7 California Ghost Towns Tourists Rarely Stumble Upon

California’s gold rush and mining boom left behind dozens of abandoned settlements that time forgot. While Bodie State Historic Park draws crowds of tourists, many fascinating ghost towns remain hidden in plain sight across the Golden State.

These lesser-known abandoned communities offer a genuine glimpse into California’s wild past without the crowds, allowing you to experience history in solitude among weathered buildings and forgotten dreams.

1. Cerro Gordo: The Silver Mountain Kingdom

Perched at 8,500 feet in the Inyo Mountains, this once-booming silver mining town produced over $17 million in silver and lead during its heyday. The name means “Fat Hill” in Spanish, a fitting description for its mineral wealth.

Recently purchased by private owners in 2018, Cerro Gordo offers limited tours by reservation only. The 22 remaining structures include the American Hotel (sadly destroyed by fire in 2020), the general store, and the superintendent’s house.

The remote location requires a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the steep, unpaved road. The reward? Spectacular views of Owens Valley and an authentic ghost town experience without velvet ropes or gift shops. Many visitors report strange experiences, making it a favorite among paranormal enthusiasts.

2. Ballarat: Where Desert Outlaws Roamed

Named after a famous Australian gold mining town, Ballarat sprang to life in 1897 as a supply hub for the Panamint Valley mines. Charles Manson’s followers once frequented this remote outpost, adding a dark chapter to its already colorful history.

Today, only a handful of structures remain standing against the harsh desert elements. The general store’s skeleton, a few weathered cabins, and the jail tell silent stories of frontier life. A lone caretaker sometimes greets visitors with tales of the town’s past.

The eerie connection to the Barker Ranch, where Manson and his “family” hid after their killing spree, draws true crime enthusiasts. Look for the rusting truck that reportedly belonged to Manson’s group, still parked in this time capsule of California’s wild mining era.

3. Darwin: The Forgotten Mineral Haven

Tucked away just 40 miles from Death Valley National Park, Darwin boomed in the 1870s after rich deposits of silver and lead were discovered. Unlike completely abandoned towns, Darwin exists in a fascinating limbo – technically a semi-ghost town with around 40 hardy residents still calling it home.

The contrast between inhabited homes and abandoned mining structures creates a uniquely haunting atmosphere. Visitors can explore the old mine works, processing plants, and equipment that litter the surrounding hillsides.

Founded by Dr. Darwin French during a prospecting expedition, the town once supported over 3,500 residents. Today, the Darwin post office continues operations, though many historic buildings stand empty with personal belongings left behind, creating an intimate and somewhat unsettling window into the past.

4. Randsburg: The Living Ghost Town

Gold fever struck this Mojave Desert settlement in 1895 when prospectors discovered rich veins in the nearby hills. Unlike many abandoned mining camps, Randsburg never completely died – it simply downshifted into a quirky desert community that preserves its mining heritage.

The town’s main street looks frozen in time with its wooden boardwalks and historic storefronts. Weekend visitors can grab a famous “Randsburger” at the White House Saloon or sample a nostalgic phosphate soda at the General Store, which has operated continuously since 1896.

Mining equipment, ore carts, and rusty machinery decorate the landscape, creating a photographer’s paradise. The town comes alive during special events like Old West Days, but on weekdays, you’ll have the dusty streets mostly to yourself – perfect for experiencing the authentic ghost town atmosphere without the typical tourist trappings.

5. North Bloomfield: Victim of America’s First Environmental Lawsuit

Hidden within Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park lies North Bloomfield, once the center of California’s largest hydraulic mining operation. The devastating environmental impact of blasting away entire hillsides with water cannons led to the landmark 1884 Sawyer Decision, effectively ending the destructive practice.

Walking the quiet streets today, you’ll find a remarkably intact town with over a dozen preserved buildings. The general store’s shelves still display original merchandise, while the restored barbershop and drugstore offer glimpses of daily life during the mining boom.

What makes North Bloomfield special is the surrounding landscape – massive cliffs of exposed soil in otherworldly colors show the environmental scars that remain over 130 years later. The juxtaposition of the quaint Victorian buildings against these bizarre, rainbow-hued cliffs creates a surreal experience few other ghost towns can match.

6. Shasta: The Queen City of California’s Northern Mines

Brick ruins line the main street of what was once the bustling commercial hub of northern California’s gold country. At its peak in the 1850s, Shasta (often called “Old Shasta” to distinguish it from nearby Shasta Lake) was the largest settlement in Shasta County and a crucial supply point for miners heading north.

The most striking feature is the row of half-standing brick buildings with their iron shutters still intact – installed as fire protection after flames repeatedly devastated the town. The courthouse museum houses an impressive collection of Wells Fargo artifacts and pioneer-era relics.

Unlike other ghost towns that require difficult travel, Shasta State Historic Park sits just six miles west of Redding along Highway 299. This accessibility makes it perfect for history lovers who want to explore a genuine ghost town without a challenging journey. The nearby cemetery with its weathered headstones adds to the haunting atmosphere.

7. Columbia: The Gold Rush Town Frozen in Time

Known as the “Gem of the Southern Mines,” Columbia yielded $87 million in gold (at today’s values) between 1850-1870. Rather than fading into oblivion when the gold played out, this remarkable town was preserved as California’s best example of a Gold Rush boomtown.

What makes Columbia unique is how alive it feels despite being a ghost town. Stagecoaches still rumble down the dirt streets past more than 30 buildings dating from the 1850s. The functioning blacksmith shop, authentic saloon, and working businesses operate much as they did during the town’s heyday.

Visitors can pan for gold, ride in horse-drawn wagons, and watch demonstrations of period crafts. Though technically a state historic park, Columbia avoids the sterile museum feel of many preserved sites. Instead, it captures the authentic atmosphere of a Gold Rush community where real people lived, worked, and dreamed of striking it rich.