#220 Paramount Ranch

Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has been a Hollywood Movie Ranch since 1927. Paramount Studios purchased this 2,700 acre lot to recreate the old west as well as many foreign countries. Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich are just a few of the Golden Age elite who have filmed here. Wander and listen to the echoes of the past at this living historical site.

 

#183 Randsburg

Gold was discovered in 1895 at the Rand Mine and a camp was soon formed in this remote Mojave Desert enclave. Located near the other boom town of Johannesburg, the two names merged to spell Randsburg. With a population today of about 70, it is a true western ghost town. The famous General Store as well as its charming abandoned sites and sounds make it a must stop along the beautiful Highway 395. 

 

#98 Calico Ghost Town

Founded in 1881 as silver mining town, Calico Ghost Town is now an attraction in the Mojave Desert. In the 1890's when the silver boom declined and borax was discovered, the population soared to 3,500 and became a thriving desert community. This would end by the turn of the century and by 1907 became a true ghost town. Walter Knott, Knott's Berry Farm Mogul, purchased Calico in the 1950's and restored the town into an attraction with authentic and faux restorations.

 

#73 Pioneertown

Pioneertown is a western town outside of Yucca Valley in the Mojave Desert. It was built in the 40's as a living/working movie set for Hollywood Westerns. Roy Rogers & Gene Autry both used the set for films and television. With a population around 350, the town still feels like a western ghost town and makes for a great visit near Joshua Tree National Park.