Calico and Odessa Railroad

The Calico and Odessa Railroad is a narrow gauge railway that travels through the mountains around the old ghost town of Calico. The route passes by the remains of mining operations and runs through desert terrain.

The original Waterloo Mining Railroad was built in the 1880s to haul silver and borax from Calico's mines to processing plants. This line became essential for moving raw materials out of the mining district.

The railroad demonstrates how people moved through the mining region during California's silver boom era. It shows visitors how transportation shaped daily life in these remote desert communities.

Visitors should stop at the station in the ghost town to buy tickets and check scheduled departure times. Bringing a jacket is wise since it can get cool in the mountains, especially when the wind picks up.

The railway uses an unusually narrow gauge of about 30 inches (76 centimeters), which was practical for transporting cargo through tight mountain canyons. This compact design made it possible to run tracks through challenging terrain.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 34.94917,-116.86389

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09