Ghost Towns Accessible by ATV in The Mountain West

You’ll discover some of the Mountain West’s most authentic ghost towns by firing up your ATV and heading into remote canyons, high-altitude mining camps, and desert valleys where abandoned settlements tell stories of boom-and-bust cycles from the 1800s. From California’s Mojave Desert silver boomtown of Calico to Colorado’s alpine mining camps above 11,000 feet, these accessible trails lead you through preserved Victorian buildings, original mine shafts, and crumbling foundations. Each destination offers unique adventures that’ll transport you back to America’s wild mining frontier.

Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 Calico Ghost Town: Mojave Desert Gold Rush Adventures

3 Bayhorse Ghost Town: Idaho’s Silver Mining Heritage Trail

4 Silver City Ghost Town: Preserved 1860s Mining Settlement

5 Black Hills Ghost Towns: South Dakota’s Extensive Trail Network

6 Colorado High Country Ghost Towns: Alpine Mining Camps

7 Frequently Asked Questions

7.1 What Safety Equipment Is Required for ATV Ghost Town Tours?

7.2 Do I Need an ATV License or Permit to Ride These Trails?

7.3 What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Mountain Ghost Towns?

7.4 Are There Age Restrictions for ATV Riders on Ghost Town Trails?

7.5 Can I Bring My Own ATV or Must I Rent One?

8 References

Key Takeaways

Black Hills offers 3,800 miles of ATV trails accessing ghost towns like Alta, Apex, and Galena across 1.2 million acres.
Colorado’s alpine ghost towns including Animas Forks at 11,200 feet elevation provide high-country ATV adventures through mining camps.

Bayhorse Ghost Town in Idaho features challenging ATV trails through rugged Yankee Fork region with accessible mine shafts.
Calico Ghost Town in California’s Mojave Desert offers prime off-road access to 500 former mine sites and tunnels.
Silver City in New Mexico provides ATV exploration of 1860s mining settlements with preserved Victorian buildings and foundations.

Calico Ghost Town: Mojave Desert Gold Rush Adventures

When you fire up your ATV and head into California’s Mojave Desert, Calico Ghost Town stands as one of the most accessible and rewarding destinations for off-road adventurers seeking authentic Wild West history.

You’ll discover a silver boomtown that produced over $20 million in ore from 500 mines during its 1880s heyday. The town’s mining history comes alive as you explore the Maggie Mine’s 1,000-foot public tunnels and examine dozens of mine pits scattered throughout the surrounding hills.

Today’s Calico attractions include five original buildings, false-front stores, and period saloons that transport you back to California’s silver rush era. The town reached its peak population of 2,500 residents in 1884 before silver prices caused its eventual decline.

Located just three miles north of Interstate-15 at 2,283 feet elevation, you’ll find this restored ghost town perfectly positioned for desert exploration adventures. The town operates daily hours from 9 AM to 5 PM, making it convenient for day-trip adventures.

Bayhorse Ghost Town: Idaho’s Silver Mining Heritage Trail

Hidden deep within Idaho’s rugged Yankee Fork region, Bayhorse Ghost Town offers ATV enthusiasts a challenging ride to one of the state’s most authentic silver mining sites.

You’ll navigate rocky trails to reach this remote canyon settlement at 6,000 feet elevation, where Bayhorse history comes alive through preserved structures and interpretive displays.

The town’s mining legacy produced over $10 million in silver and lead between 1877-1915.

You’ll discover:

Original stamp mill foundations crushing ore around the clock
Charcoal kiln remains fueling the massive smelting operations
Wells Fargo building where miners collected their silver earnings
Ramshorn Mine shafts penetrating deep into mountainside veins

Now protected as part of Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, you can explore freely while experiencing authentic Wild West mining heritage. A devastating fire in 1889 destroyed many of the town’s original structures, leaving behind the haunting remains visible today. The Bureau of Land Management manages the site with specific visitation guidelines to ensure both accessibility and preservation of this historic location.

Silver City Ghost Town: Preserved 1860s Mining Settlement

Unlike many ghost towns that surrendered to time’s relentless march, Silver City stands as New Mexico’s oldest incorporated community, where your ATV adventure leads to a living piece of 1870s mining history still thriving today.

