Randsburg

Randsburg is a former mining settlement in California's Mojave Desert at an elevation of about 1,068 feet (325 meters). The town preserves buildings from the late 1800s along its main street, including an 1896 general store and other structures from the mining era.

Gold discoveries in the surrounding hills during the 1890s led to the town's rapid founding and settlement. As mining operations declined in the 20th century, the population left, transforming it into a mostly abandoned place.

The layout and surviving structures show how miners lived and worked during the boom years. The street arrangement and building types reflect the practical needs of gold extraction that shaped daily routines.

You can walk the main street to see antique shops and museum buildings, typically open on weekends. Desert heat and the elevation require proper preparation and plenty of water.

Thousands lived here during the gold rush, but today only a handful of residents remain, showing the dramatic transformation. This stark population decline makes it a rare example of how mining towns can fade in the American desert.

Location: Kern County

Elevation above the sea: 1,068 m

Address: Randsburg, CA, USA

GPS coordinates: 35.36750,-117.65417

Latest update: December 18, 2025 16:33