Ghost Town Safety: Essential Tips for Exploring Abandoned Places

Why Safety Matters at Ghost Towns

Ghost towns may look picturesque in photos, but they're full of hidden dangers. Structures can collapse without warning, mine shafts lie concealed beneath brush, and help may be hours away. This guide will help you explore confidently while minimizing risk.

[!] The #1 rule: No photo or artifact is worth your life. When in doubt, don't enter.

Structural Hazards

Unstable Buildings

After 50-150 years of weather exposure, even solid-looking buildings can be death traps.

• Sagging rooflines
• Leaning walls
• Cracks in foundation/masonry
• Broken floor joists visible from outside
• Doors/windows out of square (indicates shifting)

• Never enter a building alone
• Test wooden floors before putting full weight
• Avoid basements entirely
• Stay near exits
• If you hear creaking—leave immediately

Roofs and Ceilings

Roofs fail more than any other structural element. Water damage, rot, and heavy snow loads take their toll.

• Don't walk on roofs—ever
• Be wary of rooms with water-stained ceilings
• In multi-story buildings, respect "no entry" barriers

Floors

Wooden floors rot from beneath. A surface that looks solid may be structurally gone underneath.

• Step near joists (edges of rooms, not centers)
• Watch for soft or spongy areas
• If a board bends under your weight, retreat

Mine Hazards

At former mining towns, abandoned mines are the deadliest hazard.

Never Enter Mine Shafts

Even with equipment and experience, abandoned mines kill. Dangers include:

• Bad air — Oxygen displacement by CO2 or toxic gases
• Cave-ins — Timber rots, causing collapse
• Vertical shafts — May be hidden just past the entrance
• Flooding — Tunnels can flood rapidly
• Wildlife — Snakes, bats, and larger animals use mines for shelter

Surface Dangers

• Unmarked shafts — May be covered by rotted wood or vegetation
• Trenches and cuts — Deep excavations hidden in grass
• Unstable tailings — Mining waste piles can shift
• Contaminated soil — Heavy metals and chemicals linger

Environmental Hazards

Desert Locations (Southwest)

Many ghost towns sit in harsh desert terrain.

Mountain Locations

High-altitude ghost towns (Bodie, Animas Forks) present different challenges.

Wildlife Encounters

Ghost towns provide shelter for wildlife. Know what you might encounter:

Snakes

• Watch where you put hands and feet
• Never reach into dark spaces
• Wear boots, not sandals
• If bitten, get to a hospital—don't try folk remedies

Spiders (Black Widows, Brown Recluses)

• Found in dark corners, under debris
• Don't disturb woodpiles or overturned objects
• Shake out boots if left outside overnight

Larger Animals

• Bears — Possible in mountain locations; make noise, store food properly
• Mountain lions — Rare but present; don't hike alone at dawn/dusk
• Feral dogs — Reported at some remote sites

Essential Safety Gear

Communication and Planning

Before You Go

• Tell someone your plans — Location, expected return time
• Check conditions — Road closures, weather, park hours
• Verify cell coverage — Download offline maps if needed
• Research the site — Know what hazards exist

On Site

• Park where your car won't get stuck
• Note landmarks for finding your way back
• Set a turnaround time and stick to it
• Stay with your group

Legal Considerations

Private Property

Many "ghost towns" are on private land. Entering without permission is trespassing.

• Look for posted signs
• When in doubt, ask locally
• Just because others visit doesn't mean it's legal

Protected Sites

Historic ghost towns may have restrictions:

• National Register sites often prohibit artifact collection
• State parks have specific rules and hours
• BLM land may have OHV restrictions

Emergency Response

If Someone Is Injured

• Move them to safety only if the hazard is ongoing (collapse, fire)
• Call 911—be prepared to describe your exact location
• Administer first aid within your training
• Send someone to flag down emergency vehicles

If You're Lost

• Stop and stay calm
• Retrace your steps if you can
• If unsure, stay put—rescuers will look where you were last seen
• Use whistle to signal (3 blasts = distress)
• Conserve water and energy

If Weather Turns Dangerous

• Lightning: Get low, away from tall objects and metal
• Flash flood: Move to high ground immediately
• Extreme heat: Find shade, drink water, rest

Traveling With Children

Ghost towns can be educational adventures for kids—with precautions:

• Hold hands or use child leashes near hazards
• Explain mine shaft dangers before arrival
• Bring extra water, snacks, and sun protection
• Keep visits shorter than you'd like—kids tire fast
• Make it a game: "spot the hazards" teaches awareness

Final Thoughts

Ghost towns have survived for over a century. With respect and caution, you can explore them safely for decades to come. The goal is simple: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and come home in one piece.

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