Exploring the Haunted Calico Ghost Town

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This supposedly haunted ghost town sits on the remains of one of the biggest silver mines in California.
Written and Produced by: Bethany Guerrero
Cinematography and Visual Effects by: C. Drew Unser
Special Thanks to: Daryl Schendel, Daniel Luna, Sheila Conlin
#october #halloween #travel
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Information Sources:
parks.sbcounty.gov/park/calic...
www.legendsofamerica.com/ca-c...
www.secretmines.com/p/calico-...
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www.atlasobscura.com/places/c...
Orange County Archives
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Music by incompetech.com and AudioHero.com
"Long Note Two", "Temple of the Manes", "Southern Gothic", "Crusade - Heavy Industry", and "Funkorama" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
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[@mattinsley1721]

I did the late night ghost tour once a number of years ago. The town vibe really does change when the sun goes down. It was fun. We spent a considerable time in groups of two in the cemetary that night. Got a few interesting photos in the dark among the graves. Good times.

[@nuwver7884]

I’ve been there once, and it makes me happy to see that the preservation of this historic little town continues. The tour inside the mine was interesting. Thank you for taking us along!😊

[@jwfinley7808]

The town has changed alot since 1983 and 84. It cost anything. Now days it's all about money!!

[@bongox2777]

So glad you did this episode on Calico. I started mapping the mines when I was 15 and only mapped about 9 miles of tunnel at level 7. There are 15-17 levels. Once you hit 11 there is water. The water is caustic but ultra clear. You can see down one flooded shaft about 180 feet. Mining was done at the buried river level where silver ore leached in. Its still there. Very soft walls and tunnel collapse is pretty frequent. In 2001 there was a roof collapse at level 10. You can hear the water well pumps from the town down there. 36 miles of tunneling I am told. I would love to have an official tour down there someday. You guys really did a awesome video. I always get excited with Calico.

[@thenevadadesertrat2713]

Amazing. I do not have that kind of guts.

[@bongox2777]

@@thenevadadesertrat2713 it’s not really about fear. It’s about understanding the stability of your surroundings and the risk of unseen unstable zones. And planning egress paths just in case. Remember the old miners didn’t have surveyors like today and even today there are unpredictable mine failures. Still more dangerous driving to work.

[@random22026]

Was there with my family in the 1960s--it was a lot more rustic, and completely un-theme-park-like. There was no train ride--it was very much a historical time capsule, sans gift shop and restaurant. Glad to see they are preserving it! 🤗🤗⛏⛏⚒⚒🪓🪓💛💛

[@SantosChronicles]

The superpower of your channel is tue story telling of each place. You guys are official with your crew badge. This looks so fun. Really cool being able to add an interview also.

[@OddityOdysseys]

❤❤❤

[@brillblonde6705]

Woweee, what a trip through a real silver mine and a ghost town! Excellent!!! Great job, you two.

[@richardweaver9682]

Back in about 2003 there was The Calico Ghost Walk that went on after dark. Supposedly the photography shop near the old ore car ride and wooden staircase had a lady haunting it and there was two roofers on the left side of the schoolhouse.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Been visiting Calico since the mid 50's, first time just before Knott's took it over. In the late 60's and early 70's you could explore a lot of the Big mines around Calico and the adjoining area, like Twenty Mule Team Cyn. till they were sealed off. I've even been to a wedding at the School House in the early 80's . Nice video, keep them coming.

[@jerry3890]

I used to visit in the late 50s early 60s. You could explore any mine, likely very dangerous but teenage kids are invulnerable! The town was unspoiled, no gated entry, gift shops, train rides or Chinese made trinkets.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@@jerry3890 That's the way I like to remember it, dirty and gritty. Remember once driving up Mule Cyn rd. Had to watch out for Open shafts that could swallow a jeep. And in one mine, with a Large open room, jump up and down and feel the ground vibrate. No wonder they closed off so many of the mines.

[@hilariecalijo4643]

Used to go here a lot on our way to Vegas. The school house really gave me chills.

[@richardhoover4471]

So happy to have seen this video. My dad had a passion for ghost towns and mining. When I was a child our family visited Calico. That was over 60 years ago, and I’m still fascinated by the place!

