Expect a miner climb (pun intended) as you walk through the town. The town entrance is at the bottom with the end resting higher up.
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Even though the buildings are not technically original structures, it’s still exciting to imagine what this town was so many years ago.Ĭalico Ghost Town is built on a small hill. Well, if you’re a desert lover like myself that is.Ĭalico definitely still holds that old west charm that I love finding in any old ghost town. This was enough to have me fall in love with the place. For starters, simply wander the historic main street and take in the beautiful desert surroundings. Enough to easily fill about 2 hours or more of your time. (Valid for 12 months from date of purchase)įor a ghost town, there’s actually a lot to do at Calico. Open Daily from 9am-5pm except Christmas Day.Hours/Admission – prices subject to change While you’re there, be sure to eat at the Original Del Taco! My favorite fast food chain. It’s not the most glamorous city, but remember you are located in the middle of the desert. Not hard to miss!Įspecially since it’s the only thing out here along with the giant name “Calico” spelled out in the mountains above.įor those traveling from out of town, we recommend staying in the city of Barstow. After about 3.5 miles you will see signs for the ghost town on the left. Exit the 15 freeway from Ghost Town Road and head north, following the signs for Calico.
#Calico california how to#
? How To Get to Calico Ghost TownĬalico Ghost Town is located about 15 minutes from the city of Barstow off the Interstate 15. This helps us to continue creating useful and valuable content for you and other visitors. If clicked through to make a purchase, the price remains the same for you and we will earn a small commission. ? Our content may contain affiliate links. Today, visitors can roam the re-created streets of Calico and experience for themselves the history of what was once here. Later in 2005, Calico received a State Historic Landmark and was proclaimed as “California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town” by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The goal was to have them look as they once did back in the 1880s. In 1950, Knott purchased the abandoned town and restored all but 5 of the original buildings.
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If it weren’t for Walter Knott (creator of popular theme park Knotts Berry Farm), we wouldn’t have the chance to see Calico the way we do today. Leaving the once busy town empty and completely abandoned. In turn, the town quickly lost residents as miners packed up their belongings and moved away. Well, this is exactly what happened! In the mid 1890’s, Calico began it’s downhill spiral when silver lost its value. Eventually leaving a town so unprosperous that it becomes abandoned. Sadly, most towns rapidly decline once demand for a product has diminished. Obviously there was huge opportunity for those working in this mining town, but unfortunately success would not last long.Īs with all mining towns in history, its foundation is built from the wealth of materials mined from the earth. With a high demand for silver, Calico constructed over 500 mines and produced over $20 million in silver ore.
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So what did happen to the once populated town of Calico? This once bustling mining town arose in 1881 around the time of the largest silver strike in California. If you’re traveling through California and looking for some western fun, don’t be afraid to add Calico Ghost Town to your list. Making this one of California’s more popular ghost towns to visit in the state.Īs much as I love the eerie-ness of abandoned ghost towns, like Bodie Ghost Town, I still love to explore more lively ones such as these. Well unlike other desolate locations, Calico Ghost Town in Southern California is actually more alive than you would think. “But why would you want to go there?!” says my mom every time I mention visiting a ghost town. While some definitely may be, not all give off a frightening appearance. Generally, most think “creepy” when they hear the phrase ghost town. To all my fellow ghost town lovers, have you seen any of the various ghost towns of California? Spread across the state are all kinds of abandoned locations each filled with rich history and a unique past. Town of the 1880's.Why You Should Visit The Very Much Alive – Calico Ghost Town Officially died in 1907 with borax deposits playing out.Ĭalico Ghost Town is a popular restored silver-mining boom To 63 cents, Calico became a ghost of its former self. In the mid 1890's silver dropped from $1.31 an ounce Mines including the legendary Silver King, Oriental and Bismarck By 1881, Calico was a boomtown that would provide millions in silver and borax, Silver was discovered hereĪnd the Calico Mining District became one of the richest in the Prospectors searching for its mineral riches.