10 Hidden Towns Buried Deep in the Heart of the Mojave Desert
Deep in the heart of the Mojave Desert, hidden towns tell stories of resilience, history, and breathtaking isolation. Scattered among sun-scorched landscapes and rugged terrain, these remote gems offer a glimpse into a world where time moves a little slower and adventure is always just around the corner.
Max Tour highlights the Mojave Desert as a place rich in natural and historical treasures, from ancient petroglyphs and abandoned ghost towns to unique rock formations and hidden waterfalls. Here are 10 hidden towns buried deep in the heart of the Mojave desert.
Kelso, California
Nestled in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, Kelso offers a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. Once a bustling railroad town with a population of 2,000 during its 1940s peak, Kelso now stands as a well-preserved ghost town centered around the beautifully restored Kelso Depot.
Built in 1924 in the Spanish Mission Revival style, the depot now serves as a visitor center, welcoming over 200,000 annual visitors to explore its exhibits on local history and ecology. The town’s strategic location as a “helper station” for trains climbing the nearby 2,000-foot Cima Grade made it a crucial stop on the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad.
Visitors can witness about 20 to 25 freight trains passing through daily, offering a tangible connection to Kelso’s railroad heritage.
Amboy, California
Once a thriving oasis along the iconic Route 66, Amboy now stands as a captivating time capsule of mid-20th century Americana. Founded in 1858 and established as a railroad town in 1883, Amboy reached its heyday in the 1940s with a population of 800 and the famous Roy’s Motel and Café serving as a beacon for weary travelers.
Amboy continues to draw thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its perfectly preserved Route 66 architecture and the recently restored neon sign at Roy’s. The nearby Amboy Crater, a 250-foot-high volcanic cinder cone designated as a National Natural Landmark, offers a stark reminder of the region’s geological history.
Nipton, California
Tucked away on the edge of the Mojave National Preserve, Nipton stands as a unique experiment in sustainable desert living. Founded in 1905 as a mining camp, this tiny town has reinvented itself as an eco-tourism destination powered entirely by solar energy since 2010.
The historic Nipton Hotel, built in 1910, offers visitors a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern amenities powered by the desert sun. Point2Homes reports that Nipton has 12 residents.
Nipton’s commitment to sustainability extends to its innovative use of desert resources, including plans for hemp cultivation and eco-friendly lodging options. Despite its small size, Nipton attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its blend of Old West charm and forward-thinking environmental practices.
Shoshone, California
Situated at the gateway to Death Valley National Park, Shoshone offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and rich history. This tiny town punches well above its weight in terms of attractions, including the Shoshone Museum, which chronicles the area’s Native American heritage and mining history. The World Population Review reports that Shoshone’s population in 2024 is 27
The nearby Shoshone Caves, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, provide a cool respite from the desert heat and a glimpse into the region’s geological past. Shoshone’s natural hot springs, long valued for their therapeutic properties, continue to draw visitors seeking relaxation in the heart of the Mojave.
Tecopa, California
Named after a Paiute Indian chief, Tecopa has long been known for its natural hot springs and unique desert ecosystem. With a population of just 150, this tiny oasis attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its mineral-rich hot springs said to have healing properties.
The nearby Tecopa Mud Baths, formed by the interaction of hot spring water with desert clay, offer a one-of-a-kind spa experience in the heart of the Mojave. Data USA reports that in 2022, Tecopa, CA, had 187 residents, a median age of 67.4, and a median household income of $31,563.
Tecopa’s location near the Amargosa River, one of only three rivers in the world that flow north for their entire length, makes it a crucial habitat for several endangered species, including the Amargosa vole. Despite its remote location, Tecopa has become a popular destination for stargazers, offering some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Goldfield, Nevada
Nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Goldfield is a captivating semi-ghost town that once boasted a population of 20,000 during its gold rush heyday in the early 1900s. This living ghost town offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s rich mining history.
The town’s centerpiece, the imposing Goldfield Hotel, built in 1908, is rumored to be haunted and attracts paranormal enthusiasts from around the world. Data USA reports that in 2022, Goldfield, NV, had 212 residents, a median age of 58.5, and a median household income of $45,000.
Goldfield’s well-preserved historic district features several original buildings, including the 1907 Esmeralda County Courthouse, which still functions as a government building. Visitors can explore the town’s colorful past at the Goldfield Historical Society, which offers guided tours and houses a collection of over 1,000 artifacts from the town’s golden era.
Trona, California
Trona, a small unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, serves as the gateway to one of the most surreal landscapes in the Mojave Desert – the Trona Pinnacles. These otherworldly formations consist of more than 500 tufa spires, some towering as high as 140 feet, rising from the bed of the Searles Lake basin. The Pinnacles, formed underwater 10,000 to 100,000 years ago, have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.
Visitors can explore this National Natural Landmark via a 5-mile dirt road, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and even camping under the starry desert sky. Despite its remote location, the Trona Pinnacles attract thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its unique geological features and cinematic history.
Goffs, California
Goffs, a tiny hamlet along historic Route 66, has transformed itself into a living museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Eastern Mojave Desert. The Goffs Cultural Center, operated by the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, features a meticulously restored 1914 schoolhouse that now houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
The Victorville Daily Press reports that Goffs, with a population of around 20, boasts a rich railroad and military history. Spread across 75 acres, the outdoor museum showcases over 20 historic structures and thousands of mining, ranching, and railroad artifacts.
The annual Goffs Campout, held every October, attracts history enthusiasts and Route 66 aficionados from across the country, celebrating the area’s unique heritage. Despite its small size, Goffs plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing the often-overlooked stories of the Mojave Desert’s past.
Chloride, Arizona
Tucked away in the Cerbat Mountains of northwestern Arizona, Chloride is a former silver mining town that has reinvented itself as a quirky artist community. Founded in 1863, Chloride was once the largest silver mining camp in Arizona, with a population of 5,000 at its peak. The town has embraced its artistic side, featuring colorful murals, eccentric sculptures, and unique art installations scattered throughout its dusty streets.
The highlight of Chloride’s artistic offerings is Roy Purcell’s famous “Chloride Murals,” a series of vibrant paintings on granite boulders created in 1966 and restored in 2006. Visitors can explore the town’s mining history at the Silver King Mine Museum, which houses a collection of original mining equipment and artifacts.
Caliente, Nevada
Nestled in a valley surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, Caliente is a charming railroad town that offers a perfect blend of history and outdoor recreation. The town’s centerpiece is the beautifully restored Mission Revival-style Caliente Railroad Depot, built in 1923, which now serves as City Hall and an art gallery.
Data USA reports that in 2022, Caliente, NV, had 840 residents, a median age of 43.9, and a median household income of $36,400.
Caliente serves as a gateway to some of Nevada’s most spectacular outdoor destinations, including Cathedral Gorge State Park and the Highland Range Wilderness. The town’s name, meaning “hot” in Spanish, comes from the natural hot springs in the area, which have been attracting visitors for centuries.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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