[@MrJojo2go]

Reminds me of Knott's Berry farm in a little bit of Disneyland thank you for the tour!!!! No wonder that Walter Knott wanted this place preserved. 👍🏻😷👍🏿🇨🇦🇵🇭🇺🇲

[@bradbo3]

Used to stop at Calico once a year in the late 70’s into the 80’s….loved it as a kid. The train ride into the mines. The shoot outs. The rock candy and all the weird houses etc. Glad its still around. If I ever get back out west I will drop in again.

[@peggycarlyle6409]

Great video! The mine tour looks really fun! I bet there are a lot of ghosts. Thank you for taking us along.

[@blockisle9]

Another home run! Excellent video. Well done and thank you

[@jonathanlapham2374]

What a great town. I’m glad to see it has been preserved. Mining history is truly fascinating! I would love to visit some day. Butte, MT has one of the best mine tours I have ever been to. Thank you for sharing this cool ghost town with us!

[@edsmetaldetecting31]

Awesome video, love the history.

[@AHall-hj4hs]

I use to work in the photo studio, was doing that for about 5 years. Calico is a special place. Great job on this!

[@RichardMoynahan]

You both did a good job of showing folks the town.

[@NickCookActingScribe]

Definitely on my list of places to visit. I’ve seen a few tours, and as always yours is the best!

[@JulianHarris-rg2cp]

Such a great video. Loved it. Y'all are GREAT

[@OddityOdysseys]

Appreciate you, Julian!

[@menevermind2612]

Thank you. I love your videos. I love your podcasts. You guys have such a great rates energy together and I just love how you look at sit sit Uw. So thank you. Thank you very much. Keep up the great work.

[@eas211000]

that was amazing! what a great story you told! Thank you for sharing this; you always, always create amazing videos!!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much, Ed! It always means a lot that you watch our episodes and come along for the ride.

[@jamesl.6036]

You guys did an absolutely excellent presentation here. I enjoyed every moment of it! Professionally done. Keep it up - I always enjoy your work.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@cahikingadventures]

Another awesome adventure! Thank you for sharing the history behind these local places, makes you feel more connected them. I'll have to remember to get a crew badge when i visit 😆

[@OddityOdysseys]

It means so much that you were there in spirit with us! The badges were actually for another Calico-related project, but they were certainly helpful in getting around, haha.

[@Dorrie1950]

I've visited that place many times but never knew much of the history....it's great how you guys always find such info!!

[@IntrepidMilo]

Your videos are always awesome!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much!

[@shimaohana]

Great Tour. I've always passed the place when we go to California. Definitely will have to check it out now.

[@barsimpson4901]

Great video thanks

[@nathanbugg3221]

That is amazing.

[@cherylhoskins8026]

Such an awesome video. Makes me want to go check it out in person.

[@OddityOdysseys]

We highly recommend! Hopefully you'll get a chance to see if for yourself. :)

[@joelfeiock4718]

Great job

[@jamesslittle]

So excited by this, best channel on KZbin! Greetings from Bristol, England! 😀

[@OddityOdysseys]

Greetings, our friend! Hope to see you in the chat during the episode!

[@djnanartist5364]

Awesome 👍👍👍

[@tattooyu]

Nice one, you two! I'm so glad I found this channel. I hope to be a patron sometime when I have the extra spending 💵!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thanks, Kenny! Your viewership & kind comments mean a lot to us. 😊

[@bradbell3744]

Very well done video.

[@stevemoravec2555]

Exceptionally ⚘🌱 good...THANKS!

[@mtgcardzandreview2756]

Wow what a cool experience.

[@glennl4511]

Well done ! How do you find so many places in California to visit, Your channel is excelling to the next level. Thanks for taking me on your adventures, 🇨🇦🤙🏻

[@gordybishop2375]

In my area again. Do miss the donkey rides way back when I was a kid. Last time there had to get the saloon to start up the tape that explained the paintings

[@heynowls3058]

Great video. Ty. Love these little towns you can find in the Sierra and Death Valley areas.

[@coolhandscoot68]

Awesome you two my wife visited the calico mine back In 1992

[@thenevadadesertrat2713]

I am in Boulder City, NV We have at least three abandoned gold mines around here. One in Searchlight, one in Nelson (allegedly one of the riches in the entire state), one of Route 160. There may be more.

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

Long form deep dives are BACK BABY!

