To plan your ghost town road trip to Essex, California, take I-40 to Exit 107 and follow the original Route 66 corridor into the Mojave Desert. Essex sits roughly 150 miles from Los Angeles and 200 miles from Las Vegas. You’ll find a surviving post office, railroad history, and Goffs Ghost Town just five miles away. Keep your gas tank full and water supply stocked — services are scarce out here, and there’s far more to uncover ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Essex, California, sits along historic Route 66, accessible via I-40 Exit 107, approximately 150 miles from Los Angeles and 200 miles from Las Vegas.
- Goffs Ghost Town, just 5 miles from Essex, features a preserved Old General Store and old gas station worth exploring.
- Overnight stops near Essex include Needles, CA, 30 miles east, or Barstow, CA, both offering motels and fuel.
- Carry at least one gallon of water per person daily, as Essex and Goffs have no resupply points or services.
- Pack paper maps, a portable battery pack, jumper cables, layered clothing, and non-perishable food for unexpected delays.
Why Essex Belongs on Your Route 66 Ghost Town Road Trip
If you’re planning a Route 66 road trip through California’s Mojave Desert, Essex deserves a spot on your itinerary. This small desert town carries deep ghost town history as one of several railroad water stops the Santa Fe Railroad named alphabetically in the 1800s.
Essex attractions reflect that layered past — from its surviving post office to nearby Goffs Ghost Town just five miles away.
Essex’s surviving post office and nearby Goffs Ghost Town reveal the town’s fascinating, layered desert history.
Essex sits along the original Route 66 corridor, accessible via I-40 at Exit 107, making it an easy detour without costing you significant travel time.
The region’s decline after World War II and the construction of I-40 left these communities frozen in time. If you value raw, unfiltered history and open desert freedom, Essex delivers exactly that.
The Santa Fe Railroad History That Built and Killed These Towns
The towns that make Essex worth visiting didn’t appear by accident — the Santa Fe Railroad built them with a specific purpose in mind. Each settlement served as a water stop along the line, named alphabetically from Amboy through Java. That railroad impact shaped everything: commerce, population, and survival itself.
Then the equation flipped. A massive World War II military base brought temporary growth, but its post-war demolition accelerated town decline across the region.
I-40’s construction delivered the final blow, rerouting traffic away from the original Route 66 corridor and stripping these towns of their last economic lifeline.
What you’re exploring today are the bones of communities that thrived on utility and collapsed when that utility disappeared. The railroad gave them life — and indirectly took it away.
How to Get to Essex on Route 66
Getting to Essex is straightforward whether you’re coming from California or Nevada. From the west, take I-40 and exit at Exit 107, which drops you directly onto the historic Route 66 corridor.
From Nevada, head south on US Route 95 through the Mojave Desert until you connect with I-40. Los Angeles sits roughly 150 miles to the west, while Las Vegas is about 200 miles to the north.
From Nevada, drive south on US Route 95 through the Mojave until you meet I-40.
Once you’re on Route 66, you’ll feel the open desert stretch out around you — exactly the kind of freedom that makes exploring Ghost Towns so rewarding.
Essex itself is a quick drive from Goffs, just 5 miles away, so you can hit both spots without backtracking.
Keep your gas tank full; services out here are nearly nonexistent.
What’s Left to See in Essex Today
Once you’ve pulled off at Exit 107 and rolled into Essex, don’t expect a bustling town — but there’s still enough here to make the stop worthwhile.
The Essex landmarks are sparse but meaningful. A small post office still operates, making it one of the few active fixtures in town. A working railroad yard sits nearby, a quiet reminder of why this desert stop existed in the first place.
These historic remnants connect you directly to the Santa Fe Railroad era, when towns like Essex were essential water stops keeping locomotives running across the Mojave.
Wander the edges of town and you’ll feel the weight of that history. It’s not flashy, but for anyone chasing open roads and forgotten places, Essex delivers exactly what it promises.
Explore Goffs Ghost Town Just 5 Miles Away
Just five miles from Essex, you’ll find Goffs Ghost Town sitting quietly in the open Mojave with no active residents or businesses remaining.
The site’s most notable structure is the Old General Store, along with the ruins of an old gas station that hint at the town’s busier past.
You can reach Goffs easily via the historic Route 66 corridor off I-40, making it a natural add-on to your Essex stop.
Goffs Historic Structures
A mere 5 miles from Essex, Goffs Ghost Town offers one of the Mojave Desert‘s most hauntingly preserved abandoned settlements, where crumbling structures tell the story of a community that time left behind.
You’ll find two standout historic structures worth exploring: the Goffs General Store and a Historic Gas Station, both frozen in a bygone era.
The Goffs General Store stands as the site’s most recognizable landmark, its weathered facade reflecting decades of desert exposure.
The old Historic Gas Station nearby reminds you of the days when Route 66 travelers depended on these stops for survival.
No active businesses remain, so you’re walking through pure, unfiltered history.
Bring water, charge your camera, and let the silence of the Mojave do the storytelling.
Getting To Goffs
Getting to Goffs couldn’t be simpler — it’s only 5 miles from Essex, making it an effortless add-on to your Route 66 ghost town run.
Goffs accessibility is one of its biggest draws; you can reach it via I-40 or cut through the open Mojave on historic Route 66 itself. From Essex, head west and let the desert unfold around you.
For Goffs visitor tips, come prepared — there’s no fuel, food, or water on-site. Bring your own supplies, charge your phone, and let someone know your route.
The roads are navigable in a standard vehicle, so no four-wheel drive is required. Arrive with a full tank, an explorer’s mindset, and you’ll have this remarkable slice of Mojave history entirely to yourself.
The 9-Stop California Ghost Town Route Explained
California’s ultimate ghost town road trip covers 770 miles across 9 stops, stretching from Shasta State Park all the way down to Calico.
