Imagine waking up to silence. Not the kind interrupted by traffic or city noise, but real, bone-deep stillness. Maybe the creak of old wooden beams, a breeze rustling through sagebrush, and the low whinny of a horse in the distance. That’s morning in Cerro Gordo—a once-bustling silver mining town in California’s Inyo Mountains that now doubles as one of the most unexpected Airbnb destinations in the U.S.
Welcome to the ghost town that came back to life.
From Boomtown to Bust
Let’s rewind. Back in the late 1800s, Cerro Gordo was the place to be—at least if you were into mining, gunfights, and whiskey. At its peak, this dusty hillside settlement was pulling silver and lead out of the mountains by the ton. There were saloons, brothels, boarding houses, and plenty of the kind of rowdy drama you’d expect in an Old West outpost.
But like most boomtowns, its glory didn’t last. By the early 1900s, the silver veins ran dry, and folks packed up and moved on. Over the decades, the population shrank to zero, leaving behind abandoned buildings, rusty mining equipment, and a lot of ghost stories.
A New Chapter (With Wi-Fi)
Fast forward to 2018. A pair of modern-day adventurers bought the entire town—seriously, the whole thing—with a dream to restore it, building by creaky building. But instead of turning it into a theme park or paved-over resort, they leaned into the ghost-town aesthetic and opened parts of it up as a one-of-a-kind Airbnb experience.
And they nailed it.
You can now book a stay in renovated spaces like the bunkhouse, general store, or miner’s cabin. They’re cozy, rustic, and full of character. Think old wood stoves, vintage lanterns, creaky floors, and antique furniture that looks like it has a few stories of its own. There's no cell service, but there is solar power and satellite Wi-Fi, so you’re not totally off-grid—just far enough to breathe.
What It’s Like to Stay There
First off: it’s remote. Really remote. You’ll drive miles up a winding dirt road into the mountains, and once you arrive, it’s just you, the wind, and a whole lot of open space. But that’s part of the magic.
Days here move slow. You can wander through the ghost town, peeking into buildings filled with relics from the past—old mining gear, dusty bottles, even newspaper clippings from the 1800s. There’s a saloon with bullet holes still in the walls (no joke), and a tiny chapel that’s both eerie and beautiful.
At night, it gets dark. Like, really dark. With almost no light pollution, the stars absolutely explode across the sky. Some guests bring telescopes; others just lie back and soak it in. And if you're into spooky vibes, well, there are plenty of ghost stories floating around. Locals—and guests—have reported flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and the feeling that you're not entirely alone. Fun, right?
It’s Not Fancy. That’s the Point.
Don’t expect room service or turndown mints. This is rugged comfort. Water has to be trucked in, and heat comes from wood-burning stoves. Bathrooms may be outhouse-style, depending on where you stay. But what you lose in luxury, you gain in authenticity.
Each building has its quirks—crooked floorboards, creaky doors, the faint smell of old wood and desert air. But those are features, not bugs. You’re not staying at a hotel. You’re stepping into history.
More Than Just a Stay
Cerro Gordo’s revival isn’t just about tourism—it’s about preservation. The owners are continually restoring structures and collecting artifacts to build out a more complete picture of life during the silver rush. Guests often lend a hand—hauling wood, clearing brush, or even helping stabilize old beams. It’s part vacation, part time travel, part community project.
They’ve also documented the process on social media and YouTube, attracting a fanbase that’s just as invested in the town’s future as the folks fixing it up. It’s the kind of place where visitors come back not just to relax—but to be a small part of something bigger.
How to Book (and What to Know)
You can find listings for Cerro Gordo on Airbnb, though availability is limited and often sells out months in advance. Most stays are for one or two nights, with rates ranging from $250–$400 depending on the building.
Getting there involves a long drive and a high-clearance vehicle—especially if it’s rained or snowed recently. Be sure to check the weather, pack layers (yes, even in summer), and don’t forget snacks. The nearest store is miles away.
This isn’t a drop-in kind of place. You book ahead, read the rules carefully, and prepare to unplug. And if you’re someone who gets anxious without a strong Wi-Fi signal or running water—maybe sit this one out.
