Death Valley Ghost Towns & Mining Camps in California

Death Valley, a land of stark contrasts and breathtaking beauty, holds within its arid embrace a rich history etched in the remnants of ghost towns and abandoned mining camps. These silent sentinels stand as testaments to the dreams, struggles, and fleeting fortunes of those who dared to seek their fortune in this unforgiving landscape. From the borax boom to the lure of precious metals, the story of Death Valley is inextricably linked to the rise and fall of these settlements. This article delves into the stories of several of these locations, offering a glimpse into their past and a guide to what remains today.

Amargosa Borax Works: Situated on the western edge of Death Valley, the Amargosa Borax Works served as a seasonal extension of the Harmony Borax Works. Recognizing the oppressive summer heat that hindered borax processing at Harmony, operations and the workforce relocated to Amargosa for several months each year. From 1884 to 1888, twenty-mule teams diligently transported borax to the railroad, contributing to the region’s burgeoning industry. Today, only fragments of the past remain – two weathered adobe walls, remnants of the mill’s foundation, and a solitary sign. These remnants are located approximately five miles south of Shoshone along State Road 127, with the highway bisecting the former mill complex, leaving ruins on both sides.

Arrastre Spring: Within the Gold Hill Mining District lies Arrastre Spring, a site recognized more for its ancient petroglyphs than its brief mining activity. This location served as a water source and perhaps a rudimentary milling site, but the legacy of its prehistoric inhabitants endures more strongly than that of the miners.

Ashford Mine and Mill: Originally named the Golden Treasure Mine, the Ashford Mine and Mill began its gold mining operations in 1907 in the southern reaches of Death Valley. While never a prolific producer, the site offers a rewarding experience for the adventurous hiker. A challenging 1.25-mile trek up a canyon with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet leads to the mine, where standing buildings, an ore chute, and various mining remnants offer a glimpse into the past. The panoramic view of Death Valley from this vantage point is equally rewarding. Further below, the ruins of the Ashford Mill rest 3,500 feet below the valley floor, a testament to the ambitious efforts to extract wealth from this arid land.

Ballarat: Ballarat stands as a quintessential ghost town, established in 1896 as a vital supply hub for the mines nestled within the Panamint Range. The Radcliffe Mine, situated in Pleasant Canyon, acted as the town’s economic lifeblood, yielding approximately 15,000 tons of gold ore between 1898 and 1903. Despite its decline, Ballarat maintains a tangible connection to its past, inhabited by a few full-time residents who serve as custodians of its history. Crumbling walls, weathered foundations, and dilapidated miners’ cabins evoke a sense of the town’s former vibrancy. Exploring Ballarat offers a poignant journey into the past, where whispers of its mining heritage linger in the desert air. This is one of the many Death Valley Ghost Towns & Mining Camps in California.

Barker Ranch: Barker Ranch holds a notorious place in history as the hideout of Charles Manson and his followers. Located in a rugged valley within the Panamint Range, the ranch provided seclusion for the group until their capture in October 1969. Law enforcement agencies, initially searching for vandals within Death Valley National Park, stumbled upon the group at the cabin, leading to Manson’s arrest. A fire in May 2009 significantly damaged the main structure, leaving only the cement and rock portions standing. A small guest house remains adjacent to the main house. Due to its remote location, approximately twenty miles from the nearest paved road, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for navigating the sandy and rugged terrain.

Bend City: Bend City, one of the earliest settlements on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada range, began as a small community of families drawn to the fertile Owens Valley. Prospectors soon followed, leading to the formation of the Russ Mining District in April 1860. Positioned on a prominent bend in the Owens River, Bend City boasted the first bridge spanning the river. However, the town’s existence was cut short by the devastating 1872 Lone Pine earthquake, which also altered the course of the river, diverting it away from the townsite. Today, no traces of Bend City remain near present-day Kearsarge.

Beveridge: The remote mining camp of Beveridge, situated on the eastern flank of the Inyo Mountain Range, witnessed mining activity in Beveridge Canyon from the 1860s through the 1930s. Surprisingly, this isolated location even housed a post office for a brief period from 1881 to 1882. At an elevation exceeding 5,500 feet, the camp’s remoteness requires a backpacking trip for access. Today, remnants of small-scale mining equipment, scattered mining operations, and the partial remains of stone structures offer a glimpse into the camp’s past. Access to the site is via the Beverage Canyon Trail, recommended only for experienced hikers.

Cartago: Unlike many other settlements on this list, Cartago is not a complete ghost town. Located on the western shore of Owens Lake, approximately three miles northwest of Olancha, Cartago sustains a population of around 100 residents. Formerly known as Carthage, Daniersburg, and Lakeville, the town’s first post office opened in 1918. During the mining era of the 1870s, Cartago functioned as a steamboat port for the transportation of wood and ore. Bullion bars from Cerro Gordo were transported across Owens Lake via the steamer Bessie Brado to the Cartago boat landing, where Remi Nadeau’s 14-mule teams then hauled the gold to Los Angeles before returning with freight.