You’ll discover Silver City’s mining heritage through Victorian brick buildings that survived devastating floods and fires. The legendary 1895 flood carved Big Ditch, a 55-foot gorge that still cuts through Main Street, forcing businesses to use back entrances.

Your exploration reveals Chihuahua Hill‘s adobe foundations and the reconstructed La Capilla chapel, connecting you to Mexican miners who settled here in the 1880s. The 1880 census showed that 58% of Silver City’s population was Mexican or of Mexican descent, primarily from Chihuahua, Mexico.

Operating under its original 1878 territorial charter, this resilient town of 10,000 residents offers authentic frontier character without sacrificing modern accessibility near three million acres of Gila Wilderness. Silver City has earned recognition as a Preserve America Community since 2006, reflecting its commitment to protecting cultural and natural heritage.

Black Hills Ghost Towns: South Dakota’s Extensive Trail Network

Spanning 1.2 million acres across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, the Black Hills deliver an unparalleled ATV experience with over 3,800 miles of trails and roads weaving through dramatic canyons, windswept plains, and towering rock formations.

You’ll discover ghost towns scattered throughout this wilderness, each telling stories of frontier determination and gold rush dreams.

Trail access opens doors to historical significance at every turn:

Alta, Apex, and Argyle Ghost Towns – ride directly to weathered structures via designated ATV routes
Galena’s 140-year-old relics – explore Sarah Campbell’s former mining claim through favored local trails
Camp Crook’s submerged remains – witness history beneath Pactola Lake’s 150-foot depths

Bear Gulch and Black Fox settlements – navigate multi-use paths to hidden mining remnants

You’re free to explore authentic Western heritage where adventure meets history. Always respect private property boundaries and follow all Forest Service regulations when accessing these historical sites. The region features 11 reservoirs and 30 campgrounds providing convenient base camps for multi-day ghost town expeditions.

Colorado High Country Ghost Towns: Alpine Mining Camps

When you venture into Colorado’s high country, you’ll encounter some of America’s most spectacular alpine ghost towns, where mining camps once thrived at breathtaking elevations above 8,000 feet.

Your ATV opens access to remote settlements like Animas Forks, perched at 11,200 feet in the San Juan Mountains along the Alpine Loop’s challenging terrain.

Vicksburg exploration takes you through steep Clear Creek Canyon north of Buena Vista, where original prospectors’ poplar trees still line abandoned streets.

You’ll discover Winfield’s preserved log buildings nearby, including the Ball Cabin museum showcasing historic artifacts. These sites require careful exploration due to unsafe buildings and deteriorating structures that pose risks to visitors.

Southeast of Walden, Teller City history unfolds through dense forests where nearly 30 saloons once served hundreds of miners. These remote locations provide historical insights into Colorado’s Wild West era and the legendary figures who shaped the region.

Alta’s National Register buildings near Telluride complete your high-altitude adventure through Colorado’s richest mining heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Safety Equipment Is Required for ATV Ghost Town Tours?

You’ll need DOT-approved helmets, eye protection, gloves, boots, and long clothing as essential safety gear. Pack first aid kits and tools for traversing unpredictable trail hazards around remote ghost towns.

Do I Need an ATV License or Permit to Ride These Trails?

You’ll absolutely need riding permissions since five western states require different ATV regulations and permits ranging from $10-$25. Each state’s licensing requirements vary, so research your destination’s specific permit before hitting those backcountry ghost town trails.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Mountain Ghost Towns?

Summer adventures offer perfect access with dry trails and extended daylight, while fall foliage creates stunning backdrops with stable weather. You’ll find mid-July through early October ideal for exploring remote ghost towns.

Are There Age Restrictions for ATV Riders on Ghost Town Trails?

Yes, age limits vary dramatically across ghost town trails. You’ll face rider guidelines from 10 years minimum in Colorado’s Gunnison area to 25+ requirements at Wyoming’s Kirwin and California’s Calico destinations.

Can I Bring My Own ATV or Must I Rent One?

Like a pioneer claiming their own horse, you’re free to bring your personal ATV to ghost town trails. ATV rentals aren’t mandatory—ride your own machine across these rugged landscapes and explore abandoned settlements independently.