A new road trip guide released on Apr. 3 outlines a tour of California’s most notable abandoned towns, tracing the legacy of the state’s gold and silver mining era. The suggested route takes travelers through remote areas where entire communities once thrived during the Gold Rush and later vanished when resources were depleted.
The guide is significant as it sheds light on an important chapter in California’s history, offering insight into how boom-and-bust cycles shaped local communities. These ghost towns serve as reminders of both ambition and impermanence in the American West.
The journey begins at Shasta State Historic Park, west of Redding, where visitors can see brick ruins, dine at Shorty’s Eatery, and view artifacts in the historic courthouse—though some structures suffered damage from this summer’s Carr Fire. Next is Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park near Nevada City, once home to a lucrative hydraulic mine until such operations were banned in 1884.
Travelers are then directed to Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley to explore underground tunnels and historical residences before heading east to Bodie State Historic Park. Bodie was known for its lively atmosphere during its peak but now stands as California’s largest unrestored ghost town with numerous deserted buildings open for exploration.
Other stops include Bennettville near Yosemite National Park; Ballarat in Death Valley—now reportedly inhabited by just one person; Randsburg south of Ridgecrest—a living ghost town with preserved shops and museums; and Calico, which offers guided tours, off-road adventures, museums, and train rides.
This road trip provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with California’s past while experiencing diverse landscapes across the state. The enduring presence of these sites continues to attract those interested in history or seeking unique travel experiences.
