Stumbling across a ghost town in Northern California is always a unique experience. There’s something slightly eerie about the abandoned buildings, but they can also appear strangely beautiful. Leftover from California’s Gold Rush era, destinations like Chinese Camp in Tuolumne County and North Bloomfield in Malakoff Diggins State Park serve as reminders of this tumultuous but notable time in our state’s history. The ghost town featured here, known as Bennettville, boasts a similar backstory. Found in a remote area of Hoover Wilderness, seeking out this hidden ghost town is an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Bordering Yosemite National Park, Hoover Wilderness is home to a pristine landscape filled with stunning scenery and a well-maintained trail system. It's also where you'll find the hidden ghost town of Bennettville from California's early days.
Also known as Bennett City or Tioga, Bennettville was a small settlement that formed after mining began in the area in 1860. Today, the remains of this former mining camp form part of the Great Sierra Mining Historic Site, a destination that preserves the largest mining operation in what would eventually become Yosemite.
Despite its remote location, finding Bennettville isn't all that difficult. The hike to the site is less than three miles round-trip, and the hike is rated as easy with little elevation gain. The trailhead can be found right off Tioga Pass Rd, at the Tioga Lake Overlook.
From here, the trail meanders away from Tioga Lake and past several small ponds. The scenery in this region is simply breathtaking and truly encapsulates what we love about the Sierra Nevada!
After a little over a mile of hiking, you'll spot the remains of Bennettville on a hilltop. The long-abandoned site consists of just two buildings: an assay office and a bunkhouse that were both restored in 1993. The site also contains two commemorative plaques.
The story of Bennettville is similar to that of many ghost towns across Northern California. After spending $300,000 developing the small town and transporting equipment to the area, the mining company was forced to call it quits after it became evident that the area simply wasn't profitable. The town was completely abandoned by 1890 - 30 years after mining began.
The remnants of Bennettville are humble, but finding them makes for an adventure that seamlessly blends beautiful scenery with local history. Check it out the next time you feel like a unique hike in the spectacular Sierra Nevada.
Author’s Note: Roads to Hoover Wilderness are closed during winter, so keep this adventure in mind for late spring and summer. The closest towns with services are Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes. Wilderness permits are required for overnight visits. Head to the Forest Service website for more information about the restrictions regarding Hoover Wilderness.
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