Craving a road trip with a haunting twist? Set your sights on the windswept plains of West Texas, where the empty streets of forgotten ghost towns whisper stories of boom-and-bust railroads, dust bowl survival, and long-lost dreams. Just beyond Amarillo’s city limits lie eerie, fascinating towns frozen in time—perfect for a chilling and unforgettable Texas road trip.
From crumbling post offices to rusted-out grain silos and silent cemeteries, these ghost towns invite travelers to slow down and step into the past. Whether you’re a history buff, urban explorer, or lover of all things spooky, this ghost town road trip from Amarillo delivers mystery, adventure, and wide-open West Texas skies.
Overview of Ghost Towns Near Amarillo
The Texas Panhandle was once dotted with thriving rail stops, cattle shipping hubs, and hopeful frontier towns. As rail lines shifted and economies faltered, many of these communities vanished almost overnight—leaving behind weathered buildings, crumbling homes, and haunting silence.
These towns may not be on most maps, but they offer a unique and immersive experience. You won’t find gift shops or tour guides—just wind, ruins, and a raw sense of history. Most are reachable in under an hour from Amarillo, making them ideal for a half-day or full-day road trip loop. Bring a camera, a full tank of gas, and an appreciation for the strange and sublime.
Eerie and Fascinating Ghost Towns Near Amarillo
1. Glenrio (Texas/New Mexico Border)
Once a bustling Route 66 town straddling the Texas–New Mexico state line, Glenrio became a casualty of I-40’s bypass. Today, the town’s abandoned service stations, motels, and post office stand as haunting reminders of the Mother Road’s past.
Address: Glenrio, TX/NM – Off I-40 at Exit 0
Hours: Open access
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Straddling two states; abandoned Route 66 buildings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Watch for rattlesnakes and walk carefully—many structures are fragile but great for photos.
2. Tascosa (Now Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch)
Once known as the “Cowboy Capital of the Plains,” Old Tascosa was a wild west town filled with outlaws and duels. Today, it’s home to Boys Ranch, but remnants of the original town—like Boot Hill Cemetery—still exist for respectful visitors.
Address: 600 SW 11th Ave, Boys Ranch, TX 79010
Hours: Grounds open during daylight
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Boot Hill Cemetery and wild west history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Check in at the front office if you’re visiting during business hours—staff can guide you to the historic sites.
3. Claude (Semi-Ghost Town)
Claude is still inhabited but holds the eerie vibe of a place that time forgot. Old storefronts, fading signs, and a once-bustling main street make it feel like a living ghost town—especially on a quiet afternoon.
Address: Claude, TX – 30 miles southeast of Amarillo on TX-207
Hours: Open access
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Classic small-town feel with ghost town charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a photo of the historic courthouse, then explore on foot to spot crumbling storefronts and vintage murals.
4. Lobo (Abandoned Community)
Technically farther afield, Lobo is a legendary ghost town for road trip adventurers. Once a desert oasis near Van Horn, it’s now fully abandoned—yet occasionally used for art installations and pop-up events.
Address: Lobo, TX – ~5 hours from Amarillo (optional overnight)
Hours: View from road unless event is scheduled
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Fully abandoned desert town with surreal ambiance
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine with a trip toward Big Bend for a multi-day haunted adventure.
5. Goodnight
Named after famed cattleman Charles Goodnight, this tiny settlement was once the heart of Panhandle ranching. Today, the town is quiet and partially abandoned, but the Goodnight Historical Center preserves its legacy.
Address: Goodnight, TX – Off US-287 near Claude
Hours: Grounds open daily; museum by appointment
Approx Cost: Free to explore exterior
Famous For: Historic ranch town and Charles Goodnight’s legacy
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Call ahead if you want to tour the museum—otherwise enjoy the historic markers and photo-worthy landscapes.
6. Vega (Semi-Abandoned Route 66 Stop)
Vega’s downtown retains its small-town charm but has plenty of abandoned gems—like a restored Magnolia gas station, fading motels, and signage from the heyday of Route 66. It’s quiet, photogenic, and steeped in nostalgia.
Address: Vega, TX – West of Amarillo on I-40
Hours: Open access
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Restored gas station, old motels, and Route 66 relics
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Dot’s Mini Museum—an odd but memorable collection of Route 66 memorabilia.
7. Washburn (Abandoned Townsite)
East of Amarillo, Washburn is little more than a cemetery and scattered foundations, but it still carries a haunting quiet. A brief detour off the main road rewards travelers with that eerie ghost town silence.
Address: Washburn, TX – Off US-287 East
Hours: Open access
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Minimal ruins and peaceful prairie setting
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a camera and wander the cemetery—it’s one of the few markers left of the town’s past.
Haunted and Historic Food Stops
1. The Nat
Once a 1920s dance hall and now a Route 66 antique mall, The Nat (Natatorium) oozes character and rumored ghost stories. Whether you believe or not, it’s a fascinating place for a coffee or quick snack.
Address: 2705 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$15
Famous For: Former ballroom turned antique shop
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask the staff about ghost sightings—they’ve got stories.
2. Smokey Joe’s
This quirky Route 66 diner is filled with retro signs and ghost town-style decor. Great for a hearty lunch before or after visiting Vega or Glenrio.
Address: 2903 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: BBQ, Route 66 murals, and outdoor seating
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit outside and enjoy the mural views—perfect for photos.
3. Midpoint Café (Adrian, TX)
Located in a nearly-abandoned town, this retro café is an icon for travelers on Route 66. Known for its homemade pie and nostalgic vibes, it’s equal parts sweet and spooky.
Address: 305 W Historic Route 66, Adrian, TX 79001
Hours: Seasonal; check before visiting
Approx Cost: $5–$10
Famous For: Being the official midpoint of Route 66
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the “Ugly Crust Pie” and get a photo with the Route 66 Midpoint sign.
Packing Tips for a Ghost Town Road Trip
- Camera or smartphone with extra storage
- Spray paint (for Cadillac Ranch stop)
- Paper map—cell service can drop in remote areas
- Water, snacks, and cooler
- Flashlight or headlamp for exploring structures (be cautious)
- Closed-toe shoes—terrain is uneven and can be dangerous
- First aid kit
- Notebook or journal to document locations
- Windbreaker or hoodie—West Texas winds can chill fast
- Respectful attitude toward ruins and cemeteries
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Fall is best for cooler temps and golden prairie views.
Avoid summer mid-day heat—start early or explore late afternoon.
Always fuel up—many ghost towns are far from gas stations.
Leave no trace—don’t damage or remove items from ruins.
Ask locals in small towns—they often share stories and secret stops.
Beware of snakes, wasps, and unstable buildings—explore with caution.
Conclusion
The road from Amarillo leads not only through time but into mystery. These ghost towns tell the forgotten tales of Texas—of grit, growth, and sudden silence. Whether you’re snapping surreal photos in Glenrio, wandering Boot Hill in Tascosa, or listening for whispers on a Vega backstreet, this road trip offers more than eerie thrills—it delivers a deep connection to the soul of the West.
So grab your map, cue up a haunting playlist, and let the winds of the Panhandle guide you. The ghosts of Texas are waiting—and they’ve got stories to tell.
