Barry PhilipsNew Mexico is widely regarded as one of the richest states in the U.S. for ghost towns. Scattered across deserts, mountains, and former mining districts, these abandoned settlements reflect the rise and fall of gold, silver, coal, and railroad-driven economies. At its peak, the state had over 400 ghost towns, many of which now exist only as ruins, foundations, or faint historical traces.
Below are the Top 50 Ghost Towns in New Mexico, selected for their history, preservation, and cultural significance.
Top 50 Ghost Towns In New Mexico
1. White Oaks
White Oaks was once a thriving gold mining town in the late 1800s. At its height, it attracted thousands of miners who flocked to the area after gold was discovered in quartz veins near Baxter Mountain.
Unlike many ghost towns that have completely disappeared, White Oaks still has visible remnants such as wooden structures, mining equipment ruins, and old residential buildings. The town retains a strong “Wild West” atmosphere, with dusty roads and open landscapes that hint at its once-busy past.
Today, it remains partially preserved and is a favorite destination for historians and photographers seeking an authentic ghost town experience.
2. Shakespeare
Shakespeare is a privately owned ghost town near the Arizona border that once flourished as a silver mining settlement in the 19th century.
It served as an important trade and travel stop during the mining boom and later became known for its lawless frontier reputation. Unlike most ghost towns, Shakespeare has been carefully preserved, with restored saloons, jailhouses, and mining-era buildings still standing.
Its well-maintained structures and historical authenticity make it one of the most visually intact ghost towns in New Mexico.
3. Lake Valley
Lake Valley rose rapidly after the discovery of silver in 1878. The town quickly developed into a mining hub filled with workers, saloons, and businesses.
Its most famous mine, the “Bridal Chamber,” produced massive quantities of silver, bringing wealth and attention to the area. However, the collapse of silver prices in the 1890s led to a swift decline.
Today, visitors can still find a few remaining structures such as a chapel, schoolhouse, and scattered ruins across the desert landscape, creating a haunting historical setting.
4. Mogollon
Mogollon is a rugged mountain ghost town located in the Gila Wilderness area. It was once a booming gold mining settlement and a rough frontier town known for gambling, mining, and lawlessness.
At its peak, it attracted miners and settlers seeking fortune, but its remote location made survival difficult after the mines declined.
Unlike completely abandoned towns, Mogollon still has a small population today, but many original buildings remain intact, giving it a unique mix of living community and ghost town atmosphere.
5. Chloride
Chloride was founded after silver was discovered in the nearby mountains during the 1880s. It quickly became a mining hub but declined after the ore deposits were exhausted.
Unlike many ghost towns, Chloride has been partially revived by artists and caretakers who maintain its historic buildings and museums.
Today, it is one of the most accessible ghost towns in New Mexico, offering visitors a mix of preserved history and small-town charm.
6. Golden
Golden holds the distinction of being one of the earliest gold mining settlements in the region, with mining activity beginning in the early 1800s.
It was New Mexico’s first incorporated town and played a significant role during the early gold rush era. However, once the gold deposits diminished, the town slowly faded into obscurity.
Today, Golden still contains a few adobe structures and historic remnants that reflect its early importance in the state’s mining history.
7. Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown was once the largest town in northeastern New Mexico during the gold rush of the late 1860s.
It featured hotels, saloons, businesses, and a large population of miners and settlers. At its peak, it was a lively frontier town with significant economic activity.
However, after gold production declined, the town was abandoned. Today, only ruins, cemeteries, and scattered foundations remain, preserving its memory.
8. Cerrillos
Cerrillos is a historic mining town known for its turquoise deposits, which were mined by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived.
Later, it became a center for gold, silver, and lead mining. Unlike most ghost towns, Cerrillos still has a small population and an artistic community that preserves its historic identity.
Its blend of ancient mining history and Wild West architecture makes it a unique semi-ghost town in New Mexico.
9. Cuervo
Cuervo is a classic Route 66 ghost town that once served as a railroad and highway stop for travelers and traders.
When Interstate highways diverted traffic away from Route 66, the town quickly declined and was eventually abandoned.
Today, Cuervo is known for its empty streets, abandoned church, and decaying buildings, making it one of the most accessible ghost towns along the historic highway.
10. Dawson
Dawson was once a major coal mining town operated by the Phelps Dodge Corporation. It featured schools, hospitals, and full company infrastructure, making it one of the most developed mining towns in New Mexico.
However, mining disasters and declining coal demand led to its closure and eventual abandonment.
Today, only scattered ruins and cemetery grounds remain, serving as a reminder of its industrial past and tragic history.