You’ll spend 3–6 days cutting through abandoned settlements, open desert, and living history. It’s the kind of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Essex and Goffs sit right in the heart of this route, offering some of the best ghost town photography opportunities in the Mojave.
Each stop tells a story worth exploring:
- Crumbling storefronts frozen in time along Route 66
- Desert silence broken only by wind moving through abandoned structures
- Historical preservation efforts keeping century-old buildings standing
You’re not just driving through California — you’re tracing the bones of communities that built the American West.
How Many Days Should You Budget for This Road Trip?
You’ll want to budget 3 to 6 days for this 770-mile route, depending on how much time you spend exploring each stop.
If you’re pushing through primarily for the scenery and quick photo opportunities, three days can work, but slower travelers who want to absorb the history of places like Essex and Goffs will appreciate the full six.
Plan your daily mileage around 100 to 150 miles to keep the drive manageable while leaving room for unplanned stops along the way.
Trip Duration Breakdown
Whether you’re doing a quick weekend escape or a full desert immersion, this road trip scales well to your schedule. The full 9-stop ghost town route covers 770 miles and works best with 3–6 days of open road ahead of you.
Here’s a rough trip duration breakdown to help you plan:
- 2–3 days: Hit the Mojave stretch fast, covering Essex and Goffs with quick stops at abandoned structures and desert overlooks.
- 4 days: Add deeper exploration of each ghost town, giving yourself time to wander without rushing.
- 5–6 days: Experience the full route at a traveler’s pace, from Shasta State Park down to Calico.
Your schedule, your desert. Move at whatever speed feels like freedom.
Daily Itinerary Planning
Now that you’ve got a feel for how the trip breaks down by time, let’s map out what each day actually looks like on the ground.
Your itinerary highlights should anchor around Essex and Goffs mid-trip, giving you time to explore the ghost town ruins, the old General Store, and the quiet stretch of historic Route 66.
Start strong from Shasta State Park, pushing south through abandoned settlements at a pace that feels natural.
Budget longer stops near the Mojave, where Essex and Goffs reward slow exploration.
Among essential travel tips: hit desert stops early morning to avoid brutal midday heat, carry extra water, and download offline maps.
Cell coverage disappears fast out here.
Nine stops across 770 miles means averaging roughly 130 miles daily — very manageable freedom.
How to Plan Overnight Stops Along the Route 66 Ghost Town Drive
Planning overnight stops on the Route 66 ghost town drive takes some foresight, since Essex and Goffs sit deep in the Mojave Desert with virtually no lodging or commercial services nearby.
Your best overnight accommodations lie outside the ghost town corridor, so plan accordingly before you hit the road.
Consider these options to break up your drive:
- Needles, CA – A small desert town roughly 30 miles east of Essex with motels and fuel
- Barstow, CA – A larger hub west of the route offering overnight accommodations and supplies
- Desert camping – Disperse freely across BLM land surrounding the Mojave, sleeping under open skies with zero crowds
Book ahead or pack your camping gear, because the desert rewards the prepared traveler.
What to Pack for Driving the Mojave Ghost Town Stretch
Once you’ve locked in your overnight stops, the next step is loading your vehicle with the right gear, because the Mojave Desert doesn’t forgive poor preparation.
Desert safety starts with water — carry at least one gallon per person per day. Temperatures swing dramatically between dawn and dusk, so pack layered clothing.
Your packing essentials should include a paper map since cell service disappears fast along Route 66’s ghost town stretch. Bring a portable battery pack, jumper cables, and a basic tool kit.
Sun protection matters too — sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat are non-negotiable. Pack enough non-perishable food for two extra days in case delays hit.
Essex and Goffs offer no resupply points, so self-sufficiency isn’t optional — it’s survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Cell Phone Service Available Along the Route 66 Ghost Town Stretch?
Like pioneers venturing into the unknown, you’ll find cell service reliability is spotty along Route 66’s ghost town history stretch. Don’t count on consistent coverage — embrace the freedom of disconnecting through Essex and Goffs.
Are There Any Entrance Fees to Visit Goffs Ghost Town?
You don’t pay any entrance fees to explore Goffs history firsthand! You’ll freely roam the ghost town attractions, including the iconic General Store ruins and old gas station remnants, making it an accessible, budget-friendly desert adventure.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Essex?
Spring and fall offer you the best weather for exploring Essex’s desert landscape. You’ll avoid scorching summers and freezing winters, and you might catch local events that make your ghost town adventure even more memorable!
Are Pets Allowed at the Ghost Town Sites Along This Route?
With 9 ghost town attractions spanning 770 miles, you’ll want your pet along! Pet-friendly policies aren’t officially regulated at these abandoned sites, so you’re free to bring your furry companion while exploring Essex and Goffs.
Is Essex Accessible for Visitors With Mobility Limitations or Disabilities?
Essex doesn’t offer dedicated wheelchair accessibility or visitor accommodations, as it’s a remote desert ghost town with rugged terrain. You’ll find unpaved roads and limited infrastructure, so plan accordingly if you’re managing mobility limitations.
References
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32360-d3590428-Reviews-Goffs_Ghost_Town-Essex_California.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.es/Attraction_Review-g32360-d3590428-Reviews-Goffs_Ghost_Town-Essex_California.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAhPsdSX4s4
- https://www.theroute-66.com/essex.html
- https://www.visitcalifornia.com/now/california-ghost-towns-road-trip/
- https://th.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32360-d3590428-Reviews-Goffs_Ghost_Town-Essex_California.html
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ca-mojaveghosttowns/
- http://patricktillett.blogspot.com/2013/08/essex-california-route-66-ghost-town.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl2gdUkk-M0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEiWdlOSoiw
