California is full of abandoned places and ghost towns, but few are more intriguing than this one. Located in the Inyo Mountains, about 200 miles northeast of L.A., Cerro Gordo was once the richest silver mine in the state. But the town is making a comeback and hosting its 4th big event this May, sending runners on a demanding mountain road.
A ghostly race 3 hours from L.A.
The Cerro Gordo Silver Run will be held on May 23 and will start near the small desert community of Keeler, following the same steep route once used by mule teams hauling silver down the mountain in the 1800s, covering a total of 8 miles. Runners climb thousands of feet through the Inyo Mountains before reaching the finish line inside the ghost town.
Along the way, athletes not only challenge their own limits but also get a rare chance to explore weathered wooden buildings, old mining structures, and enjoy sweeping views over Owens Valley.
The richest silver mine in California
Cerro Gordo was founded in 1865 after prospectors discovered massive deposits of silver and lead high in the mountains. The discovery quickly transformed the isolated ridge into a booming mining town.
At its peak in the late 19th century, thousands of miners, merchants, and laborers lived there, supported by saloons, boarding houses, stores, and dozens of mining operations carved into the mountainside.
Cerro Gordo was considered the richest silver mine in California, fueling the growth of early L.A. However, prosperity didn’t last forever. Fires, falling metal prices, and declining ore production gradually emptied the town, and by the mid-20th century, Cerro Gordo had largely been abandoned.
The man who bought the town
In 2018, entrepreneur Brent Underwood and a group of investors purchased the entire ghost town (including hundreds of acres and dozens of historic buildings) for $1.4 million, as reported by Business Insider.
Since 2020, Underwood has lived there full-time, not only as the town’s sole resident but also as caretaker of this historic relic, working to restore its remaining structures and preserve Cerro Gordo’s unique history.
📆 When: Saturday, May 23, 2026. 8 AM
📍 Location: Keeler, CA 93530 US
🥇 Sign-up fee: $199
