The Little-Known Ghost Town In Wyoming You Can Only Reach By Driving An 12-Mile Dirt Road With River Crossings

Kirwin, Wyoming, is one of the state's hidden ghost towns. It's not a bustling site of preservation or tourist activity. Its abandoned, unchanged from when its residents left. The drive out here is one for experienced 4x4 travelers only, but it is truly worth the journey.

The drive to Kirwin is the trickiest part of this ghost town adventure.

The 12-mile Forest Service Road that brings you through the woods and up the mountains is rocky and rough. You'll need a capable 4x4 vehicle to make it through.

Be prepared to ford the Woods River! If the water is high, you won't be able to cross. Typically, the easiest time to go is from July-September, but check with the rangers before heading out

Once you get to Kirwin, though, you'll realize the journey is so worth it.

This eerie mining town looks like it was abandoned in a flash - and it was!

Kirwin was once a bustling mining town, but after an avalanche killed several miners, residents packed their bags and left.

You can still see the town church, the mine shaft, and the mine office. A short hike will take you to the half-finished cabin of Amelia Earhart, too.

Rumor has it that Kirwin is a ghost town in more ways than one. High levels of paranormal activity have been documented here.

This is certainly a journey that takes some bravery!

Learn more about getting to Kirwin and the history of the town by reading the Forest Service website here. If you want to visit a ghost town but aren't sure how your car will handle the rough road to get out here, plan a visit to South Pass City. It's a fascinating historic site and much easier to get to!