LOCAL! GoNOMAD DESTINATION MINI GUIDE

Johannesburg, California -- The Gateway to Death Valley

By Michelle Mowery
WHERE

An hour and a half from Death Valley National Park. Northeast of Los Angeles in the high desert.

WHY GO?

Johannesburg is old Western ghost town, with only 100 current inhabitants. Gold was discovered here in 1894 and was the third largest discovery in the US. There is still an active mine producing lots of gold daily.

There are many mines in the area and prospecting tours are available. In spite of its ghostliness, Johannesburg is in the center of the most popular recreational area in Southern California. Loads of national parks, hiking, climbing, history, natural history, film history and more.

WHEN TO GO?

Anytime...There is sunshine and beautiful weather 365 days a year! But if you plan to visit Death Valley itself, come between September and April when it is coolest.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

No public transportation directly to the area. United Airlines, Inyokern, Ca. operates an airline shuttle to/from L.A. Greyhound bus service: Ridgecrest, Ca. In Ridgecrest you must rent a car to travel to Johannesburg, twenty-five miles away. Rental cars are available at the airport and at Enterprise Rental Cars in Ridgecrest, Ca. There is no public transportation to Death Valley National Park from Johannesburg.

BEST ATTRACTIONS

There are approximately 30 different natural, geological, historical and botanical attractions within 100 miles of the town, including the Joshua Tree National Forest and Death Valley National Park. Don’t miss Fossil Falls and Trona Pinnacles: they’re spectacular.

BEST UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS

Catch a movie being made! The area is a magnet for filmmakers, who are attracted to the bizarre geological formations and desert scenery (think Alien movies!) Check out Red Rock Canyon, Trona Pinnacles, Fossil Falls, Burro Schmidt's Tunnel, all of which are natural movie sets year around. You may even get to be an extra in one being filmed while you’re here!

BEST ACTIVITIES/LOCAL GUIDES

Hiking and climbing the magnificent rocks and trails in the many nearby National Parks and natural areas. Daily tours and guides are available from the Death Valley Hostel.

BEST ALTERNATIVE

Desert tours of Death Valley and Sequoia National Forest. Also available from the Death Valley Hostel.

BEST LODGINGS

• Death Valley Hostel is the only lodging in Johannesburg, and the best for many miles. USD$ 12 per night. Lots of help with planning excursions to the area. Internet access. deathvalleyhostel.com

BEST EATS

• Death Valley Hostel is the only place around for meals. Great food, good atmosphere. Catered upon request. Kitchen available for guests.

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Get some old Western culture at local Indian pow wows, rodeos, concerts, museums, wild west days. Check the Ridgecrest web site for dates. ridgenet.net/~chamber

BEST LOCAL HAUNT

The "living" ghost town of Randsburg is only one mile away and has many pubs and attractions.

BEST SHOPPING

Ridgecrest is only twenty minutes away and has all major shopping. Look for Native American pottery and crafts, and old west leathers.

MONEY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Traveler’s checks are advised, and banks in Ridgecrest nearby can cash them. ATMs available in town and Internet access is available at the hostel.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Don’t go wandering off into the desert on your own. The valleys and mountains can be disorienting without a map. Always bring plenty of water -- two gallons per day per person in the desert -- and wear sunscreen and a hat!

BEST RESOURCES

eathvalleyhostel.com

ridgenet.net/~chamber

Read more GoNOMAD stories about California. Search our directory for tours in California.

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