Dog-Friendly Gold Mines and Ghost Towns

Posted by Lauren Barker

Step back in time with Fido and discover relics of the past. From abandoned mining towns to historic gold mines, these destinations provide an opportunity to learn about early settlers, the gold rush, and the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped the regions. Walk with your pup along the dusty streets of a forgotten town, tour an old mine, and pan for gems at these dog-friendly gold mines and ghost towns across the West.

Phoenix Gold Mine

Idaho Springs, CO
"I'll lead the way." Photo by Facebook.com/PhoenixGoldMine

Phoenix Gold Mine welcomes visitors and their furry companions to explore a piece of Colorado's rich mining history. Situated in the scenic Clear Creek Canyon, this historic mine offers guided tours that take you deep into the mountains to learn about gold mining techniques, geology and local lore. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the tour and can ask the resident pups for tips before trying their paw at gold panning afterward.

Grab dinner and a cold brew at Westbound and Down Brewing Co. or Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub and walk back to your cozy room at Uplift Inn.

Calico Ghost Town

Yermo, CA
"Is she real or a ghost?" Photo by BringFido/Sara

Calico Ghost Town brings the history of the Old West to life. Once a booming silver mining town in the late 1800s, Calico has been carefully preserved and restored, offering visitors a chance to explore its original buildings, shops and mine shafts. Fido is welcome to accompany you on a stroll through the town’s dusty streets to visit the historic sites or take in scenic views of the Mojave Desert. Leashed pups can also join you for guided tours, gold panning, a train ride, and inside the saloon and gift shops. Don’t miss a stop at Dorsey's Dog House where your pooch can shop for accessories, healthy snacks and treats. Lucky pups can also pan for gold, just as the miners did.

Head into nearby Barstow to fill up on classic pub far at Pit Stop Bar & Grill before tucking Fido in for the night at Route 66 Motel.

Good Enough Mine Tours

Tombstone, AZ
"Maybe you should go first." Photo by @sundarlife

Take your furry outlaw to the dog-friendly town of Tombstone. Famous for the 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral, this Wild West tourist hotspot is a great place to explore with your ‘pawtner’ in crime. Start with a 45-minute guided walk on the Good Enough Mine Tour, traveling underground to see what silver mining was like in the late 1880s. After sniffing out some silver, Fido can rest his paws during a 25-minute carriage ride on the historic 1880s Butterfield Stage Coach or a 40-minute ride on the Good Enough Trolley.

Share a Duke burger with Fido on the outdoor deck at Crystal Palace Saloon then call it a night where John Wayne once stayed at Sagebrush Inn.

Big Thunder Gold Mine

Keystone, SD
"Am I rich?" Photo by BringFido/Kristen

Located just minutes from Mount Rushmore, Big Thunder Gold Mine invites visitors to experience the thrill of gold mining history with their pups. This historic site offers guided tours through the original 1890s underground mine, where you can learn about the lives of miners, mining techniques and local geology. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the tour, making it a great outing for those who want to explore the Black Hills with Fido. After the tour, visitors can try their hand at gold panning or enjoy a scenic walk in the surrounding area. Before you leave, visit the gift shop with your pooch and grab something to eat at the onsite restaurant, Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill.

If you want to spend more time exploring on a pet-friendly South Dakota road trip, rest up at Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore.

Tonopah Historic Mining Park

Tonopah, NV
"Where is everyone?" Photo by Facebook.com/TonopahNMP

Nevada’s Tonopah Historic Mining Park offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the mining boom that shaped the region in the early 1900s. Set on the site of the original mining claims that founded the town, the park preserves historic buildings, mining equipment and shafts, allowing guests and their canines to explore and understand the rich history of silver and gold mining in the area. Interactive exhibits and self-guided tours bring the stories of miners and their challenging work to life. Surrounded by a rugged desert landscape, the park offers a blend of history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Look for the giant pick axe sign for Tonopah Brewing Co., where you can enjoy an evening meal on the patio with a glass of beer or California wine before checking in to the reportedly haunted Mizpah Hotel. Then, the next day, head south on Highway 95 to Rhyolite Ghost Town in Beatty.

Gold King Mine Ghost Town

Jerome, AZ
"I don't think I want to live here." Photo by BringFido/Jim

Blending history, nostalgia and the rustic charm of the Ole West, Gold King Mine Ghost Town is a quirky and fascinating attraction that offers a window into the past. Originally a working mine established in the late 1800s, the site has been transformed into a ghost town museum filled with vintage machinery, old mining equipment, and an eclectic collection of classic cars and trucks. Visitors and their pups can wander through the grounds, exploring the remnants of Jerome’s mining heyday and learning about the town's once-thriving industry. The ghost town also features live demonstrations of antique engines and mining tools, and a petting zoo, if your pooch behaves around other animals.

After visiting the ghost town, it’s only fitting to have dinner at Haunted Hamburger. Aside from the spirits said to reside in the old building, this dog-friendly eatery also features delicious dishes and a beautiful view of the Verde Valley from the deck. If you and your pup manage to leave your meal unscathed, enjoy a peaceful night at this beautifully restored Victorian home.

Garnet Ghost Town

Missoula, MT
"Can someone read this to me?" Photo by BringFido/Becky

Nestled in Montana’s scenic Garnet Range, Garnet Ghost Town was once a thriving mining community during the late 19th century, filled with saloons, hotels and homes. Today, visitors and their leashed pups can explore over 30 original structures that have been carefully maintained, including a schoolhouse, general store and miner cabins. Surrounded by pristine forest and wildlife, Garnet Ghost Town provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for those seeking history and nature. Just be aware, that while accessible by car in summer, the town is only accessible by snowmobile or cross-country skiing in winter.

While camping is available at Garnet Ghost Town, those seeking more creature comforts will want to head into the city of Missoula to fill their bellies with The Notorious P.IG. BBQ and get a good night’s sleep at Comfort Inn University.

Bodie State Historic Park

Bridgeport, CA
"Which way to the pet store?" Photo by BringFido/Amy

Bodie State Historic Park is a remarkably well-preserved ghost town that offers two- and four-legged visitors a glimpse into the wild days of the California gold rush. Once a booming mining town in the late 1800s, Bodie is now a state park frozen in time, with over 100 original buildings still standing in a state of "arrested decay." Take Fido on a stroll along the paved areas to explore abandoned homes, a church, a schoolhouse, and a saloon, all while imagining life during the town’s heyday. The surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape adds to Bodie's eerie beauty, making it a popular destination for photographers.

On your way into Bridgeport, stop for a meal at Virginia Creek Settlement, on the eastern slopes of the High Sierra. Then let Fido put his paws up at Big Meadow Lodge for the night.

Have you visited a ghost town or gold mine with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido/Sacha.