Panamint City

Tucked into the Panamint Range near Death Valley, Panamint City is a California ghost town in Inyo County with a genuine boom-and-bust story behind it. Silver drew prospectors here in 1872, and within a couple of years the settlement had swelled to roughly 2,000 residents — large enough to support a mile-long main street and its own newspaper, the Panamint News.

Today the site is a hike-in destination, meaning visitors arrive on foot rather than by road. What remains is a remote historic remnant set against the stark desert terrain of the range, roughly three miles north of its former supply corridor. Come prepared for serious backcountry conditions: Death Valley's proximity means extreme heat for much of the year, and the hike in demands solid navigation and ample water.

Spring and fall offer the most reasonable window for a visit. Summer temperatures in this part of Inyo County can be dangerous, and winter access may be unreliable. For anyone drawn to California's silver-rush history, Panamint City rewards the effort — but the reality of getting there should not be underestimated.