The American West is dotted with ghost towns, remnants of once-thriving communities that have now faded into history.
These deserted settlements offer a glimpse into the past, where boom and bust cycles of mining, railroads, and frontier life played out.
Today, many of these ghost towns are accessible by car, allowing adventurers to explore the haunting beauty and intriguing stories of these abandoned places.
From the eerily empty streets to the crumbling buildings, each town holds a unique piece of history waiting to be discovered. Here are 14 ghost towns that you can actually drive through.
Bodie, California
Bodie, once a bustling gold-mining town, now stands as a testament to the fleeting nature of fortune. At its peak, Bodie boasted a population of around 10,000 residents.
However, today, it is preserved in a state of arrested decay, allowing visitors to wander through its deserted streets and imagine life during the Gold Rush era.
The town’s schoolhouse, church, and saloons still stand, echoing the stories of those who once called Bodie home. Did you know? Bodie was so rowdy that it became infamous for its lawlessness and violence, capturing the wild spirit of the West.
Rhyolite, Nevada
Rhyolite, a ghost town in Nevada, flourished briefly during the early 1900s. The discovery of gold in 1904 led to a rapid boom, with the town developing a stock exchange, opera house, and electric lights.
Today, Rhyolite’s skeletal remains, including the famous bottle house and the ruins of the bank building, attract curious visitors.
The town’s short-lived glory is a poignant reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized the American mining frontier. Fun fact: Rhyolite once had a population of over 5,000 people, but by 1916, it was mostly abandoned.
Jerome, Arizona
Perched on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is a ghost town with a unique twist. Unlike most ghost towns, Jerome still has a small, thriving community.
Once the “Wickedest Town in the West,” it was a booming copper mining town. As the mines played out, Jerome’s population dwindled from thousands to just a few dozen.
Today, it thrives on tourism, with art galleries, restaurants, and haunted hotels. Visitors can explore the Jerome State Historic Park and learn about its colorful past. Jerome’s resilience is a testament to its enduring spirit and charm.
Calico, California
Calico, founded in 1881, was a bustling silver mining town in Southern California. At its peak, it had over 500 mines and produced millions in silver ore.
Today, Calico has been restored to its former glory as a living history museum, offering a peek into the Old West. Visitors can explore the old mine, ride a narrow-gauge train, and experience life as it was during its heyday.
Calico’s vibrant history and scenic setting make it a must-visit destination for ghost town enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Virginia City, Montana
Virginia City, a well-preserved ghost town in Montana, offers a glimpse into the 1860s gold rush era. Once one of the wealthiest cities in the country, it now serves as a living history museum.
Visitors can walk the boardwalks, explore historic buildings, and watch reenactments of frontier life.
The town’s colorful past, with tales of vigilantes and gold seekers, adds a layer of intrigue to its charming streets. Virginia City’s dedication to preserving its heritage makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the American West.
Terlingua, Texas
Terlingua, located near Big Bend National Park, was once a thriving mercury mining town. Today, it stands as a ghost town with a quirky, offbeat vibe.
The ruins of adobe homes and the old church paint a picture of a bygone era. Terlingua is famous for its annual chili cook-off, attracting visitors from all over.
The town’s remote desert setting and rich history make it a captivating stop for travelers exploring the Texas frontier. Its blend of desolation and festivity offers a unique experience for history enthusiasts.
St. Elmo, Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns. It flourished during the late 1800s as a gold and silver mining hub.
Today, visitors can wander through the town’s intact buildings, including the general store and the old schoolhouse. St. Elmo’s picturesque setting makes it a favorite for photographers and history lovers.
The town’s ghostly legends add an air of mystery, drawing visitors seeking a taste of the past. St. Elmo remains an enchanting destination for those intrigued by Colorado’s mining history.
Goldfield, Nevada
Goldfield, once the largest city in Nevada, thrived during the early 1900s gold boom. At its height, it was home to over 20,000 people. Today, it stands as a testament to the transitory nature of mining towns.
The historic Goldfield Hotel and the towering remnants of the Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company offer glimpses into its opulent past.
Goldfield’s allure lies in its blend of decay and grandeur, capturing the essence of Nevada’s mining history. Visitors can explore the town’s remnants and imagine the bustling life that once filled its streets.
Grafton, Utah
Grafton is a ghost town near Zion National Park known for its picturesque setting and historic charm. Founded by Mormon settlers in 1859, it was abandoned due to flooding and conflicts with Native Americans.
The remaining buildings, including the schoolhouse and church, reflect the area’s pioneer heritage. Grafton’s serene atmosphere and proximity to stunning natural landscapes make it a popular spot for photographers and history buffs.
Its iconic appearance in the classic film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” adds to its allure as a captivating piece of the American West.
Animas Forks, Colorado
Animas Forks, high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a ghost town that once thrived on silver mining. Established in 1873, it was home to hardy miners who braved harsh winters.
Today, its well-preserved cabins and mining structures tell the story of their rugged life. Visitors can explore the remains of the mill and imagine the bustling activity that once took place.
Animas Forks’ remote location and dramatic alpine backdrop make it a unique destination for those interested in Colorado’s mining heritage.
Shaniko, Oregon
Shaniko, known as the “Wool Capital of the World,” was once a bustling hub for the wool trade in the early 1900s. Its strategic location made it a key stop for stagecoaches and freight wagons.
Today, Shaniko stands as a well-preserved ghost town, with many of its original buildings still intact. Visitors can explore the old hotel, jail, and city hall, capturing a glimpse of its former glory.
Shaniko’s unique history and rural setting offer a fascinating journey into Oregon’s past.
Castle Dome City, Arizona
Castle Dome City, located in the Arizona desert, was once a bustling mining town during the late 1800s. Today, it serves as a living history museum, preserving the town’s original structures and artifacts.
Visitors can explore the old saloons, blacksmith shop, and mining equipment, experiencing life as it was during the silver mining boom.
Castle Dome City’s commitment to historical authenticity provides an immersive experience for history enthusiasts. Its scenic desert location adds to its charm, making it a captivating stop for travelers exploring Arizona’s past.
Cody, Wyoming
Cody, named after the famous “Buffalo Bill” Cody, offers a unique blend of history and Western charm. Founded in 1896, it served as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
While not a true ghost town, Cody’s old western ambiance and preserved historic sites make it a must-visit. Visitors can explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Old Trail Town, which includes historic cabins and relics from Wyoming’s past.
Cody’s vibrant history and proximity to natural wonders make it a captivating destination for those exploring the American frontier.
Randsburg, California
Randsburg, a living ghost town in California’s Mojave Desert, offers a unique blend of history and modern-day intrigue.
Established in the late 1800s during the gold rush, it continues to attract visitors with its old-time charm. The town’s historic buildings, including the general store and blacksmith shop, are still in operation, providing a taste of the past.
Randsburg’s vibrant community and regular events keep the spirit of the Old West alive, making it a fascinating destination for travelers keen on exploring California’s storied mining history.