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All 47 Death Valley National Park Attractions »

Ballarat Ghost Town

Death Valley National Park, CA
jail
truck
Ballarat
Ballarat store/museum
17 visitor photos
Ranked #31 of 47 attractions in Death Valley National Park
3.5 of 5 stars 7 Reviews
Type: Ghost Towns
Description: This town was once a supply town for mines in the region and is a good stop during a driving tour of the valley.
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7 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Napa, California
Top Contributor
108 reviews 108 reviews
Reviews in 64 cities Reviews in 64 cities
85 helpful votes 85 helpful votes
“Great for Photography!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2012

Okay, so there isn't much of a "town" left.... that being said, I had a great time photographing what was there. In addition, I totally enjoyed chatting with Rock, the caretaker. If you were thirsty, he had sodas, beer, and water for sale. There are also restrooms which can be a welcome sight if you've been driving in the desert... More

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florida
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Don't Waste Your Time”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed February 14, 2012

I don't consider four run down shacks a ghost town. There simply isn't much to see. More

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Eugene, Oregon
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“a little scary”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed February 2, 2012

My husband enjoyed this side trip more than I did. It was very windy that day and after meeting the caretaker, I just got back in the car. Not my kind of place! More

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Ridgecrest, California
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“Very strange place, talking to the locals makes it more than worth it”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 29, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Not a lot to see but talking to the regulars at the General store was worth it. Ran into the owner of Briggs mine and his dog Pot Licker. Told me the story about Charles Manson possibly burying victims there. Wonderful old piece of weird American history. More

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Carson City, NV
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
“Very Interesting!”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 28, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Not much left of this old place but the caretaker was fun to talk to. We bought a soda and looked around a bit. They have camp sites available but I don't think I would stay here. More

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Acton, Ontario Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Do not miss Ballarat”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 2, 2010
1
person found this review helpful

Great spot to take a break and talk with Rock (caretaker) and give some love to Potlicker (dog). There is always cold pop and beer on hand. Very relaxed atmosphere. More

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Rocklin, California
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
“Interesting place”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 10, 2007
2
people found this review helpful

Interesting "caretaker" of Ballarat Ghost Town has some stories to tell and photos to show. Short drive to Happy Canyon and Suprise Canyon. I hiked up Happy Canyon and it was great hike and no people around. More

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Ballarat Ghost Town
Death Valley National Park, CA
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