Chloride City

Overview

Chloride City is a remote ghost town tucked into the northern Funeral Mountains on the park’s east side. It pairs evocative mining-era ruins with big panoramas from nearby Chloride Cliff. If you like rugged history, solitude, and wide-open views, this is your kind of detour; if you’re after quick roadside sights, you can skip it.

What You’ll See

• Scattered ruins from a short-lived mining camp: cabin remains, adits and shafts, dumps, and the remnants of three stamp mills.
• A solitary marked grave for miner James McKay, a stark reminder of the site’s brief boom-and-bust story.
• Vast vistas from the Chloride Cliff area, which sits high above the valley floor and looks deep into Death Valley and across to distant ranges.

Getting There

Access is via Chloride Cliff (Chloride City) Road on the east side of the park near the Nevada border. This is an adventurous, unpaved backcountry route—expect rocky, rutted sections and some steep stretches. A high-clearance 4WD is the right tool here. There are no facilities, no formal parking, and no services; plan to be fully self-sufficient.

Safety Essentials

This is a true backcountry ruin site with real hazards. Watch your footing around open mine shafts and unstable structures, and don’t enter adits. Snakes are possible in this high-desert terrain—be alert when stepping over rocks or brush. Carry ample water, sun protection, and emergency supplies; help is a long way off.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall bring the most forgiving temperatures for both the drive and exploring on foot. Aim for morning or late afternoon for softer light on the ruins and the best photography at the cliff overlooks. Crowds are typically minimal at all times. Summer heat can be severe; winters can be chilly and windy at elevation.

Is It Worth It?

For history buffs, off-road explorers, and photographers, yes—this is a rewarding, uncrowded slice of Death Valley’s mining past with grand views close at hand. If you’re on a tight schedule or uncomfortable with rough roads, prioritize more accessible highlights and save this one for another trip.