Ivanpah (ghost town)

Ivanpah is a ghost town in San Bernardino County, California, born out of a mining boom that took hold in 1869. The settlement drew activity through at least the mid-1880s before fading into the desert landscape.

Visitors today arrive at a quiet, remote site where the Mojave environment has largely reclaimed what was once a working community. Tangible remains are sparse, and the experience is defined more by solitude and historical imagination than by dramatic ruins.

The surrounding desert terrain calls for preparation: carry ample water, plan visits during cooler months to avoid dangerous heat, and verify road conditions before heading out, as access routes in this part of San Bernardino County can be rough and unsigned.