Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town
PO Box 638
Yermo,
California 92398
760-254-2122


Get Map or Directions

Dogs are allowed at this old ghost town but not inside the restaurants. Founded in March 1881, it grew to a population of 1,200 with 22 saloons and more than 500 mines. Calico became one of the richest mining towns in California, producing $86 million in silver, $45 million in borax and gold. After 1907, when silver prices dropped and borax mining moved to Death Valley, Calico became a ghost town. Today, Calico is one of the few remaining original mining towns of the western United States. It was preserved by Walter Knott (founder of Knott's Berry Farm and a relative of the owner of Calico's Silver King mine). Mr. Knott donated Calico Ghost Town to the County of San Bernardino in 1966, and it remains alive and well as a 480-acre County Regional Park. Live events like gunfights and living history reenactments are common at the park. Take a self-guided town tour or go for a hike on one of their trails. You and your pooch can also take a guided walking tour (Mon-Fri) with Calico's historian who will examine the history of the miners, the famous 20-mule team and a U.S. Postal Mail dog named Dorsey. The park also offer many festivals throughout the year. Camping and RV hookups are available here. The park is located 8 miles north of Barstow and 3 miles east of Interstate 15.