Ballarat, California – An interesting place in the middle of no where

I first learned of Ballarat California on one of our dirt bike riding trips in the Mojave desert.  On our dirt bike trips we stay in the town of Randsburg which is a living ghost town.

This trip started in Las Vegas and I made the drive through the desert to Trona, California.  The route took me thorough Death Valley National Park.  February is a perfect time of the year to visit this part of the world.  The drive was about five hours with a few stops for food and breaks.  I found a cheap hotel so I could rest for my meetings the following day.  The meeting went as planned and I was headed back to the Las Vegas to catch my flight the following day.  

The drive took me back the way I came through the Searles Valley towards Las Vegas.  One of the first memorable vista of the Panamint Valley.

I was speeding down the lonely road as I could see something on the right side of the road in the distance.  As I approached the objects I realized that it was a group of battered signs.  As I sped past I realized that they were this signs for Ballarat.   And then I realized that this was the ghost town that I wanted to visit on our previous dirt bike trips that we couldn’t make time for. 

I pulled onto the road and stop to look at the vast nothingness that was ahead of me.  All you can see is a dirt road headed straight for the mountain ahead.  

 

History of Ballarat, CA

Ballarat is a small ghost town located in the Panamint Valley of California, in the United States. The town was founded in the late 1800s as a mining camp during the height of the California Gold Rush.

The town was named after Ballarat, a city in Australia that was famous for its gold mines. Like many other mining towns in California, Ballarat had a boom-and-bust cycle, with the population rising and falling in response to the fortunes of the mining industry.

Ballarat reached its peak population of around 500 in the early 1900s, but began to decline after the gold mines began to play out. The town experienced a brief revival during the 1920s, when it became a supply center for miners in the nearby area.

In the 1930s, Ballarat gained a measure of notoriety when it became the home of Charles Manson and his “Family.” Manson and his followers lived in an abandoned ranch near the town, and it was there that they plotted the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969.

Today, Ballarat is a popular tourist destination for people interested in ghost towns and the history of the American West. Visitors can explore the abandoned buildings and mining equipment that still dot the landscape, as well as learn about the colorful characters who once called the town home

When I arrived in Ballarat it was just after noon.  I had a few minutes to drive around to see what was there before I started back on my drive to Las Vegas. 

The View Back To The Road

 California is home to many ghost towns that offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history. Here are the top 10 ghost towns in California:

1. Bodie – Bodie is one of the most famous ghost towns in California, and it’s a designated National Historic Landmark. Located in Mono County, Bodie was a gold-mining town that once had a population of over 10,000 people.

2. Calico – Located in San Bernardino County, Calico is a former silver-mining town that was founded in 1881. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that offers historic buildings, museums, and a ghost town experience.

3. Cerro Gordo – Cerro Gordo is a former mining town located in the Inyo Mountains. Founded in 1865, the town once had a population of over 4,000 people. Today, it’s a popular destination for ghost town enthusiasts and history buffs.

4. Darwin – Darwin is a former mining town located in Inyo County. The town was founded in 1877 and was once a bustling community with a population of over 3,000 people. Today, it’s a ghost town with many historic buildings still standing.

5. Rhyolite – Rhyolite is a former mining town located in Nye County, Nevada, just over the California border. The town was founded in 1905 and was once a booming community with a population of over 10,000 people. Today, it’s a well-preserved ghost town with many historic buildings and attractions.

6. Ballarat – Ballarat is a former mining town located in Inyo County. The town was founded in 1897 and was home to many gold prospectors. Today, it’s a ghost town with a few historic buildings still standing.

7. Panamint City – Panamint City is a former mining town located in Inyo County. The town was founded in 1873 and was once a thriving community with a population of over 2,000 people. Today, it’s a ghost town with many historic buildings and a rich history.

8. Swansea – Swansea is a former mining town located in Inyo County. The town was founded in 1869 and was home to many silver miners. Today, it’s a ghost town with a few historic buildings still standing.

9. Keeler – Keeler is a former mining town located in Inyo County. The town was founded in 1872 and was once a booming community with a population of over 2,000 people. Today, it’s a ghost town with a few historic buildings still standing.

10. Goldfield – Goldfield is a former mining town located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, just over the California border. The town was founded in 1902 and was once a bustling community with a population of over 20,000 people. Today, it’s a well-preserved ghost town with many historic buildings and attractions.

These are just a few of the many ghost towns located in California, each with their own unique history and attractions. If you’re a fan of history or just looking for a unique adventure, exploring these ghost towns can be a fascinating experience.