Cerro Gordo: Nestled within the Inyo Mountains of California, the Cerro Gordo Mines yielded high-grade silver, lead, and zinc from 1866 until 1957. The mountain’s production spurred the development of the towns of Swansea and Keeler, as well as transportation hubs below.

Chrysopolis: Founded in 1863 on the east bank of the Owens River south of Aberdeen, Chrysopolis, meaning "City of Gold" in Greek, was one of the earliest settlements in the area, alongside Black Rock, San Carlos, and Bend City. The town briefly prospered on the arid side of Owens Valley, with a post office operating from 1866-67. However, its isolation and persistent conflict with Native Americans, which continued until the establishment of Fort Independence, led to its abandonment. While mining persisted in the area, the town of Chrysopolis faded away. At the turn of the century, a renewed prospecting and mining craze briefly revived interest in the old Chrysopolis mining district. However, by 1910, the district had largely quieted down, although small-scale mining continued for years. Today, only loose stone walls and mine tunnels remain. A mill site can be found on the west side of the Owens River but is inaccessible by road. The old townsite is located approximately 18 miles north of Independence, California.

Clair Camp: A short drive up Pleasant Canyon from Ballarat lies Clair Camp, situated near the sites of Henry Ratcliff’s Never Give Up Mine and the Montgomery brothers’ World Beater Mine, both established in 1896. The South Park Mining District was formed in the same year. The two mines established a camp at Post Office Springs, about a quarter of a mile south of where Ballarat would soon be established. The camp quickly evolved into a town with a blacksmith, assay office, and other businesses. As the mines employed approximately 200 men, the small camp became insufficient, leading to the establishment of Ballarat. However, the Ratcliff Mine suspended operations by 1905, and the Montgomery brothers pursued other mining ventures at Skidoo. In 1930, a man named W.D. Clair purchased the Ratcliff Mine and began processing the tailings, extracting an additional 60,000 in gold ore. At that time, the site was renamed Clair Camp. Clair Camp is located on the Pleasant Canyon Loop Trail, approximately six miles east of Ballarat. The mill site and living quarters of the Radcliffe Mine are located here, with the mine itself situated on top of the hill to the southeast. Tram towers and cables leading to the mine remain visible.

Coso Junction: Also known as Coso and Oasis, Coso Junction originated in March 1860 when Dr. Darwin French and his companions explored the Coso Springs area. While seeking the Lost Gunsight Mine, M.H. Farley discovered rich silver and gold ore. Farley and others established the Coso Gold and Silver Mining Company. W. I. Henderson discovered and named Telescope Peak and was among the first white men to view the hot mud springs at Coso. By June, approximately 500 men had arrived in the area, staking claims with mines assaying ore at $2,000 or more of silver per ton. The Coso Mining District was born, attracting stock promotion to raise capital. However, conflicts with local Native Americans plagued the district. After battles with the Indians, the white miners eventually abandoned Coso. Mexicans reorganized the districts in March 1868, and sporadic production continued through the 1890s. In the 1930s, mercury ore was mined for about a decade, yielding approximately $17,000 in ore. Today, nothing remains of the settlement, and the Coso Hot Springs lies within the boundary fence of the United States Naval Weapons Center at China Lake.

Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns: The rich silver and lead deposits at Cerro Gordo necessitated the construction of kilns near Olancha. In June 1873, Colonel Sherman Stevens built a sawmill and flume on Cottonwood Creek high in the Sierras above Owens Lake. The lumber was used for building the mines and buildings in the area. More wood was turned into charcoal in these kilns before being hauled to Steven’s Wharf on Owens Lake, where it was transported across the lake on steamers before being hauled to the Cerro Gordo Mine. Two kilns continue to stand after all these years.

Darwin: Located on the western outskirts of Death Valley in Inyo County, Darwin, a semi-ghost town today, was once the largest city in the county. The settlement started in early 1860 when Dr. E. Darwin French set out from Visalia, California, searching for the Lost Gunsight Mine.

Death Valley Junction: Initially called Amargosa, meaning "bitter water" in the Paiute language, this tiny town in the Mojave Desert is now home to less than a half dozen people. Founded as a borax mining community, several historic buildings remain, including the Amargosa Hotel and Opera House.

Dolomite: Situated at the southern tip of the Inyo Mountain range, a deposit of dolomitic limestone was discovered in 1862. The mine is located on private property off of California State Route 136 between Lone Pine and Keller, California, at the north end of Owens Lake. A few buildings from the old townsite still remain, but the property is posted "no trespassing."

Dublin Gulch: Located in Shoshone, California, Dublin Gulch features old carved residences and cave dwellings in the clay cliffs.

Dunmovin: Located south of Olancha, just three miles north of Coso Junction, Dunmovin was first called Cowan’s Station in the early 1900s. All businesses are closed today, and the site is abandoned.

Eagle Borax Works: A small-scale borax operation started by a Frenchman named Isadore Daunet in 1881. Only low foundations remain today.

