Loyalton, CA: the Loneliest Town in the USA
Atlas Obscura on Slate is a blog about the world's hidden wonders. Like us on Facebook, Tumblr, or follow us on Twitter @atlasobscura.
Not to pile on too much guilt or anything, but the residents of Loyalton are really hoping you'll stop by. You see, it can get lonely out there in California's Sierra Valley. In fact, Loyalton, population 729 and falling, has declared itself "The Loneliest Town in America."
Loneliness is difficult to quantify, but on his website LoneliestTowninAmerica.com, Loyalton resident Bob Macey crunched some numbers to prove the town is worthy of its self-assigned epithet. According to Macey, an average of 10.4 people pass through the town each day. Many tiny towns could trump this claim, but Macey argues that Loyalton, located within 40 miles of two major interstate highways and Reno's international airport, ought to be receiving more visitors.
"No town in America is so close to so much, the largest town in its county, and on a famous state highway," he wrote, "yet no one comes to see us."
The place is not without its charms. Vicki's Blue Moon Bakery on Main Street serves up a delicious roast beef sandwich. The Golden West Saloon has 14 motel rooms just itching to be occupied. The tiny town museum, run by volunteers, will give you an insight into Loyalton's Gold Rush origins, log mill past, and agricultural development. Surrounding the city streets is a glorious wilderness perfect for fishing, hiking, camping, and bird watching.
So that's the rundown on Loyalton. Maybe you'd like to take a roadtrip there sometime. But no pressure. In the words of Bob Macey, "We don't mean to brag and we don't want any pity, but we would love for you to come and visit us. You might even decide to move here."
Other isolated environs:
View Loyalton, CA 96118 in a larger map