Calico Ghost Town, located at 36600, Ghost Town Road, Yermo, California, is a place where the OHV (off highway vehicle) enthusiast can step back and take a look at history first hand. Calico Ghost Town is actually a town in California that was developed during the silver rush of the 1880’s. By the year 1904 it was a ghost town.
OHVs are allowed to be ridden on “existing open roads” located through the Calico Mountains. Riding on “existing open roads” does not include climbing hills, mud riding in the muddy hill areas or riding across the open desert, all of which are illegal. All OHVs must have either a Red or Green sticker which indicate which months they are registered to be ridden. Helmets must be worn at all times and there is no riding double on the OHVs. There is a speed limit of 35mph that is enforced on all open roads and 15mph or slower in camping areas. Operating an OHV while under the influence is illegal as well as littering. Right-of-way out here is non-motorized vehicles, hikers and horses before any motorized vehicles and jeeps over ATVs or motorcycles. Also, fires must be built in fire rings only.
OHV riders should remember that none of the mines in this are safe because they are not stable and exploring these mines can be dangerous, even life threatening. Also, some of the mines are private property and anyone attempting to explore them can be charged with trespassing.
To get to Calico Ghost Town from Bakersfield, California, which is almost 3 hours away, leave Bakersfield on CA-58 and go to Lenwood, California. From CA-58 and Lenwood, take I-15N on to Barstow, California. In Barstow, stay on I-15N to exit 191 which will take you to Ghost Town Road, where the entrance to Calico Ghost Town is located.
To get to Calico Ghost Town from Needles, California, which is a little over 2 hours away, leave Needles on U.S,-95 and travel on it to I-40W, heading toward Barstow. Get off of I-40W at the Daggett exit and take a right turn on Ast/Daggett-Yerma Road which will become Ghost Town Road. Follow Ghost Town Road to the entrance of the park.
To get to Calico Ghost Town from Long Beach, California, which is a little over 2 hours away as well, leave Long Beach on I-710 heading north. Stay on it to the exit for I-605N and travel on it to the exit for I-10E. Travel on I-10E until you get to I-15N which will go through Victorville, California and Barstow, California and finally on to exit 191, which is the Ghost Town Road exit. Take this exit and stay on Ghost Town Road to the entrance of the park.
For more information on riding Calico Ghost town, go to www.calicotown.com or call 760-254-2122.
