Keeler boomed in the 1880s as the Owens Lake port and mill terminus for Cerro Gordo's silver and the end of the Carson & Colorado narrow gauge, then withered as the mines died and Los Angeles drained the lake to alkali flats. Today roughly 30-50 residents live among collapsing miners' shacks, the old depot, and a defunct swimming pool signposted with dark humor. The townsite sits on a public highway (SR 136) and is easy to reach, but most buildings are private, and wind-whipped carcinogenic dust off the dry lakebed is a real respiratory hazard on bad days.
Vestige documents abandoned & historic places for education and preservation. Always obtain permission before visiting and follow local law.