Ghost Town

Cerro Gordo

Inyo County, CA

Coordinate verified

High Inyo silver-lead boomtown (est. 1865) perched above Owens Lake; once among California's richest mines with a peak population in the thousands. Original buildings, mill ruins, and ridge views of the Sierra and Owens Valley remain; the privately conserved townsite is open daily for day visits with check-in.

Field facts

RegionInyo County, CA
Coordinates36.5377, -117.7950
ARPAArtifacts & structures are protected by federal law (ARPA) — take only photos, leave every relic in place.
Era1865–1940s silver-lead boom
Elevation~8,500 ft townsite
AccessSteep dirt road from Keeler (high-clearance)
StatusPrivate historic site, day visits

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Nearby amenities

Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.

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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.