Robber’s Roost, CA

Robber’s Roost is located off of State Route 178 in the Mojave Desert. I drive this route multiple times per month, but have never bothered to stop until now. There is some real history in this area, the rock formation located above the make shift “ghost town” was once used by numerous outlaws to spot and rob passing stagecoaches. The most well known of the criminals know for using Robber’s Roost is Tiburcio Vásquez.  Vásquez ran the Juan Soto, and later, Procopio Bustamante bandit gangs in the 1870′s. For many years there had been rumors that Vásquez had buried treasures around the area. In the 1980′s one of these treasures had been found. It is still believed that other buried treasures remain. The owner of the area around Robber’s Roost spoke of one of Vásquez’s guns being wedged down in a canyon up near the rock formation.

Today, Robber’s Roost has been turned into a “ghost town” despite the fact that a town never actually existed here. The make shift “ghost town” is made from a hotel that was once located here, as well as some additional buildings. The set up is interesting for a walk through, just don’t believe what you are seeing is real…because it isn’t. You will find a large building filled with antiques and junk items from this century as well a small general store for sodas, snacks, etc. The owner is informative about the facts surrounding the area, and is extremely friendly and talkative.

You are able to travel out to the rock formations however it is recommended that you have 4 wheel drive. We were not able to do so due to traveling in our Mustang.