In 2018, a YouTuber and a group of investors bought an entire California mining town for about $1.4 million. Nearly two years later, a fire destroyed its historic hotel, turning an ambitious restoration project into an even bigger challenge.
Most people would have walked away. Brent Underwood stayed, moved in, and started rebuilding.
He even spent months alone up there during 2020, filming everything for millions of online viewers.
The town sits high in the mountains of California, at roughly 8,500 feet. The only way up is a steep dirt road that climbs about 5,000 feet in around eight miles.
Reaching the old mining settlement is an adventure in itself, with steep climbs, rocky stretches, and sweeping views across the valley. Beyond that challenging road, a remarkable restoration effort is bringing new life to buildings that once belonged to a booming silver town.
A $1.4 Million Purchase Brought an Abandoned California Mining Town Back to Life
Buying a house is stressful enough for most people. In 2018, Brent Underwood and a group of investors purchased Cerro Gordo, a former silver mining town high in California’s Inyo Mountains.
The price was about 1.4 million dollars. That bought more than 300 acres, a handful of historic buildings, and a lot of old mine tunnels.
Brent wasn’t a miner or a builder back then. He worked in marketing and ran a hostel, so this was a giant leap into the unknown.
Then 2020 arrived, and things got even wilder. He got stuck at the town during the early pandemic and decided to stay.
He started filming his daily life on a YouTube channel called Ghost Town Living. Viewers watched him explore mine shafts, fix roofs, and haul old junk out of buildings.
The channel grew fast and now has millions of subscribers. Many visitors arrive today because they first saw the town on their phone screen.
That online audience matters for more than fame. The project gets support from merch sales, donations, and viewers who care about its future.
So when you visit, you’re stepping into a story that’s still being filmed. Few historic sites can say their restoration has a live audience cheering it on.
Silver Made This Mountain Town Famous Long Before YouTube
Silver was discovered here in the 1860s, and the rush that followed was huge. Cerro Gordo means fat hill in Spanish, and the name fit.
By the 1870s, the town was one of the biggest silver producers in California. Its ore helped fuel the growth of Los Angeles, which was still a small city then.
Wagons hauled silver bars down the mountain toward the coast. That steady traffic helped the young city build roads and businesses.
Life up here was rough, though. Miners worked long hours in dark tunnels, far from comfort or easy supplies.
Water was scarce on the mountain, so it often had to be brought in. Picture paying extra for every drop you drank.
The silver eventually ran low, and the boom faded. Later, zinc mining brought a smaller second wave of activity in the early 1900s.
After that, the town slowly emptied out. Buildings stood quiet for decades, slowly aging under the desert sun and mountain snow.
Knowing this backstory makes a visit way more meaningful. Every crooked board and rusty tool you spot connects to that busy silver era.
It’s a good idea to read a little history before you go. You’ll recognize more names and places once you arrive.
The Drive Up Is an Adventure All by Itself
Getting there is half the story, and maybe the scariest half. The town sits at the top of Cerro Gordo Road, a steep dirt route above the tiny community of Keeler.
The road climbs roughly 5,000 feet in about seven or eight miles. Several stretches are narrow and rocky, with steep drop-offs along the edges.
A high-clearance vehicle is the smart choice here. Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with good tires gives you a lot more confidence.
Your engine will be working hard on that climb. Check your coolant and fluids before you leave the paved highway.
Hot days make the trip tougher on cars and people. Going early in the day can make the drive feel a lot calmer.
Wet weather is another story entirely. Rain or snow can turn the road slippery and risky, so watch the forecast closely.
Near the top, parts of the road only fit one car. If someone comes the other way, one driver may need to back up carefully.
Take it slow and don’t rush the curves. Pull over safely if your car needs a break to cool down.
The views along the way are stunning, though. Just let your passenger do most of the sightseeing while you watch the road.
Your Visit Starts With a Quick Check-In
Rolling into town feels a little like arriving at someone’s mountain home. That’s because people actually live and work here, so a quick check-in comes first.
Head to the museum building, which often has a flag out front. Staff and volunteers sign you in and explain how the visit works.
They’ll cover which buildings are open and which areas are private. Respecting those private spaces keeps the town friendly for everyone.
There are a few simple rules to follow. Drones are prohibited, and visitors must stay out of the old mines and respect all restricted areas.
Recording video on site is limited too, so ask before you film anything. It’s easy to follow once you know the expectations.
The town is open daily, with posted hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours can change, so check ahead before making the long drive.
The address is Cerro Gordo Rd, Keeler, CA 93530. Your map app may get confused out here, so download directions before you lose signal.
Visiting is generally free, which feels generous for a place this unique. Donations and shop purchases help pay for the ongoing restoration work.
