Discover These Top 10 Ghost Towns in Arizona
2024
Arizona's rich history is evident in its ghost towns, which are popular tourist destinations for their captivating stories of the past. If you're looking for an eerie adventure in sunny Arizona, then visiting one of these ghost towns is a must. With the spooky season just around the corner, what better way to embrace the thrill of the unknown than by exploring the top 10 ghost towns in Arizona? Here are some of the best locations to visit for an unforgettable experience.
Visit These Ghost Towns for a Spooky Experience in Arizona
Jerome
Located just an hour and a half away from Phoenix, Jerome is a popular destination for ghost town enthusiasts. This town, which was once known for its copper mines, has plenty of stories to tell. Visitors can explore the many ruins and abandoned buildings, including the old jail and hospital. Be sure to visit the historic Asiatic Saloon, which has been preserved from the early 1900s.
Founded: 1899
Abandoned: The town was originally abandoned in 1953 with the closing of the Phelps Dodge Mine, and was designated as a National Historic District in 1967.
Tip Top
Discover Tip Top, AZ—a charming ghost town with a fascinating mining history! Founded in 1880 and abandoned by 1916, this hidden gem is just a short drive from Phoenix.
Explore its well-preserved ruins, including old adobe buildings and mine shafts, and soak in the serene, off-the-beaten-path vibe. It’s a wonderful spot to connect with Arizona’s rich past and find a unique piece of history!
Founded: 1880
Abandoned: 1916
Tombstone
No list of Arizona ghost towns is complete without Tombstone. The site of the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, this town is a true icon of the Wild West era. Visitors can witness history come to life by watching reenactments of the gunfight and exploring the many historic buildings and museums.
Founded: 1879
Abandoned: Tombstone was abandoned in the mid 1880's
Bisbee
Another former copper mining town, Bisbee, has been preserved as a National Historic District. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town, which includes stops at the Copper Queen Mine and historic hotels like the Copper Queen and Bisbee Grand.
Founded: 1877
Abandoned: The deportation of striking mine workers in 1917 started to deplete the town population, which was driven further by the complete closing of the mines in 1974.
Oatman
This tiny ghost town on Route 66 is known for its wild burros that roam the streets. Oatman has a rich mining history, and visitors can see the ruins of the old mines. Be sure to visit the old Oatman Hotel, which is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of past guests.
Founded: 1906
Abandoned: The town was abandoned by the early 1940's.
Goldfield
This ghost town is just a short drive from the Phoenix area and offers a glimpse into the state's gold-mining past. Visitors can explore the historic mining equipment and buildings, including a reconstructed brothel and saloon.
Founded: 1893
Abandoned: After many unsuccesful attempts to reopen the mines, they officially closed down in 1926.
Ruby
Ruby, Arizona, is a historic ghost town that offers visitors a unique window into the past of Arizona’s mining era. Once a thriving mining community in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ruby was known for its gold, silver, and lead production. The town had essential amenities like a schoolhouse, jail, and mining facilities. However, by the 1940s, the mines were depleted, and Ruby was gradually abandoned, leaving behind a quiet and intriguing setting for modern explorers.
Today, Ruby is one of Arizona’s most well-preserved ghost towns, featuring remnants of its mining days, including the schoolhouse and old mining equipment. It’s a great spot for those interested in history, hiking, and wildlife watching, with nearby ponds attracting various bird species. Ruby offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience for visitors looking to explore the simpler life of a bygone era without the crowds found in other ghost towns.
Founded: Late 1800's
Abandoned: 1940's
Courtland
This ghost town was once home to a booming copper mine, but today, all that remains are the ruins of a few buildings. Visitors can explore the town's remnants and explore the stunning desert landscape.
Founded: 1909
Abandoned: Courtland was essentially abandoned by 1921.
Vulture City
This ghost town is located on the site of a former gold mine. Visitors can explore the mine's remains and the reconstructed buildings, including a saloon, general store, and post office.
Founded: 1863
Abandoned: The mine in Vulture City was opened and closed several times, and finally closed for the last time in 1942. The town was then abandoned.
Swansea
This ghost town in western Arizona was once a bustling copper mining community. Visitors can explore the ruins of old homes, schools, and churches. Be sure to take in the stunning desert scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Founded: 1862
Abandoned: The mines closed and the town was competely abandoned in 1937.
Experience Arizona in an Arizona Elite Vacation Rental
Exploring Arizona's ghost towns is a great way to embrace the state's rich history and experience a different kind of adventure. From the Wild West town of Tombstone to the small mining community of Ruby, these ghost towns offer a glimpse into the past that will send shivers down your spine.
As the spooky season approaches, consider booking from our collection of Arizona vacation rentals and taking a road trip to explore some of Arizona's most haunted locations. You never know what ghosts might be hiding in the shadows.
Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly rental so you can take your pup along for your trip, or want to be sure your rental comes equipped with a hot tub, Elite Vacation Rentals has you covered. Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your next trip to Arizona directly with Elite Vacation Rentals!
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