If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the Wild West (minus the dysentery and duels), Calico Ghost Town is your golden ticket. Tucked between Barstow and Las Vegas, this dusty little gem is a throwback to California’s silver boom days, and despite its “ghost town” label, it’s anything but lifeless.

Growing up, I remember driving along the 15 freeway with my family on our way to Vegas. Every time we passed that mysterious cluster of old buildings off in the distance, I’d press my face to the car window and wonder what it was like. I wanted to stop so badly, but we never did. It became one of those places that lived in my head like a roadside daydream—until now.

As an adult on a recent road trip, I finally made the decision to pull off the highway and see Calico for myself. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

The town has all the trappings of a forgotten frontier outpost: weathered wooden buildings, creaky boardwalks, and plenty of dusty charm. One of the highlights? The old mine cart ride, where you rattle through dim tunnels like a silver-seeking prospector. It’s short but surprisingly fun—and gives you a little peek into the boomtown chaos of the 1880s, when Calico had over 500 working mines.

Fun fact: Walter Knott—yep, that Knott, of Knott’s Berry Farm fame—bought and restored Calico in the 1950s. He rebuilt many of the structures using original blueprints and used it as the inspiration for the Ghost Town section of his theme park. So if Calico feels familiar, it’s because you’ve probably experienced its Disneyland-adjacent cousin in Buena Park.

Planning Your Visit

Admission is surprisingly affordable: adults get in for $8, kids 4–11 for $5, and the under-four crowd gets in free (prices may vary slightly during events). Parking is easy and plentiful, and once you’re in, you can take your pick of mine tours, historic displays, little museums, and quirky shops.

The best time to go? Fall and spring, hands down. The Mojave Desert doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat, and summer can feel like you’re walking through a hair dryer on high. I visited in October, and not only was the weather perfect, but the whole place was decked out for Halloween. Ghost Town + Halloween = chef’s kiss. They had themed decorations, kid-friendly events, and a fun little spooky overlay that added just the right amount of eerie charm without going full haunted house.

Calico also runs seasonal events throughout the year—think Civil War reenactments, holiday celebrations, and even bluegrass festivals. So if you like your ghost towns with a side of live entertainment, time your visit accordingly.

Final Tip: Don’t Skip EddieWorld

Whether you’re heading back to LA or making a beeline for Vegas, do yourself a favor and swing by EddieWorld before you merge back onto the 15. It’s the kind of over-the-top desert pit stop that only California could pull off—massive soft serve cones, gourmet jerky, sugar overload, and restrooms that feel fancier than most hotels. It’s ridiculous in the best possible way.