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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaGhost Towns
Bodie Ghost Town California

Ghost Towns Road Trip

San Francisco - Shasta - Grass Valley - North Bloomfield - Carson City - Bodie - Bishop - Trona - Randsburg - Calico - Los Angeles

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Ghost Towns Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km1,881 h/stage2.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Ghost Towns Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 946EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,060EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,600EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 648EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 1,430EUR eat & more 1,296EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,064EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,712EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,080EUR drive & more 463EUR sleep & more 2,376EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,567EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,647EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 513EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,037EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,737EUR
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Ghost Towns Road Trip Itinerary

Take a journey through the past on the Ghost Towns Road Trip! Beginning in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles, this 1881 km journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting ghost towns in the United States. Start with Shasta, a former gold mining camp, then travel to North Bloomfield, a site of an old hydraulic mining town. Next, visit Bodie, a town that has been frozen in time since the late 1800s, then take a stop in Trona, a former Borax mining town. Finally, end your journey in Calico, a former silver mining town. The best time to take this road trip is in the spring or summer when the temperatures are mild and the roads are clear. Along the way, you will be greeted with stunning landscapes and excellent road conditions. However, be aware that seasonal road closures due to weather conditions may occur and some roads may be curvy. This road trip provides a unique experience and memories that will last a lifetime. It is suitable for every driver and can be managed with a high budget. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on the Ghost Towns Road Trip!
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,881 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START San Francisco

Distance 1,881 km Driving time 23.1 h Pace: fast 564.4 kWh Airports SFO
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San Francisco is a great starting point for the Ghost Towns Road Trip. With its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, beautiful waterfront and amazing views of the bay, it's sure to make your trip unforgettable. The international airport closest to San Francisco is the San Francisco International Airport (IATA code: SFO) and car rentals are available there. Once you have your car, you can start exploring the city. Don't miss out on walking the Golden Gate Bridge, taking a ride on the cable cars, and visiting Alcatraz Island. There are also a number of unique museums and attractions in the city, such as the Cable Car Museum, the De Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. If you're looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems in San Francisco as well. Take a stroll through the Mission District for some of the city's best street art, or visit the Haas-Lilienthal House for a glimpse of the city's Victorian past. No matter what you choose to do, San Francisco is sure to be the perfect starting point for your Ghost Towns Road Trip.

1 San Francisco - Shasta

Distance 377 km Driving time 4.0 h Pace: fast 113.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Welcome to the San Francisco to Shasta road trip! This is one of the most beautiful and interesting road trips you can take in the United States. Starting in San Francisco, you'll drive 234 miles, with a total driving time of fewer than 4 hours. Along the way, you'll be treated to some of the most picturesque landscapes, stunning historical sites, and scenic roads in the country. You'll start your journey in the vibrant city of San Francisco, full of iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf. From there, you'll drive through the picturesque Napa Valley and the rolling hills of the Sacramento Valley. As you make your way to Shasta, you'll be treated to some of the most spectacular views of Mount Shasta, the largest volcano in the Cascade Range. Once you arrive in Shasta, you'll be able to explore the many natural wonders of the area. You can take a hike up to the top of Mount Shasta, visit the Shasta Dam and the Shasta Lake, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from San Francisco to Shasta!

2 Shasta - Grass Valley

Distance 243 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 73.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Embark on a road trip from Shasta to Grass Valley, a journey of 151 miles that will take you less than 3 hours. This route takes you through the beautiful Redding, and you'll be able to explore the best of all three locations. Start your journey in Shasta, a city surrounded by breathtaking nature. Here, you can explore the Shasta State Historic Park, the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and the Shasta Dam. Next, you'll drive through Redding, the largest city in the region. Here, you'll find a variety of attractions, including the Sundial Bridge, the Turtle Bay Museum, and the Waterworks Park. Finally, you'll arrive in Grass Valley, a city known for its rich history and natural beauty. Here, you can explore the Empire Mine State Historic Park, the Grass Valley Museum, and the Nevada County Fairgrounds. This is just one of the many stages of a larger road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, hop in your car and start your journey!