[@sthrnbll2u65]

This was one of my favorite places as a kid. Best memories, licorice root from the store (i think it was called the nicklideon"). the tram ride down the mine shaft, the jail cell, goodness this really made me smile. I hope someday you make it up to the redwoods, or maybe Hadleys in Cabazon. There is a date festival in I think palm springs. Yall make me homesick lol

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent informative video which I enjoyed watching and looking forward to seeing your next video 👍😃😃😃😃🇬🇧🚜

[@mikeparsons3690]

They also have the Calico days. One week a year, with stories and a cowboy show

[@blitztim6416]

So cool. We really enjoy going to Calico. But we never had that tour. Last time there I was surprised to find that it is a San Bernardino county park. Who knew?!

[@vikkiorlando54]

Halloween is fun here! Skeletons of all types everywhere! The cabins there are great for camping

[@normanq1206]

Went there a couple of times when my kids were still little. Cool place to visit. Easy stop on the way to Vegas.

[@chadhart8486]

you guy’s should consider coming to Arizona so many beautiful places here any ways love your channel!

[@OddityOdysseys]

We'd love to visit Arizona one day. Hope you have a great rest of your weekend .:)

[@geraldosimoes8875]

I saw a ghost behind you.Have an awesome Sunday!!!

[@Biden2024MFs]

the wax hat tho xD

[@kurtb8474]

We visited Calico when I was a kid. That was back in the 60s. It was fascinating.

[@emileys2240]

worked at the sweet shoppe when i was 16, that shop is SUPER haunted.

[@Squintillions]

Tour guide looks like Beau Bridges. Cool tour!

[@fumanpoo4725]

Went there on a school field trip around 45 years ago. Cool place.

[@robertbass9032]

Walter worked there as a young man. It was that fact that later enticed him to buy the town as well as move some buildings to his berry farm.

[@zeb3144]

Very cool. Sadly there are no places like that here in UK.

[@johnha6531]

I've been there before.. one of the coolest ghost towns!

[@susan7775]

This was, indeed, a trip down memory lane. In the early 60’s, my parents were members of the San Diego Railway Historical Society. One of the rail trips was to Calico, I was nine or ten at the time. There wasn’t much there then. The things I remember best are the mine and the crazy house. The end of 1964 we moved to Seattle and I haven’t been to Calico since. I’d like to go back, but I don’t have a traveling partner since husband doesn’t want to go Any takers?

[@wildweasel8564]

You two get around. Just visited the Exorcist house and steps today. Calico is always worth the trip along with Mule Canyon just down the road from Calico were Bud parked his trailer in Kill Bill.

[@stefanjakubowski8222]

I remember an old internet site, that stated that on Midwinter, a group of ghosts were seen performing some kind of ritual, always been fascinated because of that, I had a report from a lady driving down 101 south of Newport that she saw two skeletons acting out some weird ritual, west coast ghosts are weird, lol Thanks for the rrip

[@jedizelfknight]

OMG I was just there like two weeks ago at the Calico Ghost Town Western event. It was pretty awesome seeing people dressed up in western attire and also seeing some fun fights

[@OddityOdysseys]

That sounds like it was a lot of fun!

[@noahcount7132]

A fascinating destination, Drew and Bethany! And the tour was better than expected, because both of you are CREW! Very impressive! 👍👍👍👍

[@xvsj5833]

Spooky 👻 🖤🖤 love your channel adventures ❤ have a great week ahead 💪🏻 ✌️🫶🏻 🚒Jesse

[@narutogirl31]

I just visited a few days ago but a lot of things were closed :( It had rained and it was windy. Wish I could have gotten their experience/tour if this place!

[@jamesslittle]

Would love you to do some spooky nighttime odysseys!

[@OddityOdysseys]

We may or may not have one in the works! 😊

[@Greg_call]

This video was super scary.

[@xvsj5833]

Thanks!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Jesse!!! You're the best. Thank you so much for all your support and generosity. We have a lot more coming up that we hope you'll enjoy! Have a beautiful rest of your weekend, our friend. ❤🙏

[@keniferusxj7047]

I believe the San Bernardino county takes care of it now

[@drone-flights]

Compare the Stonework and Tunnels side by side between the 1800's and from the Ancient Egyptian locations around 4 to 5 thousand years ago and the ancient tunnels appear better built, crafted and even more modern in appearance. Calico is probably one of the most famous drive by towns. Excellent tour and video.

[@andyhudgens]

Love that place ive been there all the time when i go to Vegas love my oddity fam nice place❤

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thanks, AndyFam! It's such an awesome location.