Echo: One of several mining camps located in Echo Canyon. Today, only a practiced eye can still see a few leveled tent sites.

Emigrant Springs: An early camp of the Wildrose Mining District. There are no camp remains, but mining remains can be seen in the area.

Furnace: Part of the Greenwater District mining boom. Today, the old town sites of Furnace contain nothing but rubble.

Furnace Creek Inn: Beginning as accommodations for Pacific Borax Company employees, it was later developed as a tourist destination.

Furnace Creek Ranch: Starting out as a supply point for William T. Coleman’s borax mines, the area was developed into an oasis. Later, it became the property of the Pacific Borax Company.

Gold Hill Mining District: Located in the southwest corner of Death Valley National Park in the Panamint Mountain Range, Gold Hill once had several operating mines in the area.

Goldbelt Spring: Miners later used it to search for talc and chrysotile asbestos as a base camp. Today, the area provides glimpses of flattened buildings, and the spring is marked by an old dump truck.

Gold Valley: The rush to the Willow Creek District opened numerous small mines and introduced a townsite battle to the area.

Grant: A small community located about 1 ½ miles south of Olancha. A few old buildings continue to stand at the old rest stop including the market and a gas station.

Greenwater: Located 5.5 miles north of Funeral Peak above southeastern Death Valley. Today, the old town sites of Greenwater contain nothing but rubble.

Greenwater Mining District: Greenwater Valley was the site of one of the most spectacular booms in the history of Death Valley mining.

Harmony Borax Works: The central feature in the opening of Death Valley and the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. On December 31, 1974, the site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Harrisburg: This camp was formed after a free-gold discovery by Pete Aguereberry and Shorty Harris in the summer of 1905. There is nothing left of the townsite itself.

Ibex Springs: One of the most extensive ghost towns in Death Valley. The old mining site is located 5.3 miles due west of CA-127, about two miles south of Ibex Pass. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required.

Inyo Mine: A gold mining operation established in 1905 in the Echo Mountain Mining District. It is located nine miles east of CA-190 on Echo Canyon Road.

Kasson: An early mining camp that was said to have been located about 12 miles northwest of the original site of Tecopa.

Keane Springs: Located in northeast Death Valley. Today, its most prominent remains are the water tank, the ruins of the pumping machinery, and a few low stone walls.

Keane Wonder Mine: Founded in 1903, the Keane Wonder Mine was one of the most successful gold mines in Death Valley. To see the site, drive the Beatty Cutoff Road 5.7 miles north from Highway 190 to the marked dirt road for Keane Wonder Mine.

Kearsarge: There were actually a couple of locations called Kearsarge. There are no remains of the two camps today, which require a high-country hike to access the area.

Keeler: Not quite a total ghost town, Keeler, located on the east shore of Owens Lake, is still called home to about 60 people. Today’s semi-ghost town continues to sport several buildings from its previous heydays, including the old train station and deteriorating homes and business buildings.

Keynot: Situated on the east side of the Inyo Mountain Range north of Beveridge. The area is dotted with old mines and remnants, but access should only be made by experienced backpackers.

Kunze: The original Greenwater site. Today, Kunze has more extensive ruins, including a stone dugout house.

Laws: Formerly called Bishop Creek Station, the town started in 1883 as a depot originated in Nevada. It now serves as a museum that typifies a typical turn-of-the-century town.

Leadfield: It is located on the Titus Canyon Road. This one-way, high-high-clearance, unpaved road sometimes requires 4-wheel drive.

Lee: Today, there is little left but empty mine shafts and tunnels, a few stone foundations, an old stone bridge, dugouts, a set of stone walls, and much debris.

Lila C Mine: There is nothing left today except tailings.

Little Lake: The old town is nothing but a flat place in the desert today.

Lookout City: Lookout City, California, is a former Death Valley settlement located in the Mojave Desert in southern Inyo County.

Loretto: All that is left today are stone walls, mining portals, and mining equipment.

Panamint City: Panamint City got its start after several bandits discovered silver in Surprise Canyon in 1872.

Scotty’s Castle: Located in Grapevine Canyon, the Death Valley Ranch, more popularly known as “Scotty’s Castle,” was the desert hideaway mansion of Chicago insurance magnate Albert Johnson.

Skidoo: The ghost town of Skidoo, California, in Death Valley, was once a booming mine camp.

Willow Creek: The history of the once-promising mining camps of Willow Creek and Gold Valley, situated in Death Valley, California, was the scene of a Greenwater boom in miniature.

The harsh yet beautiful landscape of Death Valley holds many stories of boom and bust, success and failure. These Death Valley Ghost Towns & Mining Camps in California are a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the allure of the American West. Visiting these sites provides a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the history of this unique and challenging environment. The Death Valley Ghost Towns & Mining Camps in California offer a glimpse into a bygone era. Remembering the stories of the Death Valley Ghost Towns & Mining Camps in California is essential for preserving our heritage.