bustling gold mining town, now has weathered structures and artifacts preserved in time, leaving it a ghostly shell of its former self.  

CALICO GHOST TOWN: A DESERT OASIS

Calico ghost town lies in the heart of the Mojave Desert and is another place history lovers and thrill seekers can’t afford to miss. Like others, Calico was a thriving town peculiar for its silver mining. It was abandoned in the early 20th century and has now been rebuilt as a tourist destination. You can explore the town’s well-preserved structures, like the saloon, general store, and historic schoolhouse. 

CERRO GORDO: THE INYO MOUNTAIN’S SILVER QUEEN

Cerro Gordo is a ghost town with a rich history of silver mining that is perched high in the Inyo Mountains and overlooks the Owens Valley. Today, tourists can explore the American Hotel, Belshaw House, Union Mine, and other well-preserved buildings in the town. History lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can not miss Cerro Gordo because of its amazing views and significant historical past.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN: AN IRON AGE RELIC

Eagle Mountain, a ghost town next to Joshua Tree National Park in the Colorado Desert, was formerly a thriving iron mining settlement. Thousands of laborers and their families worked in the surrounding iron mines called Eagle Mountain, which was founded in the early 20th century, home. The town is now deserted, its dilapidated structures and deserted streets serving as reminders of its industrial past. For daring adventurers, Eagle Mountain is an intriguing destination despite its isolated location because of its stark beauty and unusual history.

Visit Nights Of The Jack In LA This Fall For Spooky Haunted Houses & Halloween Fun

There is no better way to get in the Halloween spirit than visiting Nights of the Jack. Located in Calabasas, California, close to downtown Los Angeles, this interactive annual event at King Gillette Ranch features haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment inspired by spooky concepts. It’s the ultimate spooky celebration for horror fans, blending adrenaline-pumping scares with the fun for all ages. This family-friendly event is exciting to be coming back for 2024, so keep an eye out for tickets!

Ticket will go on sale soon