3 Grass Valley - North Bloomfield

Distance 53 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 13.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip through the Sierra Nevada foothills? Start your adventure in Grass Valley and head towards Empire Mine State Park, where you can explore the ruins of the oldest, largest, and richest gold mine in California. Continue your journey through the stunning Nevada City, a charming, historic Gold Rush town. Finally, end your trip in North Bloomfield, a small town with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The total distance of this road trip is 33 miles, and it will take you less than an hour to complete. Make sure to keep an eye out for the scenic roads that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes the Sierra Nevada has to offer. Visit Empire Mine State Park to explore the historic gold mine and take a walk through the scenic grounds. Nevada City is full of historic buildings, unique shops and restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities. North Bloomfield is a great place to go hiking, fishing, and camping. This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip through the Sierra Nevada foothills!

4 North Bloomfield - Carson City

Distance 201 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 60.4 kWh View map Itinerary
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Embark on a 125mi journey through the beautiful scenery of North Bloomfield, United States to Lake Tahoe and Carson City! With fewer than 3 hours of driving time, this road trip is perfect for a short getaway. Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the opportunity to explore the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. As you drive, keep an eye out for the steep ramps and winding roads. Some sections may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check the route before you go. Don't forget to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the lake, the mountains, and the lush forests. For a longer trip, you can explore the nearby towns, where you can find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites. For more information about attractions, restaurants, and other activities, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

5 Carson City - Bodie

Distance 164 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 49.2 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road interesting  historic site
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Ready for a fun and exciting road trip? Start your journey in Carson City, United States, and make your way to Bodie, a 102mi drive that will take you less than 3 hours. As you make your way to Bodie, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and scenic roads. You'll be sure to find plenty of things to do in Carson City and Bodie, from visiting the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City to exploring the Bodie State Historic Park, a preserved ghost town from the 1800s. You can also stop by the Genoa Courthouse Museum, the oldest courthouse in Nevada, and the Genoa Bar, the oldest bar in Nevada. And don't forget to take a walk through the Genoa Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Nevada. With so much to see and do, you'll never be bored on this road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

6 Bodie - Bishop

Distance 142 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: fast 42.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from the historic gold-mining town of Bodie to the picturesque town of Bishop! The 88 mile drive will take you less than two hours, and you'll be able to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. As you drive, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views of the Owens Valley and the White Mountains, and keep an eye out for the occasional wild mustang! Once you arrive in Bodie, take a step back in time and explore the well-preserved buildings from the town's gold-mining heyday. You can also visit the Bodie State Historic Park to learn about the town's history and take a stroll around the grounds. From Bodie, make your way to Bishop, where you can explore its charming downtown area, take a walk along the Owens River, or visit the Laws Railroad Museum. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a memorable experience. Be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Happy travels!

7 Bishop - Trona

Distance 289 km Driving time 4.0 h Pace: fast 86.6 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road
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Are you ready for the ultimate road trip adventure? Start your journey in Bishop, United States and make your way to Ballarat and then to Trona in a few hours. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to explore some of the most interesting places in these locations. The 179mi drive will take less than 4 hours and you’ll be able to admire the breathtaking views of the scenic road. Make sure to take some pictures! When you reach Ballarat, take some time to explore the historic sites and monuments. Don’t forget to visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. As you continue your journey to Trona, you can take a break at the Fossil Falls and explore the area. At the end of your journey, you’ll reach the desert town of Trona. Here, you can explore the nearby attractions such as the Pinnacles, the Trona Pinnacles and the Searles Lake. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. Have a great trip!

