Jacob City

Many foundations sit across the mountainside.

The old hotel still stood in 1967.

What's left of the old hotel.

Old furnace now nearly buried under tailings.

Explosive storage shed.

Jacob City is a true ghost town.  There is not much still standing there, however ruins and fallen structures litter the mountainside.  There are plenty of places to hike and explore.  As you hike up any side of the mountain, it's amazing to look down on the work that was once happening here.  Tailings are present wherever you look.

Ore was discovered and mining began in 1865 in this isolated part of the canyon.  Jacob City was a fine town, having several good stores, a school, two excellent cafes, two meat markets, and many saloons and gambling houses.  In the middle of the 1880's, the mines in Jacob City began to run dry.  By the early 1900's, the town was nearly abandoned.

Jacob City is well worth the visit - if not for the ghost town, then for the hike.  It's in a beautiful hidden canyon.  It is nearly impossible to get there by vehicle anymore. The main toll road has been blocked with boulders. However, if you have a good 4x4, you can drive most the way in and then hike the last mile and a half.  There are two ways in.  The old toll road has the prettiest view. However, it is longer and steeper.  That is the road provided on the map.  The other road (that's actually quicker) starts from the main road to Ophir. If you decide to take that way, take the main road to Ophir heading east up the canyon.  About a half a mile up that road is a nerve gas warning sign.  Turn left onto a dirt road and head up that canyon.  The road will get too narrow to pass. You'll have to stop and hike the last mile or two.

If you take the old toll road on the map, drive to town of Stockton.  Head east past a ball park and 2.1 miles on a dirt road.  The road splits. One road is short and leads to the canyon to the left.  Keep to the right and drive another 5.7 miles.  It is very steep.  You will reach the summit and then the road descends down into the city.  However, it is blocked by boulders and you'll have to hike about a mile down into the town.

4 stars.