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Overview
Calico Ghost Town sits in the Calico Mountains of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, roughly 10 miles northeast of Barstow. It was founded in 1881 after a major silver strike and grew rapidly into a rough-and-tumble mining settlement with a peak population estimated in the thousands. By the late 1890s silver prices had collapsed, and Calico was largely abandoned within a decade.
Walter Knott, of Knott's Berry Farm fame, purchased and restored much of the town in the 1950s before donating it to San Bernardino County in 1966. Today the county operates Calico as a regional park and living-history attraction, preserving original structures alongside carefully reconstructed buildings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized by California as an official state Silver Rush ghost town.
Visitors can walk unpaved main streets lined with period storefronts, explore a section of original mine tunnel, ride a narrow-gauge train around the site, and take part in seasonal events that range from cowboy poetry gatherings to a popular Halloween celebration. The setting itself — pastel-tinted badlands and rocky ridgelines — adds a dramatic visual backdrop that makes Calico feel genuinely remote even though it sits only a short drive from Interstate 15.
Before You Go
Admission and Hours
Calico charges a per-person admission fee. Prices and opening hours can change seasonally and on holidays, so verify current details on the San Bernardino County Regional Parks website or by calling the site directly before you visit.
Climate
The Mojave Desert climate means summer highs frequently exceed 100 °F (38 °C). Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for walking the site. Winter days are mild but nights can drop below freezing. Carry water regardless of season — shade is limited.
What to Bring
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (gravel and uneven terrain throughout)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Sufficient water, especially April through September
- Cash or card — verify accepted payment methods locally
- A light jacket in winter months
Accessibility
The main street area is relatively flat, but many paths are unpaved gravel. Contact the park directly for current accessibility information regarding the mine tour and outlying areas.
Getting There
By Car
Calico is the most practical way to arrive. The site is located off Interstate 15 at Ghost Town Road, Exit 191, approximately 10 miles northeast of Barstow and about 130 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Parking is available on-site; fees may apply — verify locally.
By RV or Camper
Calico has an on-site campground accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins. Reservations are advisable during busy periods and holiday weekends. Check the San Bernardino County Regional Parks site for current availability and rates.
Public Transportation
There is no scheduled public bus or train service directly to Calico. Visitors arriving by Amtrak at Barstow station would need a taxi, rideshare, or rental car for the remaining distance. Rideshare availability in Barstow may be limited — plan ahead.
By Air
The nearest commercial airports are Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), both roughly two hours away by car depending on traffic. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is also within approximately two hours under normal conditions.
Getting Around
The entire attraction is compact and walkable. The main street and most exhibits are accessible on foot within a short distance of the entrance gate. A narrow-gauge train operates loops around the perimeter of the property — a convenient option for visitors who want an overview or who prefer not to walk the full site.
There are no bikes, scooters, or vehicles for hire within the park. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the upper areas of the site, which involve gentle inclines on gravel paths.
Things to See & Do
Maggie Mine Tour
A guided walk through a section of an original mine tunnel is one of the signature experiences at Calico. The tour is short but informative, giving a tangible sense of the conditions miners worked in during the 1880s. Verify current tour schedules and any separate fees at the entrance.
Main Street and Historic Buildings
Walk along the restored main street to see period storefronts, a schoolhouse, a general store, and other structures representing life in a late-19th-century desert mining town. Some buildings contain small exhibits or are staffed by costumed interpreters on busier weekends.
Calico Odessa Railroad
A narrow-gauge train circles the property and offers a relaxed way to take in the landscape. Ride fees are separate from general admission — confirm pricing at the gate.
Hiking and Geology
Short trails extend into the surrounding badlands. The brightly colored mineral deposits in the Calico Hills — reds, oranges, and creamy whites — are geologically distinctive and photogenic. Stay on marked paths; abandoned mine shafts exist in the broader area.
Seasonal Events
Calico hosts a range of annual events including Calico Days (an Old West heritage festival typically held in October), a Hullabalooza music event, ghost tours, and Halloween-themed nights. Confirm current event schedules on the county parks website as dates and programming change year to year.
Food & Drink
Calico has a small number of food and beverage outlets within the park, typically including a saloon-style restaurant and snack options. The selection is limited and geared toward casual, quick-service meals. Menus and operating hours vary by season and should be verified locally.
Bring your own snacks and sufficient water, particularly if you are visiting outside of peak season when some vendors may not be operating. Barstow, about 10 miles away, has a broader range of fast-food chains, diners, and grocery stores for stocking up before or after your visit.
Shopping
Several souvenir and gift shops operate within the ghost town, selling items ranging from gold and silver jewelry to Western-themed gifts, postcards, and locally themed keepsakes. A few shops offer rock and mineral specimens appropriate to the region — turquoise and other Mojave Desert stones are commonly available.
Shopping hours track with the general site hours and may be reduced outside of busy periods. Prices and inventory vary; verify with individual shops on the day of your visit.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency, call 911. The nearest full hospital services are in Barstow. Cell phone coverage at Calico can be spotty depending on your carrier — do not rely on it in an emergency without testing reception first.
Facilities
Restrooms are available on-site. The park has shaded picnic areas. A first-aid station may be available on busy event days — confirm with park staff.
Pets
Dogs on leashes are generally permitted in outdoor areas of the park but may not be allowed inside buildings or on certain tours. Verify the current pet policy before bringing animals, and remember that desert heat can be extremely dangerous for pets even during moderate weather.
Photography
Calico is highly photogenic. No special permits are required for personal photography. Commercial or professional shoots should inquire with park management in advance.
Safety
Heat is the primary safety concern at Calico. Even in spring and autumn, midday sun in the Mojave can be intense. Drink water regularly, take breaks in any available shade, and recognize early signs of heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea.
Stay on marked paths. The hills surrounding the town contain historic mine shafts that are not all fenced or marked. Entering any abandoned mine is extremely dangerous and prohibited. Rattlesnakes are native to the Mojave Desert; watch where you step, particularly near rocks and brush.
The site is well managed and safe for families under normal conditions. Keep children close on the elevated or rocky portions of the property.