[@svorog6195]

DOPE

[@boxborolad]

Are the "crew" badges "for real" or did you just make them up for yourselves? Love your videos & have commented about that before. Keep it up

[@OddityOdysseys]

Yes, they're real! We happened to be there for another project. Thank you for all the support!

[@BeeWhistler]

I used to go there twice a year to nice little Steampunk and Halloween events. Sadly, Calico decided one year to ban outside vendors and the events didn’t stay long after that. I wouldn’t mind buying the Calico merch (I did not find it to be very unique) if the quality is maintained… but we bought a bag of candy that must have been 10 years old. Now, if you’re going to see it for its own merits… you’re probably better off. No broken expectations and you can appreciate it for what it is. And yeah, a lot of you probably hate everything I liked about the place but man, I hate enclosed spaces so you couldn’t pay me to visit the mines. I have been there at night, though. Some of those events had concerts and Calico did not have a lighted parking lot 10 years ago when we first went to a Steam Powered Giraffe concert. The stars were amazing but it was a bit touch and go getting down the steps and finding the car.

[@trexinvert]

Hey guys, how about spending a few days next at Serro Gordo with Brent and his big renovation project.

[@cartman4885]

"Hey look at this you got the caboose" easy Drew

[@jewllake]

That school house was used in Robert Plant's 1983 Video Big Log.

[@neva_nyx]

Look into the Cerra Gordi. I probably spelt that wrong. The owner lives there full time and makes appointments for tours.

[@arrjay2410]

There is a similar history in Northern Ontario of boom and bust mining. Unfortunately the environment is sufficiently harsh, that once something is abandoned, nature can take as little as one or two winters to reclaim things.

[@njaneardude]

Crew pass, like a boss 👊👊👊

[@BlackCeII]

You guys really need to go to Cerro Gordo Ghost Town. If everyone is already following goes down living on KZbin, you should!

[@mariaduarte967]

Super five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoy watching very much continued success many historic California places All great 👍 perspective insight top professional

[@OddityOdysseys]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@xxzcfdxc]

3:57 my morbid brain thought those are gallows 😂

[@tonymac4044]

OMG i’ve actually been here 😊

[@OddityOdysseys]

Yay! Such a wonderful, fun place.

[@TheChuyDewy]

i did the small mine it was pretty cool still

[@wadeadams4263]

When I was in high school in the 70s we took a trip there. Some how a $1200 turquoise and silver necklace ended up in my pocket.

[@davismoore1090]

Have you heard of Cerro Gordo and Brent Uunderwood?

[@horsegoggles]

The Prowler, a movie from 1951 staring Van Hefin, ends with Heflin moving his pregnant wife out to Calico. Fun to see the town around the time when it really was a ghost town. They enter Calico about 68 minutes in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/manIZqKiptGfqMU

[@imbwildrd3693]

OK - someone tell me if I'm seeing things....@6:17, just after the old guy says "if you look down the shaft" - does anyone see two glowing eyes at the dark end of the tunnel looking back?

[@tiannabrinkman2357]

On the 20fh 4th grade is going to calico ghost Town 😊

[@ghostmost2614]

Nice! Get in for free!!!! Way to support

[@TheRealSUGERR]

I heard that the call of duty’s zombie map buried is based off this place

[@Donaldperson7]

I wonder why they still aren’t mining at 125 is a ton? That sounds like it’s pretty good asset?

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

the 2 different types of rocks is called a contact zone.

[@dirtyrotten2648]

Rode the burros here as a young child in the mid 60’s.still have the pictures around somewhere.

[@anjachan]

I love old american towns. they look very cool.

[@wormholewest]

is there a good golden hour or does the sun get hidden behind the mountain at sunset?

[@russellmohr9758]

HE SAID BETHANY GOT THE CABOOSE!!...YOU AIN'T LY'N ..SHE DOES HAVE THAT!!!...LOL

[@gordybishop2375]

If you like mines…have you got up with the guy that owns the Tecopa Mines? He is nice and has channel here on YT. He likes to give tours but need to contact him first. There was a nice gentleman by the name of Mann. Of the Brubaker Mann rock company in Barstow. You might of noticed the color rock advertisement on north side of the 15 right after it leaves Barstow and crosses the River on the little hill. He explored and wrote many books about the desert. If not on line you might find them at the Mohave River Valley Museum on Barstow Road in Barstow. The highway 247 exit.