Ballarat
Caretaker of the Desert
State: California
County: Inyo County
Founded: 1897
Abandoned: 1917
Peak Population: 500
Ballarat supplied miners heading to gold strikes in the Panamints. When mining declined, so did Ballarat. For decades, the town had a single resident - 'Rocky' Novak - who welcomed visitors. A new caretaker continues the tradition.
Supply Town
Ballarat was the jumping-off point for remote Panamint Mountains mines. It never had its own major deposits.
Rocky's Legacy
Eccentric caretaker Rocky Novak lived here alone for years, becoming a desert legend.
Timeline
- 1897 - Founded Gold rush supply town
- 1917 - Declined Mining ended
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Winter
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- Near Death Valley
- Caretaker welcomes visitors
- Adobe ruins and old cemetery
Location
Address: Ballarat, California
Coordinates: 35.89, -117.23