While America is still a relatively young nation, we are known for our ghost towns. Often located near abandoned silver and gold mines, they pop up all over the Mountain West. One of the most famous? Calico Ghost Town, located two hours outside of Los Angeles, California. Thanks to this prime location, its careful restoration, and loaded event calendar, it is truly a ghost town to treasure. Here’s why!
This story was created in partnership with San Bernardino Regional Parks.
A Ghost Town With A Modern Twist
Once a lively silver mining town dating back to the early 1880s, Calico was home to over 1,000 gritty individuals who hoped to make their riches in the area’s 500-plus silver mines. Then, as the metal lost its value in the mid-1890s, Calico residents fled to greener pastures. But unlike the majority of historic mining towns in the American West, this one lives on—not as a museum, but as a place where modern businesses continue to thrive. Today, campers and hikers, ATV-haulers, and families flock to Calico Ghost Town to experience a taste of the Old West, the way it used to be. And once they get there, a vibrant community of museums, shops, and eateries invites them to kick up their boots and stay awhile.
Family-Friendly Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Every year, Calico Ghost Town welcomes thousands of visitors to experience their family-friendly, signature annual events and crowd-drawing fully-immersive festivals. They include actors who bring historic moments to life, burros trotting through town, pumpkin carving competitions, and much more. Each February, Calico California Days celebrates statehood and early regional history. Visitors can expect live music, gunfighter shows, and a best-beard-and-mustache contest, to start. Next, Spring Jam celebrates bluegrass music (a natural pairing with the cowboy boots you packed) and kid-friendly animal fun. In the fall, don’t miss Calico Days, where the town’s mining heritage is on full display. Of course, Calico’s epic Ghost Haunt is famous—and even Santa can’t stay away from the swinging saloon doors during Holiday Fest each year!
Even if you are not in town during one of these (and many more) annual celebrations, there are many ways to experience Calico Ghost Town. Take a self-guided tour of the Maggie Mine and envision what it would have been like to make a living in 1880. Or, hop aboard the Calico Odessa Railroad. This eight-minute experience takes you on a mini-tour of some of Calico’s most historic sights. After the sun goes down, Calico Ghost Tours explore paranormal activity and legends of the town—certain to send a chill up your spine!
A Seasonal Oasis for Adventure
The Mojave Desert is an ideal destination to play outside. In fact, the Calico Mountains—from which Calico Ghost Town takes its name—are home to an extensive network of hiking, biking, and ATV and UTV trails. Bring your own equipment from home or visit a local retailer to get set up. Then, hit the gas pedal for beginner-friendly Mule Canyon. Expert level driver? Scale a waterfall in Odessa Canyon, or tackle uneven terrain in Doran Canyon and beyond. Hikers and bikers will be more than satisfied, as well. Calico is home to miles of trails that wind through the nearby hills, featuring geological points of interest and vistas along the way.
Remember that the Mojave Desert can experience extreme summertime temps, so it’s best to recreate here in fall through early spring.
Classic Road Trip Fare with Old Fashioned Flare
Calico Ghost Town offers a number of eateries to fill hungry bellies: perfect for either a road-trip lunch or as an accompaniment to your camping trip menu. Don’t miss the newly opened Silver Rush Burger, where you might need an extra napkin or two. The authentic Lil’s Saloon occupies an original 1880s building and features spaghetti-western–style saloon doors. Their beer garden is a must on hot days! The historic Calico House offers up family-style BBQ on Saturdays and a full menu (including famous fried chicken) the remainder of the week. And for all your needs in between, Lane’s General Merchandise sells cold sarsaparilla and nostalgic candy, as well as the perfect souvenir to commemorate your time in Calico Ghost Town.
Camping, Cabins, and More: A Plethora of Ways to Stay
Modern travelers can experience the best of mining lifestyle—fresh air and starry night skies—during an overnight trip to Calico. Whether you’re staying for the night or an extended weekend, cabins and campgrounds beckon you to experience the best of the Mojave. Seeking heat or air conditioning? Try the Bunkhouse. And of course, dozens of lodging styles are available just down the road in Barstow.
