Calico Ghost Town- Still Worth the Trip
Driving along the iconic asphalt ribbon known as Interstate 15, you’ve come a long way through the Mojave Desert. Whether heading South from Las Vegas or North from Los Angeles/ OC/ San Diego. Near the Eastern end of Barstow is the curiously named Ghost Town Road, which, if you grew up in either Southern California or Southern Nevada, you knew what the dusty, two laned path would lead to- Calico.
The name Calico Ghost Town evokes certain feelings within residents of the aforementioned geographic regions. Having grown up in Southern California myself, I was privy to Calico Ghost Town. Also being from Orange county would afford me the opportunity to grow up with Knott’s Berry Farm, which would serve as the proverbial dog wagging the tail.
Allow me to elucidate. Walter Knott, homesteader Berry farmer businessman from California was homesteaded near Newberry Springs in the early 1900s. He was very familiar with Calico. In 1940 he founded Knott’s Berry farm all the way in Buena Park. But with the inspiration of Calico he built a roadside attraction along Beach boulevard called Ghost Town. After the success of Ghost Town and his Berry farm, he purchased Calico from the Zenda Mining Corporation in 1951. At his own expense- $700,000 he was able to commission the almost complete restoration of Calico Ghost Town. He would subsequently donate the town to the county of San Bernardino in 1966.
Now it operates as a San Bernardino county State Park, which makes it incredibly accessible and very affordable. Admission at the front gate before you even park is $8 for adults and around $5 for kids.
Before I get ahead of myself, once you exit at Ghost Town Road off of interstate 15, you’ll head north towards the mountain range that says “CALICO” in large white letters plastered along the mountain ridge. It’s a two-lane road 55 mph all the way up to the park entrance. There’s also a campground for the cooler times of year. It just so happened on this day that it was 103.
Parking is plentiful but it is in dirt lots so be forewarned. Once you leave the parking lots and start hiking up towards the mountains, you’re greeted right away by old timey wood structures that keep in with the old west aesthetic that Mr. Knott wanted to keep authentic. Little shops, museums, places to eat craft buildings and little artisans have set up shop along Main Street. Whether you want to try some handmade leather goods, stop in to see some handmade woodworking or maybe even a meal at the Calico House Restaurant, there’s no shortage of things to look at, explore wander and even purchase. We were here on a Thursday so it was a little slower. Not all of the restaurants and eateries were open but all of the shops were.
We decided to take the mine tour and train ride and they were both great. We had three kids in tow and all of them were able to complete both of those attractions with no complaints.
Calico Ghost Town- interestingly enough is what we had imagined Tombstone, AZ to be in our minds. Tucked tightly up against the mountains with some well-preserved as well as dilapidated buildings. The smell of old wood leather and kerosene fills the air. And to be honest, after losing Bonnie Springs in Las Vegas, this is quite the next best thing. It had been about 20 plus years since I had previously visited Calico Ghost Town and on this day the conditions were just right. Albeit a little hot.
I’m not sure that you’ll make Calico Ghost Town a destination, but as a really neat stop off along the way we can- as a family 100% recommend it. Are you finding yourself disappointed by what happened to Bonnie Springs? Are you slightly disenfranchised by what Tombstone, Arizona actually is? Were you hoping that Nelson, Nevada would be a little bit more or that Rhyolite would have a little bit more life in it? If you’re wanting for any of those things then I would recommend Calico Ghost Town.
Not one to shy away- from anything, really. Since you’re not able to join me, allow me to bring you along in the best way that I know how. Welcome (back) to the Informer.
