Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? The Mojave Desert offers some of the most secluded and intriguing towns in the United States. Hidden among vast stretches of arid land and surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, these towns provide a unique blend of solitude, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, a touch of history, or simply an off-the-beaten-path adventure, these ten secluded Mojave Desert towns are sure to captivate your imagination.
10. Cal-Nev-Ari, Nevada: A Remote Aviation Community
With a population hovering around 100 residents, Cal-Nev-Ari is a tiny desert town founded in the 1960s as a fly-in aviation community. Here, you can explore the local casino, dine at the cozy restaurant, or even land your own plane at the private airstrip. The town’s primary industry revolves around tourism and aviation enthusiasts who appreciate its quiet charm. What makes Cal-Nev-Ari truly secluded is its vast surrounding desert expanse, offering residents and visitors unparalleled tranquility and wide-open skies.
Where is Cal-Nev-Ari?
Situated in the southern tip of Nevada, Cal-Nev-Ari lies along U.S. Route 95, about 70 miles south of Las Vegas and near the borders of California and Arizona. Its remote location, far from bustling urban centers, enhances its sense of isolation. To get there, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the Mojave Desert, and the town’s small size means amenities are limited, reinforcing its secluded nature. This desert oasis is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
9. Ludlow, California: A Desert Stop Lost in Time
Ludlow is a nearly forgotten town with a population of less than 10 people. Once a bustling stop along Route 66, it’s now a quiet waypoint where you can explore remnants of old buildings and imagine life in a bygone era. There aren’t many activities, but its proximity to the Mojave National Preserve makes it a gateway for desert exploration. The lack of industry and sparse population contribute to its seclusion, offering a snapshot of desert solitude that’s rare to find.
Where is Ludlow?
Nestled along Interstate 40 in San Bernardino County, Ludlow is about 50 miles east of Barstow, California. Its remote desert location and the abandonment of Route 66 as a primary highway have left it largely isolated. Accessed primarily by car, travelers can reach Ludlow by taking I-40 and exiting onto the historic Route 66. The town’s isolation is accentuated by miles of open desert on all sides, making it a quiet stop for those journeying through the Mojave.
8. Baker, California: Gateway to Death Valley and Home of the World’s Tallest Thermometer
Baker, with a population of around 700, is best known for its towering 134-foot thermometer, a tribute to the highest temperature ever recorded in nearby Death Valley. Visitors can enjoy local eateries, explore quirky shops, or use Baker as a starting point for adventures into Death Valley National Park. The primary industry here is hospitality, serving travelers along Interstate 15. Baker’s seclusion stems from its location in the heart of the Mojave Desert, surrounded by vast stretches of arid land.
Where is Baker?
Located in San Bernardino County, Baker sits along Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, approximately 90 miles southwest of Las Vegas. Its desert surroundings and distance from major cities enhance its secluded feel. To reach Baker, travelers drive along I-15, and it’s often considered the “Gateway to Death Valley” due to its proximity to the national park. The town’s isolation provides a quiet respite for road trippers and desert explorers alike.
7. Goffs, California: A Tiny Town with Rich Railroad History
Goffs is a small desert hamlet with a population of just a handful of residents. The main attraction is the restored 1914 Goffs Schoolhouse, which now serves as a museum showcasing the area’s rich railroad and mining history. Visitors can explore exhibits on the Mojave Desert’s past, hike nearby trails, or simply enjoy the serene desert environment. The absence of commercial industries and its minimal population make Goffs a peaceful and secluded spot in the Mojave.
Where is Goffs?
Goffs is located in San Bernardino County, at the intersection of Goffs Road and Lanfair Road, northeast of the Mojave National Preserve. Its remote position far from major highways contributes to its isolation. Accessible via historic Route 66, reaching Goffs involves a drive through expansive desert landscapes. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its surroundings of open desert terrain and distant mountain ranges, offering a quiet escape for history enthusiasts and solitude seekers.
6. Tecopa, California: Hot Springs Solitude in the Desert
Tecopa is a small community with approximately 150 residents, renowned for its natural hot springs. Visitors come to soak in the mineral-rich waters at local resorts or public bathhouses. Outdoor activities include exploring the nearby Amargosa River Canyon and birdwatching in the desert wetlands. The town’s economy is primarily based on tourism centered around the hot springs. Tecopa’s seclusion is evident in its quiet streets and vast desert surroundings, offering a tranquil retreat.
Where is Tecopa?