8 Trona - Randsburg

Distance 64 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 19.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip? Start your journey in Trona, and take a 40mi drive to Randsburg. On your way, you will be presented with some of the most stunning views. From the rolling hills to the desert landscape, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for the unique rock formations that line the road. Once you arrive in Randsburg, you will be able to explore the area's rich mining history. Visit the Randsburg Museum and learn about the town's past. You can also take a stroll through the historic downtown area and admire the old buildings. This stage of your road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Take some time to admire the scenery and explore the area. For more information about attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

9 Randsburg - Calico

Distance 119 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 35.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for a thrilling journey from Randsburg to Calico, a distance of 74 miles that can be covered in fewer than 2 hours. Along the way, you will come across some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning golden hills and the bright blue skies. Once you reach Calico, you will be able to explore the old-west ghost town that has been preserved since the late 1800s. Here, you can stroll through the streets and admire the original buildings, including the historic schoolhouse, the Calico Print Shop, and the Calico Saloon. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a ride on the Calico & Odessa Railroad, which is a replica of an old-fashioned steam engine. You can also take a guided tour of the Calico Mine Company, where you can learn about the history of the area's mining operations. Don't forget to stop at the Calico Ghost Town Campground, where you can camp under the stars and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the area. Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

10 Calico - Los Angeles

Distance 229 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 68.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for a memorable road trip from Calico to Los Angeles? This 142mi drive will take you fewer than 3 hours, and you’ll be able to take in some amazing sights along the way. Your first stop should be in Calico Ghost Town, a former mining town that has been preserved as a living history museum. Explore the old buildings and learn about the town’s history. Then, take a stroll through the surrounding hills and enjoy the spectacular views. Continue your journey to Los Angeles, and make sure to stop at the San Bernardino National Forest. Here, you can take in the majestic views of the mountains and forests, and explore the trails and campgrounds. Your last stop should be in Los Angeles. Visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and take a tour of the city’s many attractions. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!

  Los Angeles

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Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is the ultimate destination of the "Ghost Towns Road Trip". Located in the sunny state of California, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks. From the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory to the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles is a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable vacation. The best way to explore Los Angeles is by car. The city is spread out over 469 square miles, and there's no better way to experience its beauty than by taking a road trip. From the Hollywood Hills to the Santa Monica Mountains and the beaches of Malibu, the Los Angeles area is home to some of the best scenic drives in the country. When you're done exploring, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood for a behind-the-scenes look at movie and TV production, or explore the many museums, galleries, and theaters of the city's vibrant art scene. For those flying into Los Angeles, the closest international airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From there, you can rent a car and begin your "Ghost Towns Road Trip" adventure. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure or just a relaxing getaway, Los Angeles has something for everyone.

Ghost Towns Road Trip at a glance

We believe that the presented road trip idea gave you multiple inspirations for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a base that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting highlights.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to remember to turn your adventure into pure pleasure. These tips will also become useful for drivers who are interested in hiring a car or camper hire in California.
When you’re sightseeing around California, you should remember about the local road regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs while sightseeing in a car. Holidaymakers should remember that the allowed consumption limit is low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed around the city. In undeveloped areas, tourists can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. In California, you can travel at the permissible speed of 129km/h on motorways. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit to increase your safety.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. The answer is easy as it depends on the budget option that you choose. A wide range of budget possibilities is showed below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest offer to cover the planned 11 stages while travelling around California, it can equal as much as 250 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost tourists more or less 946 EUR. You should also take into consideration the fact that you will spend around 864 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay around 540 EUR if they go for the budget rental car offer as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from about 2,060 EUR to around 2,600 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 338 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs may amount up to roughly 1,430 EUR. On food and restaurants within the standard range of services, you will have to spend about 1,296 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car should expect a cost of about 648 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 3,712 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle hire and 3,064 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 5,647 EUR for holidayers who are considering car rental and 3,064 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 1,080 EUR. In the premium option of the tour, you have to spend the maximum of 463 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the trip. You should expect to pay approximately 1,728 EUR for restaurants and food and approximately 2,376 EUR for accommodation options if you are interested in the top standard of services during your tour.
Our road trip will also be excellent for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs. If you choose this travel mode, you will pay up to approximately 2,700 EUR. You will spend more or less 513 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidayers who will go for camper hire should expect to pay around 660 EUR for accommodation and roughly 864 EUR for expenses connected with food.
All of the details connected with costs are available in the Road Trip Costs section.
The part of California presented in our adventure idea is most enjoyable between January and December. If Ghost Towns Road Trip has inspired you, check out other interesting road adventures that we offer on our website. Hopefully, the broad spectrum of road trips will surely come up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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