Cerro Gordo Ghost Town
STORY BY: Veronica Hill PHOTOS BY: David Lofink
Summary: Little-known gem near the Eastern Sierras dubbed "California's best, true ghost town."
Location: To reach Cerro Gordo California, take Highway 395 to Lone Pine, and exit on Highway 136 toward Keeler. Exit on Cerro Gordo Road, a dirt road that travels 8 miles up to the ghost town.
Price Range: $
Dating back to 1868, the historic Cerro Gordo ghost town is a prime destination for photographers, who can't get enough of its stunning Sierra Nevada sunsets, with beautiful vistas of the Owens Valley and Mount Whitney.
But what really makes Cerro Gordo shine is its fascinating Gold Rush buildings and museum, which has several local artifacts and treasures. Highlights include French perfume bottles, coins, knives and jars. Discovered in 1865, Cerro Gordo mines produced up to $17 million in silver and lead. The finds were transported by a mule train down to Owens Lake, where they boarded the "Bessie Brady" boat to cross the waters. Everything was then shipped on the Remi Nadeau mule team to the Pueblo of Los Angeles.
Dubbed "California's best, true ghost town" by author Phil Varney, Cerro Gordo's historic buildings date between 1868 and 1916.
The Belshaw House, built in 1868, was once home to Mortimer Belshaw, who had his own indoor plumbing and fireplace — both luxuries at the time. The American Hotel, built in 1871, is one of the oldest hotels in California. The bunkhouse, which dates to 1904, has been a popular gathering place for bikers and Jeepers.
Although the Cerro Gordo lodging was once available in the Belshaw House, overnight stays are currently unavailable. The nearest motel accommodations are at Panaminit Springs and Lone Pine, and the nearest campground or RV facilities are at Boulder Creek or Diaz Lake.
Plan to fuel up before the drive, which begins in Keeler at Owens Dry Lake. The nearest gas is in Olancha, Panamint Springs or Lone Pine, and there are no facilities available at Cerro Gordo. The road is usually closed during the winter, when heavy snow falls over the Sierras. Cerro Gordo is located at 8,000 feet, so dress warm.
IF YOU GO
Cost: Admission is free, but donations are requested. Be sure to check in with the caretaker on arrival.
Hours: Cerro Gordo is open only during daylight hours.
Directions: To reach Cerro Gordo California, take Highway 395 to Lone Pine, and exit on Highway 136 toward Keeler. Exit on Cerro Gordo Road, a dirt road that travels 8 miles up to the ghost town. View map.
Call: (760) 876-5030
Web: http://www.cerrogordo.us/