A friendly attitude goes a long way up here. The crew is busy rebuilding, so a little patience is always appreciated.
Old Relics Fill the Museum and Historic Buildings
Rusty tools, dusty bottles, and old mining gear tell stories here that no textbook can match. The museum at Cerro Gordo Ghost Town packs a lot of history into one stop.
Many items were found right on the mountain or inside its tunnels. Brent’s videos often show these discoveries as they happen.
Seeing those same objects in person feels different. You get a real sense of how people lived and worked up here.
Beyond the museum, a few historic buildings are open for exploring. These can include the old church and the assay office.
The assay office was where ore got tested for value. In a silver town, that room basically decided who got rich.
Not every building is open at all times. Some are under repair, while others serve as homes or work areas.
The staff will tell you what’s available during your visit. Ask questions, because they usually know fun stories about each spot.
Special guided visits, including access to the hoist house, may require an additional fee. The hoist once lowered miners and gear deep into the mountain.
Treat everything gently as you look around. These relics survived more than a century, and they deserve a few more.
Fire Took the Hotel, and Rebuilding Began
Just months after the purchase, disaster struck in June 2020. The historic American Hotel, built back in the 1870s, burned down.
That hotel was one of the town’s most treasured buildings. Losing it was a huge blow to the whole project.
Brent shared the loss openly with his audience. Instead of giving up, he decided to rebuild it.
Rebuilding a hotel on a remote mountain is no small job. Every board, beam, and bucket of supplies has to come up that tough road.
Work has continued step by step over the years. Visitors often notice construction happening around town, so it can feel like an active job site.
That’s part of the charm, honestly. You get to see restoration happening in real time, not just finished displays.
Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step around work areas. Loose boards and rocky paths are common on the hillside.
Underwood hopes the rebuilt American Hotel will eventually welcome overnight guests, although construction and permitting have made the restoration a lengthy process.
Every return trip may reveal something new. That keeps the town feeling alive, which is a funny thing to say about a ghost town.
Those Views Will Make You Forget the Bumpy Road
Standing at about 8,500 feet changes your whole view of the world. From town, the dry bed of Owens Lake stretches out far below.
Beyond it rise the sharp peaks of the Sierra Nevada. On a clear day, the scene looks almost painted.
Walk up to the saddle area above town for another surprise. From that ridge, you can look out toward Death Valley on the other side.
Few spots let you see both directions like that. It’s a great reward for all that careful driving.
Bring your camera, but also take a moment to just look. Pictures rarely capture how huge this landscape feels.
The air is thinner up here, so pace yourself on short climbs. Breathing hard after a little walk is completely normal at this height.
Weather can shift quickly in the mountains too. A light jacket helps, even when the valley below feels warm.
Sunscreen and a hat are smart picks as well. The high desert sun can feel stronger than you expect.
Those wide views help explain why miners once stuck it out here. Rough work feels a little easier with scenery like this.
Pack Like You’re Heading to the Wild West
Convenience stores don’t exist up here, so preparation is your best friend. The town is remote, and supplies are limited.
Bring plenty of water for everyone in your group. The dry air and high elevation can dehydrate you faster than usual.
Pack food and snacks too. There’s no restaurant waiting at the top for a quick lunch.
Restrooms are outhouses, which fits the old mining vibe perfectly. Pack some hand sanitizer and keep a good sense of humor.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Paths are rocky, steep, and sometimes uneven.
Cell service can be spotty in this rugged area. Tell someone your plans before heading up the mountain.
A full gas tank is also a good idea. Keeler is small, and services nearby are limited.
Plan for a few hours on site. That gives you time to explore, chat with staff, and soak in the views without rushing.
Families should talk about safety before arriving. Mine areas and steep edges are off-limits for good reason.
Make It Part of a Bigger Highway 395 Road Trip
Here’s a fun bonus: the drive to Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, Keeler, CA fits neatly into a classic California road trip. Highway 395 runs through the Owens Valley nearby.
That highway is known for gorgeous mountain scenery. Snowy peaks rise on one side while desert stretches out on the other.
Manzanar National Historic Site sits north along the highway. It tells the story of Japanese Americans held there during World War II, and it’s a powerful stop.
Lone Pine is another nearby town worth a visit. The Alabama Hills sit just outside it, with strange rock shapes and big mountain views.
Before you leave town, stop by the gift shop. T-shirts, patches, and other souvenirs help support the restoration.
Fans of the YouTube channel often love grabbing merch in person. It saves shipping and feels more special, too.
Every purchase or donation helps another building get repaired. You’re basically leaving a small mark on history.
California has plenty of road trip stops. Few let you buy a T-shirt that helps rebuild an entire silver town.
