Cerro Gordo
The Long Road Up
Hidden in the mountains south of a small town called Lone Pine, along the Eastern Sierras, is the ghost town of Cerro Gordo. It's about a 7 or 8 mile drive up a winding bumpy dirt road that is steeper than it appears. Narrowing down at times against the mountain, there are some sketchy spots. No way will you find me on this road in a steady rain or snow.
The drive up has a beautiful backdrop of the valley and eastern sierras in the distance. It's worth a stop along the way to take in the view. There are a few spots you can pullover safely to check it out. Once we stopped and stepped out of the car we then realized how steep the climb was. We all had to kick it down into low and air down the tires to make it a more pleasing drive in. Before that, my speed had me stuck between 1st and 2nd and bumpy as hell.
Keep in mind, the sun sets a whole lot earlier on this side of the sierras. My buddies and I were in town just before Christmas which had the sun setting on the mountain tops at around 3:30pm in the afternoon.
The town is overseen by the grounds keeper Robert. It's a good idea to give Robert a call (760.876.5030 or 909.856.4434) before showing up. While he is very happy to have visitors, he doesn't appreciate unexpected guests. As a kind gesture I'd ask if he needs anything from town as it's a very long round trip for him. I brought up a couple cinnamon rolls upon request as well as a couple gallons of water to add to his stash.
Robert Desmarais - Cerro Gordo grounds keeper
Robert knows all about the town's history. I wish I would have recorded our conversations as there was so much information I couldn't retain. He really enjoys showing people around the buildings that are open. You get full access to walk around and see everything there is to see. He doesn't believe in roped off areas. Robert wants you to see and experience Cerro Gordo up close. The main building is the biggest which holds a bar, card room, dinning area and another which I believe is the kitchen. It's like stepping back in time. I just love the green wood ceiling.
The Card Room
A very small room for card playing and drinking only. Looks like a few people got shot at some point due to the different bullet holes in one of the corners of the room. One looks like a shot from a pistol and the other has the spread of a shotgun. Looks like if you sat in this corner your chances of being shot were high. An unlucky chair.
Other Cool Stuff
The rest of the grounds had a number of buildings, some you could go into and others you couldn't. Rusty items scattered about. There are lots of things to take in and ask Robert about. He knows everything about this place. Make sure your paying attention because he'll quiz you along the way!
Robert on the phone calling in a large load of firewood.
I look forward to my next trip up. This time I will make sure to record our conversation. So much history in and around the town that I'd like to retain or at least have documented from the main source. I also still need to deliver some portraits my buddies and I shot of Robert. We promised we'd get them to him so Robert, I hope to see you again soon!
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