The southern United States is full of amazing ghost towns for any ghost town hunter to explore. The state of California holds many of these majestic old towns, and San Bernadino County is a great place to find quite a few of these. Below are a few ghost towns that seem to get overlooked, but do offer some great photo opportunities for every fan of the old west.
Belleville Ghost Town
If you find yourself near Big Bear Lake, then about 8 miles north you will find an old ghost town by the name of Belleville. The original hanging tree still remains with many branches missing. The reason for the missing branches, is that every time there was a hanging, that branch of the tree was cut down. Many graves still remain, and there is also some mining shafts and equipment still around. Belleville is essentially a gold mining town and there is little else one will find here. There was a cabin, but remains are only left there today. Supposedly one can find gold still in the surrounding rivers, but most of these locations are on private property. The best time to visit Belleville is in the late spring and summer, as snow is frequent in the winter. For an added note, parts of the film Paint Your Wagon were filmed here.
Earp Town
For fans of Wyatt Earp, you may have an interest in visiting Earp which is on state route 62, and is two miles west of Parker near the border of Arizona. Wyatt Earp lived here for some time, but all that seems to be still in the area is a Post Office that was built in 1920. There is probably not a ton of things still left from his time here, but you can always say you visited Earp, California.
Kelso Ghost Town
Kelso, about 37 miles southwest of Baker exit on the I-15, was famous for its own post office and train depot which are still standing today. Soon, Kelso became known for having gold and silver, and thus mines were erected and people came in prospects of gold. A few of the mines can still be found. Kelso has little more to offer then the two main structures and a few mines, but is worth a visit if in the area. The best time to visit Kelso is in the spring, fall, and winter.
Ludlow Ghost Town
Ludlow, east of Barstow out off the 40, offers a few remaining sites for eager ghost town hunters. It is still in working order today complete with a café, general store, old houses, and cemetery. There are even the modern conveniences such as gas stations and a motel. Ludlow is an old railroad mining town with a ton of history and enough remaining buildings to back it up. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall.
These are just a few of the many ghost towns found throughout San Bernadino County. So grab your camera, and head off to a great adventure much like the loved times of the old west.
