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A Fun Pitstop at Calico Ghost Town
I was driving back to Los Angeles after a quick weekend getaway to Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada. It’s about a five-hour drive from LA, so I decided to make a stop halfway at Calico Ghost Town for a quick break with my pups.
Step Back in Time at Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is an old West mining town that flourished during the late 1800s. Silver was the primary commodity in the area, and by 1887, the town’s population had boomed. At its peak, Calico had 22 saloons, a schoolhouse, a red-light district, and even its own version of Chinatown.
However, when silver prices dropped from $1.31 to $0.63 an ounce, Calico quickly became a ghost town. Fortunately, it was saved by Walter Knott—yes, the same Walter Knott who founded Knott’s Berry Farm. In 1966, he donated the town to San Bernardino County, and today, it stands as one of the few original mining towns left in the western U.S.
How to Get to Calico Ghost Town
If you’re coming from Overton, Nevada, it’s about a three-hour drive. If you’re driving from Los Angeles, it’s around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic, so it’s perfect for a day trip. Calico is located just north of Barstow, and while you’re in the area, you might want to check out Barstow Station. This quirky stop features several fast food places and shops built to resemble a fake train station, complete with train cars, a caboose, and even a water tower. It’s a popular spot for road trippers, so be prepared for crowds and parking challenges.
To get to Calico Ghost Town from Barstow, take exit 194 for Calico Road. It’s a short 10-minute drive from there to the entrance. The entrance fee is $8 for adults, and the best part? Dogs get in for free!
Parking & Restrooms
When I visited on a Monday afternoon, there was plenty of parking available. Keep in mind that the parking lot is a dirt road, so it can get pretty muddy on rainy days. There are two public restrooms—one at the entrance and another towards the back of the town—so you’re never far from a restroom.
Exploring Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is a lot bigger than I expected. Compared to Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona, which is much smaller, Calico offers a wide variety of things to see and do, from restaurants and shops to scenic viewpoints.
We first made our way to the Calico Jail, home to the famous Calico Gunfighters and Marshal Bismark Bob. Then we stopped by the Calico Barber Shop & Bathhouse Display. Zooey wasn’t too happy about the mannequins in the shop—she started grunting at them, which was pretty funny.
As we continued our walk, Captain led us straight to Dorsey’s Dog House, a pet shop with a ton of fun dog treats. Naturally, I couldn’t resist picking up some treats and a cupcake for both Captain and Zooey. Dorsey, by the way, was the town’s official mail carrier. He had a custom canine mailbag and leather booties for his 3-mile daily mail route from Calico to Bismark. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot any memorabilia about Dorsey in the shop, though.
Another fun activity is riding the Calico Odessa Railroad. The scenic train tour lasts about eight minutes and offers a little history of the town. And yes, dogs are allowed on the train for free, which I think is pretty awesome. However, since I didn’t have time to take the train ride, I opted for a scenic walk up to the viewpoint. The stairs can be uneven and a little challenging, but the view from the top is totally worth the effort.
What to See
Calico Ghost Town has 33 buildings in total, with five original structures still standing: the Calico Park Office, Lane’s General Store, Lil’s Saloon, Lucy Lane’s House, and the Zenda Mining Co. You can explore these historic buildings and get a real sense of what life was like in the late 1800s.
The town is also a working park, offering year-round events and even a campsite (both tent and RV sites). There are also mini cabins available for rent, equipped with bunk beds, heating, and AC. Just keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed in the cabins.
Final Thoughts
I wish I had more time to explore Calico Ghost Town, but since I was in a hurry to get back on the road, I spent just under an hour there. If I had more time, I could easily have spent half a day exploring. The town is definitely worth a visit, especially during the cooler months. I went in mid-March, and it was already pretty warm, with temperatures in the high seventies.
Calico Ghost Town is a fantastic stop for history lovers and anyone looking for a fun, quick adventure. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a more leisurely visit, it’s definitely worth checking out.
FAQs
1. How do I get to Calico Ghost Town?
If you’re coming from Overton, Nevada, it’s about a three-hour drive. From Los Angeles, it’s about 2-3 hours depending on traffic. Calico is located just north of Barstow, and you’ll exit at Calico Road. It’s a short 10-minute drive from there to the entrance.
2. Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there’s an $8 entrance fee for adults, and the best part is that dogs get in for free!
3. What can I do at Calico Ghost Town?
There’s a lot to explore! You can check out historic buildings like the Calico Jail, visit the pet shop, enjoy the scenic views, ride the Calico Odessa Railroad (dogs are allowed), and learn about the town’s history. There are also restaurants, shops, and a campground for overnight stays.
4. Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs are welcome at Calico Ghost Town, and they even get free entry. Captain and Zooey had a blast exploring the town with me.
5. How long should I plan to stay at Calico Ghost Town?
If you’re just stopping by for a quick break, you could spend an hour or so exploring. However, if you want to fully take in the sights and maybe ride the train or hike up to the scenic viewpoint, you could easily spend half a day there. It’s definitely a great spot to explore if you have more time.
6. Are there any accommodations nearby?
Yes, Calico Ghost Town offers a campsite (both tent and RV sites) and mini cabins available for rent, though pets aren’t allowed in the cabins. If you’re looking to stay longer, you can set up camp or enjoy nearby accommodations in Barstow.
7. When is the best time to visit Calico Ghost Town?
The cooler months are ideal for visiting Calico Ghost Town, as the temperatures can climb into the high seventies in March, making it a little warm to explore. If you’re planning to hike or walk around a lot, visiting in the fall or winter would make for a much more pleasant experience.