Tag: Calico Ghost Town

10 Popular Places in the California Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert offers a variety of unique and exciting activities. Here are ten of the most popular places:

Death Valley National Park: Known for its extreme temperatures and stunning landscapes, it features attractions like Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Joshua Tree National Park: Famous for its unique Joshua trees, it offers rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing opportunities amidst a surreal desert landscape.
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Mojave Road: This historic off-road trail takes you through the heart of the Mojave Desert, offering a challenging adventure with historical landmarks and diverse desert scenery.

Kelso Depot Visitor Center: Located in the Mojave National Preserve, this historic train depot provides insight into the region’s rail history and is a gateway to exploring the preserve.

Mojave National Preserve: With over 1.6 million acres, the preserve offers numerous trails, including the Kelso Dunes and the Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail.
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Trona Pinnacles: These unique tufa formations, formed underwater over 10,000 years ago, are popular for photography and off-road exploration.
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Red Rock Canyon State Park: Known for its vibrant rock formations and scenic desert cliffs, this park offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Amboy Crater: A dormant volcanic cinder cone, Amboy Crater provides a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views from the top.
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Mojave Air and Space Port: This hub for aerospace innovation offers public tours showcasing historic aircraft and cutting-edge aerospace technology.
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Visit Calico: A restored mining town from the Silver Rush era, Calico offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved buildings, mine tours, and reenactments.
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These activities highlight the diverse attractions and experiences the Mojave Desert offers, from natural wonders to historical sites.

#10 – Calico Ghost Town: A Historical Adventure

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Calico – May/2000

Calico Ghost Town is a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the past, specifically the boom-and-bust era of the American West. Here’s a detailed look at what makes Calico Ghost Town a popular attraction:

History of Calico Ghost Town

  • Founding and Boom Era: Calico was founded in 1881 during the California silver rush. At its peak, the town boasted over 500 mines and produced millions of dollars worth of silver ore.
  • Decline: By the mid-1890s, silver prices had plummeted, leading to the decline of mining activities. Calico was largely abandoned by the early 20th century, becoming a true ghost town.

Attractions and Activities

  1. Mine Tours:
    • Maggie Mine: This is one of the few mines in Calico that is safe for tourists to enter. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn about the mining techniques and see the remnants of the silver extraction process.
    • Calico Odessa Railroad: A narrow-gauge train ride that offers a scenic tour of the town and the surrounding mining areas, providing insights into the town’s mining history.
  2. Historical Buildings:
    • Lane’s General Store: Restored to its 1880s appearance, this general store offers a variety of souvenirs and historical artifacts.
    • Schoolhouse: A replica of the original schoolhouse where children of miners once studied. It now serves as a museum displaying educational artifacts from the era.
    • Lil’s Saloon: A typical Old West saloon where visitors can enjoy refreshments and imagine the lively atmosphere of Calico during its heyday.
  3. Living History and Reenactments:
    • Gunfight Shows: Regularly scheduled reenactments of gunfights and skirmishes typical of the Wild West, performed by actors in period costumes.
    • Ghost Tours: Evening tours that delve into the spookier side of Calico’s history, sharing ghost stories and legends associated with the town.
  4. Shops and Craft Demonstrations:
    • Blacksmith Shop: Demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing techniques, with the opportunity to purchase handmade metal items.
    • Pottery and Leather Shops: Artisans demonstrate their crafts, offering unique, handmade goods for sale.
  5. Special Events:
    • Calico Days: An annual festival celebrating the town’s history with parades, live music, and old-fashioned games.
    • Ghost Haunt: A Halloween-themed event featuring haunted attractions and spooky activities for all ages.

Natural Surroundings

  • Hiking Trails: Various trails around Calico offer hiking opportunities with views of the desert landscape and remnants of old mining operations.
  • Desert Flora and Fauna: The area is home to unique desert plants and wildlife, complementing the historical attractions.

Visitor Information

  • Accessibility: Calico Ghost Town is easily accessible from major highways and offers ample parking for visitors.
  • Facilities: The site includes picnic areas, restrooms, and camping facilities for those wishing to extend their visit.

Significance

  • Educational Value: Calico Ghost Town serves as an important educational resource, teaching visitors about the history of mining, the lifestyle of early settlers, and the economic forces that shaped the American West.
  • Preservation: The town has been designated a California Historical Landmark and is maintained by the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Calico Ghost Town offers a unique blend of history, entertainment, and education, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich heritage of the Mojave Desert and the American West.