Tumco Historic Mine Ghost Town
Nestled in the remote Cargo Muchacho Mountains of Imperial County, California, Tumco Historic Mine Ghost Town offers a rare glimpse into the region’s early mining history. Once a bustling gold mining town with a population of over 3,000, the site now stands as a haunting reminder of California’s gold rush era.
Tumco, previously known as Hedges, was at its peak during the 1890s, producing over 200,000 ounces of gold, but was eventually abandoned as mining prospects dwindled. Today, visitors can explore the ghostly remnants of this once-thriving town, from ruins to historic machinery, and enjoy the surrounding desert terrain.
Destination Details
| Season | Best visited from October to April due to hot summers. |
| Location | Cargo Muchacho Mountains, Imperial County, California |
| Geographic Coordinates | 32.88098889, -114.8326111 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management (BLM) |
| Size | Historic townsite with significant remnants of mining infrastructure |
| Nearest Major City | Yuma, Arizona (approx. 30 miles away) |
How to Get to Tumco Historic Mine Ghost Town
To reach Tumco, take Interstate 8 east to Ogilby Road. Head north, then turn onto BLM Route 668, which leads to the site. The town is located in a remote area, so be prepared for a rugged and isolated visit. GPS coordinates are provided for accuracy: 32.88098889, -114.8326111.
Destination Overview
Tumco’s history dates back over 300 years, with gold first discovered in the area by Spanish settlers and later mined by American prospectors after the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s.
The site was once known as Hedges before being renamed Tumco in 1910, and after a brief resurgence, was ultimately abandoned by 1911 due to diminishing gold prospects. The town’s mining operations included 40- and 100-stamp mills that generated $1,000 per day at their peak.
Today, visitors can explore the remaining structures, including ruins of the townsite, the Hedges Cemetery, and remnants of mining infrastructure like cyanide vats. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the preservation of the site.
Tumco is one of California’s last surviving ghost towns, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rise and fall of a mining community in the desert.
Visitors should be prepared for the desert’s extreme conditions, especially during the summer months. There are no facilities at the site, so be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and plan accordingly.
The nearby Imperial Valley Desert Museum in Ocotillo offers additional information about the area’s mining history and is a great stop to deepen your understanding of the region’s past.
