Calico Ghost Town is halfway between Barstow and Yermo, north of Barstow near I-15. The address of Calico Ghost Town Regional Park is 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo, CA 92398. These provide two complementary points of reference when choosing a location: the park’s specific address in Yermo and Calico’s location between the two towns.
Silver Mining and a Restored Townscape
Calico was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. In the 1950s, Walter Knott bought the town and restored its architecture, with the exception of the five original buildings, to reflect the appearance of the 1880s. The dates mark different chapters: the mid-1890s refer to the town’s abandonment, while the 1880s describe the later restoration’s target period. Calico thus combines the history of silver mining with a townscape that was later modeled on an earlier era.
Train Ride and Mountain Biking Trails
The Calico Odessa Railroad adds a ride of about eight minutes to this history. It goes around a hill to historic sites and mining equipment, with historical information provided along the way. The railway was established in Calico in 1958 and has operated regularly ever since, but service may be suspended due to weather or technical issues. Check the schedule before your visit if you plan to include the train ride. The approximately eight minutes refers to the ride, not the total visit, and provides a specific point of reference for planning your time. In addition, the mountain biking trails range from beginner trails to options for all skill levels. The two offer different things to consider: the train ride has an approximate duration and provides historical information, while the cycling trails are characterized by their range of skill levels.
Rental Cabins in Calico
Ten rental cabins are available for overnight stays in Calico. Each sleeps four and has heating and air conditioning; linens are not provided. Include linens in your preparations and check availability before your trip if a cabin is an option for you. The rental cabins are a specific type of accommodation in nearby Calico, while you can search specifically for hotels in Yermo.
Another Regional Point of Interest
The wider San Bernardino destination is also home to Wildwood Canyon State Park. It covers 855 acres and has welcomed day visitors since 2003. On December 17, 2025, it was formally classified and named Wildwood Canyon State Park. This broadens the view beyond Yermo and Calico to another park in the wider destination. The regional context includes different focal points: Calico is associated with silver mining history, restored architecture, and the railway; Wildwood Canyon’s specific points of reference are its area, day visits, and formal naming. Those looking to explore San Bernardino beyond the local focus on Calico can include Wildwood Canyon State Park as another regional point of interest.
Discover more destinations: Apple Valley, Fort Irwin, Searles Valley, Colton, Needles, Yucca Valley, Helendale, Twin Peaks.
For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.
