Ghost Towns in the Wild West

Jody Vandergriff

Ghost Town hunting is one of my favorite activities in the west. There are so many abandoned towns with endless stories to tell from times past. Of course, ghost towns aren't just a source of historical curiosity; they can also be the centerpiece of an unforgettable road trip. Many ghost towns are located in close proximity to one another, making it easy to plan a multi-day tour that takes you from one town to the next. Along the way, you can soak up the stunning natural scenery of the West, from the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the sweeping vistas of the Mojave Desert.

Tags: Ghost Hunting, Ghost Towns, History, Roadtripping, Wild West

  • Darwin, United States

    Image of Darwin on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Darwin is a small and remote ghost town located in the Owens Valley of California, near the western edge of Death Valley National Park. It was founded in the late 1870s after silver was discovered in the nearby hills, and it quickly grew into a bustling mining town with a population of over 1,000 people. Despite its small size, Darwin has a rich and fascinating history. Visitors can explore the remaining buildings and artifacts, including the old stamp mill, the historic jail, and the schoolhouse, which has been preserved as a museum. The town's remote location and eerie atmosphere make it a popular destination for ghost town enthusiasts and photographers.

  • Randsburg, United States

    Image of Randsburg on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Situated in the Mojave Desert, Randsburg was once a thriving gold mining town with a population of over 3,500. Today, it's a quiet ghost town that's known for its well-preserved Main Street and its quirky residents. Highlights of a visit to Randsburg include the town's many historic buildings, the General Store Museum, and the chance to explore nearby mining sites. Don't miss the annual Old West Days celebration, which features live music, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities.

  • Cerro Gordo Mines, United States

    Image of Cerro Gordo Mines on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Cerro Gordo is a well-preserved ghost town located in the Inyo Mountains of California. The town was once a thriving silver mining community in the late 1800s, but it was abandoned in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the remaining buildings, including the American Hotel, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former resident. It's a unique and eerie experience to walk the deserted streets and imagine what life was like in this once-bustling town.

  • Garnet Ghost Town, United States

    Image of Garnet Ghost Town on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Garnet Ghost Town is located in western Montana and was once a booming mining town in the late 1800s. Today, visitors can explore the town's well-preserved buildings, including a general store, schoolhouse, and a hotel that's rumored to be haunted. The town is also surrounded by beautiful forested mountains, making it a great place to hike, fish, or just enjoy the scenic views. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Garnet Ghost Town is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the Wild West.

  • Bingham Canyon, United States

    Image of Bingham Canyon on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Located just outside Salt Lake City, Bingham Canyon was once home to one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines. Today, visitors can explore the town's mining history, including a visit to the nearby Kennecott Copper Mine.

  • Ruby, United States

    Image of Ruby on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Ruby was once a thriving mining town that produced copper, lead, and silver. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings and learn about its colorful history, including tales of murder, mystery, and buried treasure.

  • Animas Forks, United States

    Image of Animas Forks on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Located high in the San Juan Mountains, Animas Forks was once a prosperous mining town that produced silver, gold, and other minerals. Today, visitors can explore the town's well-preserved buildings and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

  • Central City, United States

    Image of Central City on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Central City was once one of Colorado's richest mining towns. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings and enjoy a variety of cultural events, including live theater and music performances.

  • Tombstone, United States

    Image of Tombstone on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Known as "The Town Too Tough to Die," Tombstone is a true Wild West town that's famous for the 1881 shootout at the O.K. Corral. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings and museums, watch a reenactment of the famous gunfight, or take a stagecoach ride through the streets.

  • Virginia City, United States

    Image of Virginia City on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      A visit to Virginia City is like stepping back in time to the days of the Montana gold rush. This charming ghost town has been preserved to look much as it did in the 1860s, with many original buildings still standing. Take a ride on the historic steam train, pan for gold, or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.

  • Bodie, United States

    Image of Bodie on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Bodie, California is the most well-preserved ghost town in California. Here, visitors are transported back in time to the Wild West era. Founded in 1859 during the California Gold Rush, Bodie's boom lasted until the early 20th century when it became a ghost town. Today, visitors can explore the town's abandoned buildings and learn about its history through interpretive displays, making it a must-see destination for any traveler interested in the American West.

  • Calico Ghost Town, United States

    Image of Calico Ghost Town on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Calico Ghost Town is a former mining town located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Founded in the late 1800s, Calico was once a bustling silver mining town that produced over $20 million in silver ore during its heyday. Today, visitors can explore the town's preserved buildings and artifacts, take a ride on the narrow-gauge railroad, and even try their hand at gold panning, offering a unique glimpse into the Wild West era.

  • Allensworth, United States

    Image of Allensworth on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Allensworth is a unique ghost town located in California's Central Valley that was founded by African American settlers in 1908. The town was named after Colonel Allen Allensworth, a former slave who became the highest-ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings and learn about the fascinating story of this pioneering community, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in the history of the American West.

  • Silver City Ghost Town, United States

    Image of Silver City Ghost Town on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Silver City, Idaho is a well-preserved ghost town located in the Owyhee Mountains that provides visitors with a glimpse into the Wild West's mining era. Founded in the 1860s during the gold rush, Silver City was once home to over 2,500 residents and produced over $60 million worth of silver ore. Today, visitors can explore the town's well-preserved buildings and learn about its rich history through interpretive displays, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in the American West.

  • Rhyolite in Nevada, United States

    Image of Rhyolite on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Rhyolite is a fascinating ghost town located in Nevada's Mojave Desert that was founded in 1904 during the area's gold rush. At its peak, Rhyolite was home to over 10,000 residents and had a reputation as a wild and lawless town. Today, visitors can explore the town's unique architecture, including the famous Bottle House, and learn about its history through interpretive displays, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in the Wild West.

  • Saint Elmo, United States

    Image of Saint Elmo on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Saint Elmo is a well-preserved ghost town located in central Colorado that was founded in 1880 during the area's mining boom. At its peak, the town had over 2,000 residents and was home to one of the state's largest gold mines. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings and learn about its history through interpretive displays, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in the Wild West.

  • Bannack, United States

    Image of Bannack on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Nestled in the southwestern region of Montana, Bannack is a historic ghost town that tells the story of the Wild West era. Founded during the 1862 gold rush, the town played an important role in the development of the American West. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings and artifacts while learning about the town's colorful history, making it a unique destination for any traveler interested in the fascinating stories of the past.

  • Goldfield Arizona, United States

    Image of Goldfield Arizona on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Goldfield, Arizona is a captivating ghost town located in the Sonoran Desert that provides a glimpse into the state's gold rush history. Founded in the late 1800s, Goldfield was once a thriving mining town with over 3,000 residents. Today, visitors can explore the town's well-preserved buildings and learn about its history through interpretive displays, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in the Wild West.

  • Grafton, United States

    Image of Grafton on Seeker
    • chiefseeker

      Grafton is a beautifully preserved ghost town located in southern Utah that tells the story of the state's pioneer history. Founded in the mid-1800s, Grafton was a small farming community that faced numerous challenges, including floods, droughts, and conflicts with local Native American tribes. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings and artifacts, making it a unique destination for any traveler interested in the fascinating stories of the American West's early settlers.