Comprehensive List
| # | Ghost Town | County | Main Industry | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Oaks | Lincoln | Gold mining | Partial ruins |
| 2 | Shakespeare | Hidalgo | Silver mining | Preserved/private |
| 3 | Lake Valley | Sierra | Silver mining | Ruins |
| 4 | Mogollon | Catron | Gold mining | Semi-inhabited |
| 5 | Chloride | Sierra | Silver mining | Semi-preserved |
| 6 | Golden | Santa Fe | Gold mining | Ruins |
| 7 | Elizabethtown | Colfax | Gold mining | Foundations/cemetery |
| 8 | Cerrillos | Santa Fe | Turquoise mining | Semi-living |
| 9 | Cuervo | Guadalupe | Railroad/Route 66 | Abandoned |
| 10 | Dawson | Colfax | Coal mining | Mostly vanished |
| 11 | Kelly | Socorro | Silver/lead mining | Ruins |
| 12 | Kingston | Sierra | Silver mining | Partially inhabited |
| 13 | Madrid | Santa Fe | Coal mining | Revived tourist town |
| 14 | Steins | Hidalgo | Railroad stop | Ruins |
| 15 | Pinos Altos | Grant | Gold mining | Semi-living |
| 16 | San Antonio | Socorro | Mining/agriculture | Near abandoned |
| 17 | Bonanza City | Lincoln | Silver mining | Ruins |
| 18 | Hillsboro | Sierra | Gold mining | Small living town |
| 19 | Rosedale | Catron | Mining | Ruins |
| 20 | Hanover | Grant | Mining | Ghost remnants |
| 21 | Tyrone | Grant | Copper mining | Company ruins |
| 22 | Hachita | Grant | Mining/railroad | Near abandoned |
| 23 | Grafton | Catron | Mining | Ruins |
| 24 | Cuchillo | Sierra | Mining | Sparse settlement |
| 25 | Santa Rita | Grant | Copper mining | Relocated ruins |
| 26 | Central City | Grant | Mining | Ruins |
| 27 | Winston | Sierra | Mining | Ghost settlement |
| 28 | Lake City | Sierra | Silver mining | Ruins |
| 29 | Sylvanite | Hidalgo | Gold mining | Abandoned |
| 30 | Engle | Sierra | Railroad town | Ghost |
| 31 | Cutter | Sierra | Railroad/mining | Ruins |
| 32 | Dwyer | Grant | Farming/mining | Abandoned |
| 33 | Fierro | Grant | Mining | Near ghost |
| 34 | Hermosa | Grant | Mining | Ruins |
| 35 | Galisteo | Santa Fe | Trading post | Semi-abandoned |
| 36 | Bueyeros | Quay | Ranching | Ghost town |
| 37 | Yeso | De Baca | Railroad/agriculture | Abandoned |
| 38 | Kenna | Roosevelt | Farming | Ghost |
| 39 | Pender | Quay | Railroad | Abandoned |
| 40 | Pastura | Guadalupe | Railroad stop | Ghost |
| 41 | Taiban | De Baca | Railroad | Ruins |
| 42 | Tecolote | San Miguel | Trading post | Sparse remains |
| 43 | Serafina | San Miguel | Farming | Near ghost |
| 44 | Trementina | San Miguel | Ranching | Abandoned |
| 45 | Encino | Torrance | Railroad | Declining ghost |
| 46 | Duran | Torrance | Railroad | Ghost town |
| 47 | Orogrande | Otero | Mining | Semi-abandoned |
| 48 | Carthage | Socorro | Gypsum mining | Ruins |
| 49 | Riley | Socorro | Farming | Ghost |
| 50 | San Marcial | Socorro | Railroad | Flooded ruins |
Comparison Table of Top Ghost Towns in New Mexico
| Ghost Town | Main Industry | Peak Era | Current Condition | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Oaks | Gold Mining | Late 1800s | Partial ruins and structures | Moderate |
| Shakespeare | Silver Mining | 1800s | Restored historic buildings | Limited (private) |
| Lake Valley | Silver Mining | 1870s–1890s | Ruins and chapel | Open |
| Mogollon | Gold Mining | Late 1800s | Partially inhabited | Difficult |
| Chloride | Silver Mining | 1880s | Semi-active preserved town | Easy |
| Golden | Gold Mining | Early 1800s | Scattered adobe ruins | Moderate |
| Elizabethtown | Gold Mining | 1860s–1880s | Foundations and cemetery | Moderate |
| Cerrillos | Turquoise Mining | Ancient–1900s | Semi-living town | Easy |
| Cuervo | Railroad/Route 66 | Early 1900s | Abandoned buildings | Easy |
| Dawson | Coal Mining | Early 1900s | Mostly vanished ruins | Limited |
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Conclusion
New Mexico’s ghost towns are powerful reminders of the state’s mining-driven past and frontier history. Each town tells a different story—of sudden wealth, rapid decline, human ambition, and survival in harsh desert conditions.
From the preserved charm of Shakespeare to the haunting silence of Dawson, these ghost towns offer a rare glimpse into America’s forgotten past. Whether explored for history, photography, or curiosity, they remain timeless markers of a once-thriving frontier era.