Cerro Gordo- California Ghost Town

[ArmyofMike]

I saw pics on IG of @Michael at Cerro Gordo Ghost Town and it looked awesome! I found it on Gmaps, but wanted to see if any members could share more about it with me? How is the trail? Sleeping overnight? Must Sees/must dos etc.

I am only about 4 hours away out of Fresno, and thought it may make a fun overnight adventure with the kids to some California History.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[Narbob]

I saw pics on IG of @Michael at Cerro Gordo Ghost Town and it looked awesome! I found it on Gmaps, but wanted to see if any members could share more about it with me? How is the trail? Sleeping overnight? Must Sees/must dos etc.

I am only about 4 hours away out of Fresno, and thought it may make a fun overnight adventure with the kids to some California History.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

When we went on the OB trip, we spent the night at Alabama Hills. It's an easy graded road up to Cerro Gordo from Lone Pine. Very cool place to visit and I don't think you can camp there, not positive on this.

 

[Fakawi Tribe]

Sounds like good trip.

 

[VCeXpedition]

I think there's a way to contact the caretaker up there. It is privately owned, but I know he hosts people and groups there overnight.
What @Narbob mentioned is a good way to go, camp at Alabama hills, there's so many options there, and it's a relatively short ride up to Cerro Gordo.
The road up as mentioned is pretty decent, graded but steep and narrow in spots near the top.
Stay for the impromptu tour and be ready to "contribute" something as it is all privately owned and funded, but definitely worth it!
Dan

 

[VCeXpedition]

...and, get the cool sticker. [emoji317]

 

[Narbob]

...and, get the cool sticker. [emoji317]

View attachment 8945

I missed that I think I need to go back.

 

[VCeXpedition]

I missed that I think I need to go back.

Yeah, I don't recall them being there when we went the first time.
I wouldn't have noticed them but another visitor was carrying one around so I poked around and found them!
It's not like they have a gift shop! Although the guy did mention that he had the only garage sale in a ghost town in the U.S.

 

[whatsername13]

I'm planning a trip to the Alabama Hills this weekend and want to check out the Cerro Gordo Mine as well. I know you guys mentioned that the road isn't too bad...do you think it's doable in a 2005 Ford Escape 4WD? It's extremely stock. The 4Runner we usually take on trips like this is currently out of commission, so I'm borrowing my sister's car.

Thanks!
Danielle

(PS I just made an account right now, so I'm new to all this)

 

[Narbob]

I'm planning a trip to the Alabama Hills this weekend and want to check out the Cerro Gordo Mine as well. I know you guys mentioned that the road isn't too bad...do you think it's doable in a 2005 Ford Escape 4WD? It's extremely stock. The 4Runner we usually take on trips like this is currently out of commission, so I'm borrowing my sister's car.

Thanks!
Danielle

(PS I just made an account right now, so I'm new to all this)

You'll be fine, it's all graded road.

 

[VCeXpedition]

I'm planning a trip to the Alabama Hills this weekend and want to check out the Cerro Gordo Mine as well. I know you guys mentioned that the road isn't too bad...do you think it's doable in a 2005 Ford Escape 4WD? It's extremely stock. The 4Runner we usually take on trips like this is currently out of commission, so I'm borrowing my sister's car.

Thanks!
Danielle

(PS I just made an account right now, so I'm new to all this)

Welcome Danielle!
It is steep but graded. I didn't use 4LO on the way up, it should be fine if that car can handle rough/graded steep roads, I don't have any experience in that type of car... do you like your sister? J/K. Moreover, does she like you? J/K...
I did enjoy 4LO going downhill to control my speed a little better. I have a deep respect for high places, so... you know.
You'll enjoy Alabama Hills if you've never been, so many places to camp & explore.
If you like history and have never been to the Manzanita monument/ museum/ visitor center north of Lone Pine, I recommend it.
I also recommend becoming a member of Overland Bound if you've not joined already, although I'm very suspicious of anyplace that will have me as a member.

Dan.

 

[Luxolander]

The extra credit way is taking the Swansea Cerro Gordo road. It will dump you out right at the ghost town. Plan on that route taking you most of the day, so get a early start. Awesome terrain and epic views of the valleys on both sides of the mountain. 4Lo is needed in a few spots.

 

[ArmyofMike]

I would really like to go on the OB planned trip to this area next month, but not sure I can steal away time. I may have to plan a trip her in the spring to check it out. Looks like such a fun adventure!

Anyone have a map of what roads they take to get to Cerro Gordo or around the area?

Thanks
Mike