Arizona’s landscape is dotted with remnants of the past, where abandoned mining
towns and forgotten settlements tell stories of boom and bust. These ghost towns
offer a fascinating glimpse into the American Southwest’s rich prospecting,
pioneering, and perseverance history.
From well-preserved tourist destinations to truly abandoned ruins, each site holds its
unique tale of life in the Old West.
Oatman, Mohave County
This former gold-mining boom town sits along the historic Route 66, where wild
donkeys roam freely through the streets as descendants of the miners’ old pack
animals. The town maintains much of its authentic 1920s character, complete with
wooden sidewalks and original buildings that now house antique shops and ice
cream parlors.
Visitors can even stay at the allegedly haunted Oatman Hotel, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their honeymoon.
Jerome, Yavapai County
Perched precariously on Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff, this former
copper mining capital was once known as the ‘Wickedest Town in the West.’ The
steep streets and historic buildings have been transformed into an artsy community
while maintaining their century-old charm and offering spectacular views of the
Verde Valley.
The town’s Douglas Mansion, now a state historic park, provides fascinating insights into the life of mining executives during Jerome’s heyday.
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Ruby, Santa Cruz County
Located just a few miles from the Mexican border, this remarkably preserved ghost
town features a man-made mining reservoir and numerous intact buildings from its
mining heyday. The site includes the old school, jail, and mine offices, making it one
of the best-preserved ghost towns in the Southwest.
Ruby’s isolation has helped preserve its authentic character, including the original mining equipment scattered throughout the property.
Vulture City, Maricopa County
Home to Arizona’s most productive gold mine, this desert settlement near
Wickenburg features the preserved ruins of Henry Wickenburg’s famous Vulture
Mine. The remaining structures include the assay office, powder magazine, and the
infamous ‘Hanging Tree’ where thieves met their fate.
Recent restoration efforts have allowed visitors to explore the mine’s stamp mill and other industrial artifacts.
Goldfield, Pinal County
Situated at the base of the Superstition Mountains, this former mining camp has
been carefully reconstructed to capture the spirit of its 1890s glory days. The town
offers authentic period experiences with gunfight reenactments and historic
Mammoth Gold Mine tours.
Local legends about the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine continue to draw treasure hunters to the surrounding mountains.
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Chloride, Mohave County
This semi-ghost town represents Arizona’s oldest continuously inhabited mining
town, featuring a fascinating mix of occupied homes and abandoned structures. The
surrounding hills showcase vibrant outdoor murals painted by Roy Purcell, adding a
unique artistic element to this historic mining community.
The town’s pioneer cemetery tells touching stories of the hardships faced by early settlers.
Fairbank, Cochise County
This former railroad town was an important transportation hub for nearby silver
mining operations in Tombstone. The preserved schoolhouse now serves as a visitor
center, while the restored commercial building and railroad station offer glimpses into
1880s life.
The nearby San Pedro River supports a rich riparian habitat, attracting year-round wildlife and birdwatchers.
Pearce, Cochise County
Founded after a major gold discovery in 1894, this historic site features the imposing
Pearce General Store and several well-preserved adobe structures. The old post
office building represents the town’s former importance as a mining supply center.
The Commonwealth Mine, which produced over $15 million in gold, left impressive
ruins that still dot the landscape.
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Congress, Yavapai County
This former gold mining settlement features impressive ruins of the Congress Mine
and its processing facilities. The remaining structures include the stamp mill foundation and several mine shafts that once produced millions in gold ore.
The nearby Congress Cemetery contains ornate headstones that reflect the town’s former prosperity.
Swansea, La Paz County
Named for the Welsh hometown of its founder, this copper mining town’s ruins
include impressive smelter remains and restored workers’ quarters. The site offers a
unique perspective on early 20th-century copper processing technologies and mining
life.
The desert has reclaimed much of the site, creating an eerie backdrop of weathered adobe walls against the stark landscape.
Dos Cabezas, Cochise County
Nestled in the Dos Cabezas Mountains, this mining camp features adobe ruins and
the restored Pioneer Cemetery. The town’s name, ‘Two Heads,’ refers to the
distinctive twin peaks that tower above the settlement.
Visitors can still find traces of the narrow-gauge railroad connecting the mines to the Southern Pacific main line.
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Globe Mines, Gila County
Situated near the Globe, these vast mining ruins indicate the region’s long history of
copper mining. The site features preserved headframes, processing facilities, and
miners’ quarters that tell the story of Arizona’s copper boom.
The adjacent Besh-Ba- Gowah Archaeological Park has even more information on the prehistory of mining in this location.
Crown King, Yavapai County
Accessible only by rough forest roads, this remote mining town maintains its historic
saloon and several original structures. The journey to reach Crown King offers
spectacular views and a true sense of how isolated these mining communities once
were.
The town’s elevation provides a cool retreat from the desert heat, just as it did for miners over a century ago.
Courtland, Cochise County
This copper mining town’s remains include the jail, several commercial buildings, and
the foundations of the former courthouse. The site provides excellent opportunities
for photography and exploration of early 20th-century mining architecture.
The surrounding Dragoon Mountains harbor ancient Native American pictographs, adding
another layer of historical interest.
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Charleston, Cochise County
Located along the San Pedro River, this mill town processed ore from Tombstone’s
silver mines. The adobe ruins and mill foundations offer insights into the crucial role
of water-powered ore processing in Arizona’s mining history.
Recent archaeological studies have revealed fascinating details about daily life in this bustling industrial community.
Preserving Arizona’s Mining Legacy Today
These ghost towns silently witness Arizona’s wild and woolly past, offering modern
visitors a chance to step back in time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast,
photographer, or curious traveler, these preserved pieces of the Old West provide
tangible connections to the adventurous spirits who shaped Arizona’s territorial days.
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