Most people think of California as being home to stunning beaches, Hollywood celebrities and stunning sunshine – but there is also a dark side.
From ghostly figures to headless friars and ancient cemeteries, these haunted hotspots will leave you terrified. Make sure to bring along your camera and don’t miss a docent-led day or nighttime paranormal tour!
Cerro Gordo
Cerro Gordo (Spanish for “fat mountain”) was once an affluent silver mining town situated between Mount Whitney and Death Valley in North America, producing approximately half a billion dollars worth of silver during its heyday – adjusted for inflation.
In June 2020, the old American Hotel burned to the ground – not only as an inanimate building but as part of history.
Brent Underwood, 33 years old and owner of the town since 2010, is known for his flair in publicity stunts and marketing. As founder of popular hostel HK Austin with extensive background in banking, sales, and marketing. Since acquiring his ghost town property he has become internet famous through YouTube videos as he explores old mine shafts and rebuilds cabins within it – even having plans to reopen his hotel with plans to invest $1.4 million to draw tourists while protecting the site.
Darwin
From haunted rooms to creepy hotels, California has no shortage of ghostly spirits hiding in its shadowy corners. From forgotten souls to decapitated monks, these timeless apparitions have been seen everywhere from old caverns to haunted hotel rooms.
Darwin Smelter Town stands as an unmistakable reminder of Washington state’s mining past, featuring dilapidated buildings with “Do Not Enter” signs. Walking amongst its crumbling structures evokes an eerie feeling as visitors explore its atmospheric Neptune Society Columbarium: Gothic-style building housing thousands of cremated human ashes stored in urns and niches.
At its height in 1875, Darwin boasted five smelters, a hotel, three restaurants and seven saloons. Additionally, gun and knife fights and robberies were not uncommonplace, lending Darwin its legendary status. Perhaps this contributes to its haunted aura?
Bodie
At its height, Bodie was an iconic Wild West boom town. Here industrious gold miners coexisted alongside unscrupulous saloon owners and violent gunfighters in this lawless community situated high up in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Today this former mining town remains preserved but slowly decaying away into history.
Ghost Town visits are like taking a step back in time. Taverns and pool halls still stand, their bottles and balls collecting dust. Some buildings may even date back over 100 years. When exploring on your own or participating in one of the ghost tours, please allow for ample time.
Some haunted houses are believed to be home to permanent ghost residents. At the J.S. Cain House, an apparition of a maid can often be seen and reported as loving children but detesting adults. Meanwhile, at Mendocini House ghouls (supposedly friendly ones) inhabit several rooms; rangers who have spent time there have reported hearing party-like sounds and children’s laughter as they explored.
Calico
Calico used to be a bustling mining town until the silver market collapsed in the 1890s, leaving only ghost towns behind. Yet this park offers fun activities and souvenir shops that make a visit worth your while.
Visitors have reported hearing footsteps and hearing noises they cannot explain, as well as seeing ghostly apparitions. Tumbleweed Harris is said to haunt the boardwalks – often appearing in form of an older man with white beard who visitors report seeing often.
Lucy Lane can often be found strolling around Calico and talking to visitors about its history. Lucy can frequently be found leaning out the windows at schoolhouse and smiling down on visitors; she can also sometimes be found standing behind counters in stores such as Calico General Store and General Store.
