Randsburg, Johannesburg and Red Mountain are three small towns along U.S. Highway 395 between Ridgecrest and Boron, California. They are the mining district towns of the Rand Area, the gold and silver mining belt of Kern County, named after the Witwatersrand of South Africa.
I had seen the sign for Randsburg many times in the past and have always wondered what was up that road. Last month, I finally decided to take the short drive to Randsburg. As I approached the town, I saw the huge tailing piles that are located behind the town -- quite an impressive sight. Randsburg is a living ghost town. Gold mines here are still active. The Rand Mining Company employs over 80 people and works around the clock. The rumor is that it produces about 5000 ounces of gold a month.
Randsburg and Red Mountain sprang from old mining camps. In 1896, Randsburg was called Rand Camp, and Red Mountain was originally called Osdick. Johannesburg was established in 1896 as the planned service community for the mining camps. It is the only Rand-area town laid out with straight streets and right-angle intersections. All three towns still retain remnants of the past and have been able to maintain their unique ambiance through the efforts of renovation and preservation.
The Rand Area extends over a hilly plateau at an elevation of 3500 feet. The climate is typical of the high desert -- summers are hot and dry, reaching average highs of 110 degrees F. Winter temperatures can drop as low as 10 degrees above zero and snow is not infrequent. With Spring comes the desert wildflowers -- Primroses, Prince's Plumes, Indigo Bushes, Lupines and Asters. Late summer is the season for thunderstorms.
Kit Foxes, Jackrabbits, Cottontails, hawks, eagles and Coyotes are some of the animals that live in Randsburg year-round. The Costa's Hummingbird visits during the summer. Tarantulas and Desert Tortoises migrate through the Rand Area.
I have mined some claims in the open area just north of Randsburg and have often seen Tortoises while prospecting there. In fact, one day a Desert Tortoise climbed right into my gold pan. I left the Tortoise alone and just observed it from a distance. It is against the law to handle Tortoises because any shock or fear may cause them to release their water storage, which could lead to dehydration and death.
Randsburg is a popular stop for photographers, antique car clubs, honeymooners and families. Movies and TV commercials are frequently filmed in and around the town. Food and rooms are easily available in Randsburg. Places like the White House Saloon offer visitors relaxation, a cool drink and good food served in a historical atmosphere.
The Randsburg Museum is open weekends and long weekend holidays, 10:00 AM to 5 PM. I talked to Bart Parker, the local historian, and got his view on the future of the area. They want to hold on to the historical feel of the Old West, and at the same time, increase the number tourist who visit. Be sure to stop at Randsburg on your next trip down Highway 395. You will love the old west charm, and the people are as friendly as they get.
There are motels in nearby Ridgecrest, Ca, with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. Click Here. (Rates, availability and reservation online)
There is also some camping in the area.
Also see Gem Trails of Southern California for a good book on rock hunting.
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