Randsburg

One of the California desert's most interesting ghost towns, Randsburg makes a fun diversion along Highway 395.

This living ghost town, established in 1895 when gold was discovered in the Rand mountains, is home to approximately 80 full-time residents. This number often triples on the weekends, when tourists and off-road enthusiasts flood the former mining town.

Begin your Randsburg Ghost Town visit on Butte Avenue, the main drag, which is home to several surviving Old West buildings and saloons.

Be sure to check out the Whitehouse Saloon (168 Butte Ave., 760-374-2464), which serves up hot dogs, fries, burgers and brews. Situated on the circa-1898 site of Louie's Place (which burnt down during the Fire of 1903), the saloon was rebuilt in 1905. In 1906, it became Dickinson's Saloon — famous for its Eagle Fizz drinks and raucous prize fights. During the early 1900s, brothers H.B. Moses and Emmett Elder purchased the building, renaming it The White House Saloon. Today it remains a popular watering hole for thirsty desert travelers. Though it's usually open most Fridays-Sundays, be sure to call ahead before visiting.

Another popular Randsburg saloon, The Joint (165 Butte Avenue; 760-374-9913), has been in business since the 1950s. Owner and bartender Olga Guyette and her staff are more than happy to share the history of Randsburg with inquisitive travelers, and there are several postings of mining sites, newspaper clippings and photos on the walls.

One of the most popular Randsburg restaurants is the Randsburg General Store (35 Butte Ave., 760-374-2180), built in 1896 as the Randsburg Drug Store. Today, this popular hangout is a huge draw for motorcycle riders who fuel up on their burgers and sandwiches, washed down with a phosphate soda or Black Bart float. The building still has its original tin ceilings, light fixtures and soda fountain, which dates back to 1906.

When it's open, the Randsburg Opera House (26741 Butte Ave., 760-374-1037) is a fun place to visit. On holidays, local thespians like the Gunfighters of the Old West and Red Rock Canyon Gang don period costumes for plays, and the Gold Dust Players perform melodramas about Randsburg's glory days. The space is available for ghost town receptions and special events, complete with a catering menu, wet bar and banquet hall.

The Randsburg Post Office. Photos © 2010 by Veronica Hill

Photo opportunities abound throughout this California ghost town, from The Randsburg Jail, located at the entrance to town, to the Old Randsburg Post Office (31 Butte Ave., 760-374-2143), dating back to 1896.

To learn more about Randsburg gold mining, check out the Randsburg Desert Museum (161 Butte Ave., 760-374-2359 or 760-374-2400), where you'll find Randsburg mining exhibits, Randsburg gold mine memorabilia, historic photos of the Rand Mining Company, and artifacts. It's estimated that Randsburg produced more than $60 million in gold during the boom. One of the most productive gold mines in Randsburg was the Yellow Aster, which produced approximately $25 million in gold between 1895 and 1933.

If you'd like to make a weekend of it, hang your hat at the Randsburg Cottage Hotel (130 Butte Ave., 760-374-2285; randsburgcottagehotel.com) at Goat's Sky Ranch. Take your pick of their cottage and cabins, or their four B&B guest rooms. Amenities include satellite TV, free WiFi, and breakfast/lunch/dinner by request.

A less glamorous, but historic Randsburg hotel, is the Randsburg Inn and Hostel (166 Butte Ave., 760-374-2332 or 760-374-2143). It's located on the site of the

The White House Saloon has hosted thirsty miners since Randsburg's early days.

1897 Orpheum Theater, once a popular haunt for local miners. During its heydey, the Orpheum Theater (also known as Woodward's Dance Hall), played host to dance hall girls, prostitutes and stage plays until it burnt down during the Fire of 1903. Later that year, Marguerite Roberts built the My Place Dance Hall, which operated between 1903 and 1907 as a brothel. It later became The Commercial Hotel in 1922. Roberts is buried in the Old West Cemetery, located above the hills in nearby Johannesburg.

During the summer, Randsburg weather peaks at up to 115 F. In the winter, temperatures drop to below freezing, and at a 3,500-elevation, they sometimes get snow.

One thing to consider — Randsburg literally becomes a ghost town during the week. The best time to visit is on the weekend, when most businesses are operating.

Have you been to Randsburg California? Share your favorite tips for visiting Randsburg Ghost Town below!