Situated near the southeastern edge of Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, Tecopa is about 80 miles west of Las Vegas. Its remote location, away from major cities and highways, contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Accessed via California State Route 127, getting to Tecopa involves a scenic drive through the Mojave Desert. The town’s isolation is heightened by the expansive desert landscapes that envelop it, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5. Goldfield, Nevada: A Once-Booming Gold Town Turned Quiet Relic
Goldfield was once Nevada’s largest city during the gold rush but now has a population of around 260 residents. Visitors can explore well-preserved historic buildings, such as the Goldfield Hotel and the old schoolhouse, giving a glimpse into its bustling past. The town also hosts annual events like the Goldfield Days celebration. Mining was its primary industry, but as the gold dwindled, so did the population, leaving behind a quiet, historic enclave. Its seclusion stems from its remote desert location and preserved ghost town ambiance.
Where is Goldfield?
Located in Esmeralda County along U.S. Route 95, Goldfield is approximately 180 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Its positioning in the middle of vast desert terrain enhances its isolated feel. Travelers reach Goldfield by driving through stretches of unpopulated desert, underscoring its remote nature. The town’s distance from major urban centers and its historic charm make it a unique destination for those interested in Nevada’s gold rush history.
4. Trona, California: A Secluded Mining Town Surrounded by Pinnacles
Trona, with a population of about 1,800, is a small mining town known for its production of minerals like borax and soda ash. Visitors can explore the nearby Trona Pinnacles, an otherworldly landscape of tufa spires featured in many films. The town offers a glimpse into industrial mining life amid the desert. Its main industries are mining and chemical processing, which contribute to its economy. Trona’s remote location and surrounding rugged desert terrain make it a secluded spot unlike any other.
Where is Trona?
Trona is located in the Searles Valley in San Bernardino County, about 170 miles north of Los Angeles. To get there, visitors travel along State Route 178 through the Mojave Desert. The town’s isolation is amplified by its distance from major highways and cities, as well as the stark desert landscapes that surround it. The seclusion offers a unique experience for those interested in geology, mining history, and desert exploration.
3. Nipton, California: An Off-the-Grid Oasis
Nipton is a tiny town with a population of around 20 residents. Known for its solar-powered eco-resort, Nipton offers visitors eco-friendly accommodations, art installations, and workshops on sustainability. Activities include stargazing, hiking, and enjoying the peaceful desert environment. The town’s primary focus is eco-tourism and sustainable living practices. Nipton’s off-the-grid status and minimal population make it a haven for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Where is Nipton?
Nipton is located in San Bernardino County, near the California-Nevada border, about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. Accessible via Nipton Road off Interstate 15, the journey takes you through remote desert landscapes. The town’s seclusion is due to its distance from urban centers and its positioning on the edge of the Mojave National Preserve. Nipton’s serene environment and commitment to sustainability provide a unique desert retreat.
2. Kelso, California: The Desert Depot in the Middle of Nowhere
Kelso is a historic ghost town with a restored 1920s train depot that now serves as a visitor center and museum for the Mojave National Preserve. While the town itself has no permanent population, visitors can learn about the area’s railroad and mining history, hike nearby trails, and explore the massive Kelso Dunes. The lack of residential areas and commercial development contributes to its seclusion, offering a window into the desert’s past.
Where is Kelso?
Kelso is situated within the Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County. It lies at the junction of Kelbaker Road and Kelso-Cima Road, far from major highways. To reach Kelso, travelers drive along Interstate 15 or Interstate 40 before venturing onto smaller desert roads. The town’s remote location in the heart of the preserve ensures minimal traffic and a peaceful environment surrounded by miles of untouched desert landscape.
1. Amboy, California: A Ghost Town Frozen in Time
Amboy is a classic ghost town with a population of around 10 people. Famous for Roy’s Motel and Café, a relic of the iconic Route 66, Amboy offers a nostalgic glimpse into mid-20th-century Americana. Visitors can photograph the Amboy Crater, an extinct volcanic cinder cone, and explore the desolate surroundings. With no significant industries and its status as a near-abandoned town, Amboy epitomizes seclusion in the Mojave Desert.
Where is Amboy?
Amboy is located in San Bernardino County along old Route 66, about 75 miles east of Barstow. Accessing Amboy involves a drive through vast stretches of desert on National Trails Highway. The town’s isolation is due to its distance from major freeways and cities, as well as the decline of Route 66 as a primary travel route. Surrounded by open desert and volcanic landscapes, Amboy offers a serene and solitary experience for those seeking to step back in time.
