Unearthing History: Explore Cerro Gordo - California's Silver Mining Ghost Town

Cerro Gordo (Spanish for "Fat Hill") is a silver mining ghost town located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.

How long is the road to Cerro Gordo?

Set high in the rugged western slope of the Inyo Mountains, east of Owens Lake, the road to the town is called Cerro Gordo Road. It is 20.27km (12.6 miles) long, running west-east from California State Route 136, near Keeler to White Mountain Talc Road. The first road to the town was a wagon road constructed in July of 1868. You can use a 2 wheel drive until you get to the Cerro Gordo town site. High clearance 4x4 is needed for the road east which is washed out and very rocky. In either direction there are very steep ascents which necessitate low range gears. This route is very remote. The narrow winding gravel road is prone to washouts and rock slides. It climbs rapidly through a corridor through the Inyo Mountains Wilderness and runs along the ridge atop the Inyo Mountains.

Is Cerro Gordo Road worth it?

Tucked away in the Inyo National Forest, in the eastern central part of California it’s a great drive with terrific views to see the living history of Cerro Gordo, a semi-ghost town with a long and often wild history. The drive offers terrific views, wildflowers and historical mining structures. During this trip everyone took tons of photos. Take special care with rattlesnakes.

Is the road to Cerro Gordo open?

Located near Lone Pine, the road tops out at 2.502m (8,208ft) above the sea level. Due to the high elevation, the trail may be closed due to snow. Make sure to check road conditions and do not drive if you think this is unsafe. The road will likely be snow covered between November and April. Chains may be required. The best time to visit is late spring, summer (can be extremely hot) and autumn. Cerro Gordo is open all week (depending on road/weather conditions) from 9 a.m to 4 p.m standard time and 9 a.m to 5 p.m daylight savings time.

Driving to the FAA site near Gordo town

To the north of the town, a short 4x4 road climbs up to a FAA site, at 2.811m (9,222ft) above the sea level. It's 2.89km (1.8 miles) long. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
Pic: James Hatton