Between LA And Las Vegas Is California's Ghost Town With Plenty Of Off-Roading Trails

I've made the four-hour road trip from Las Vegas to LA myself, so I know that having a midpoint stop would be an excellent way to make the trek more enjoyable. I wish I had thought to check out the classic western ghost town of Calico, California, which also happens to be the perfect playground if you have a vehicle suited to off-roading. 

Founded in 1881, this former silver mining town located in the Calico Mountains was abandoned by the mid-1890s due to the precious metal losing its value during an economic panic after the Sherman Silver Purchase Act was repealed in 1893. This area is now home to Calico Ghost Town Regional Park, an attraction featuring restored historical buildings, shops, restaurants, camping, hiking, and off-roading. Families can also explore two museums, take a train ride, or try gold panning. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year long, with the exception of Christmas Day.

Calico, California, can be found in the Mojave Desert, so it's no wonder that thrill seekers in search of vast desert terrain find this area appealing. While there are some less intense trails that are ideal for off-roading beginners, you'll also find those that are only appropriate for experts with high-clearance, modified vehicles, so it's important to know the route before you start out.

Let's begin with a trail suitable for stock (standard, unmodified) SUVs with four-wheel drive: Mule Canyon. Rated as an easy option by Truck Brigade, this 10-mile ride will take from one to two hours and bring you past some colorful cliff walls. Those with four-wheel drive and all-terrain tires can try Phillips Loop, a moderate, 10-mile trail that takes two to three hours to complete and features desert vistas. Another moderate option with a similar driving time is Wall Street Canyon, which is great for those who want to see signs of mining history. It isn't uncommon to come across remnants of old mine shafts, abandoned historic structures, and rusted equipment in the Calico area.

Finally, the Doran Scenic Route and Odessa Canyon both fall into a difficult category and require large tires (a minimum of 33 inches), lockers, armor, and recovery gear. These serious climbs include technical challenges, tight canyon walls, and rocky obstacles, increasing the likelihood of vehicle damage and making advanced driving experience non-negotiable. While these trails are similar in length and time to traverse, the Doran Scenic Route has a different feel and an obstacle called the Doran Gatekeeper that challenges even the most expert off-roaders. Drivers can also opt for combining the routes and taking the Odessa Doran Loop.

For those looking for coastal off-roading once they reach the Pacific, this California state park offers off-roading and camping for summer fun at the beach.

Those who want to plan their visit around seasonal offerings should not only take note of Calico California Days, which takes place during Presidents Day weekend in February, but also the various festivals held throughout the year. Calico Spring Jam takes place during Mother's Day weekend and features blues, country, rock, and folk music, along with family games and entertainment, while Calico Days offers historically themed activities like a burro race and parade at the end of September. The fourth quarter of the year brings the Ghost Haunt over the last two weekends of October, when visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, and pumpkin carving, and the Holiday Festival, held annually at the end of November or early December, offers classic favorites like a tree lighting, carolers, and visits with Santa Claus. 

You can also camp in the park, which offers scenic sites for both tents and RVs. Check out the best national parks in California for camping adventures, according to visitors for even more camping options in the Golden State.

Those wanting to land as close to Calico as possible will find that the nearest airports are San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and Ontario International Airport (ONT), both about a 90-minute drive (85 miles and 88 miles away, respectively) to the park, located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo, California. Other options include Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is just over two hours by car at 124 miles. The drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Calico covers about 143 miles. (If your trip does happen to touch LA, the city is also home to one of California's top 10 tourist hot spots worth visiting on your next trip.)