--- title: "Best Ghost Towns in Arizona: 12 Must-Visit Abandoned Places (2026)" description: "Explore Arizona's most incredible ghost towns, from Tombstone-era mining camps to mysterious desert settlements. Complete 2026 guide with maps, photos, and tips." date: 2026-01-01 author: Ghost Towns Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/arizona-ghost-towns.jpg keywords: best ghost towns arizona, arizona abandoned towns, ghost towns near phoenix, jerome az ghost town --- # Best Ghost Towns in Arizona Arizona has one of the highest concentrations of ghost towns in America, with over 275 documented abandoned settlements. The Copper State's mining heritage left behind everything from crumbling adobe ruins to remarkably preserved Wild West towns. ## The Arizona Ghost Town Experience Unlike many Western ghost towns, Arizona's dry desert climate has preserved structures remarkably well. You'll find everything from complete Victorian-era buildings to mysterious foundation ruins that tell stories of boom-and-bust mining cycles. --- ## Top Arizona Ghost Towns to Visit ### 1. Jerome Location: Yavapai County, between Prescott and Sedona Status: Living ghost town (population ~450) Why Visit: Best-preserved large mining town in the Southwest Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome clings to Cleopatra Hill at 5,000 feet elevation. The former copper mining boomtown now thrives as an artist colony and tourist destination, but its ghost town heritage is everywhere. Highlights: - Jerome State Historic Park (Mansion Museum) - Grand Hotel (reportedly haunted) - Sliding Jail that moved 225 feet downhill - Spectacular views of Verde Valley Explore Jerome → ### 2. Tombstone Location: Cochise County, Southeast Arizona Status: Tourist town with preserved historic district Why Visit: The most famous Western town in America "The Town Too Tough to Die" is synonymous with the Wild West. The O.K. Corral, Boot Hill Cemetery, and Bird Cage Theatre transport visitors to the 1880s when Wyatt Earp walked these streets. Highlights: - O.K. Corral reenactments - Boot Hill Graveyard - Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park - Allen Street boardwalks ### 3. Chloride Location: Mohave County, near Kingman Status: Semi-inhabited (population ~250) Why Visit: Arizona's oldest surviving mining town Founded in 1863, Chloride was a silver mining hub that has stubbornly refused to completely die. The town features murals by renowned artist Roy Purcell on nearby cliffs. ### 4. Vulture City Location: Maricopa County, near Wickenburg Status: Privately preserved ghost town Why Visit: Authentic unrestored mining ruins The Vulture Mine was Arizona's most productive gold mine. Today, Vulture City offers guided tours through remarkably preserved buildings, including the assay office, blacksmith shop, and boarding house. Visitor Info: - Guided tours required ($15-25) - Weekend hours typically - Check website for current schedule ### 5. Ruby Location: Santa Cruz County, near Nogales Status: Private preserve (tours available) Why Visit: One of the best-preserved ghost towns in America Ruby is a time capsule frozen in 1940. The former mercury mining town features a school with textbooks still on desks, a mercantile store, and numerous adobe structures. ### 6. Gleeson Location: Cochise County, near Tombstone Status: True ghost town Why Visit: Atmospheric ruins with minimal tourism Gleeson's turquoise mining history left behind crumbling adobe buildings, an old jail, and the haunting Gleeson Cemetery. It's far less touristy than nearby Tombstone. ### 7. Fairbank Location: Cochise County, San Pedro River Status: BLM-managed historic site Why Visit: Free access, well-preserved schoolhouse This former railroad town is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The restored 1920s schoolhouse and multiple adobe ruins are free to explore year-round. ### 8. Congress Location: Yavapai County, north of Wickenburg Status: Semi-inhabited Why Visit: Accessible Gold Rush history The Congress Mine was one of Arizona's richest gold producers. Some original buildings remain, and the area offers easy access for exploring mining history. ### 9. Goldroad Location: Mohave County, Route 66 Status: Roadside ruins Why Visit: Route 66 photography spot Located along historic Route 66 near Oatman, Goldroad's ruins include a visible mine entrance and various mining structures. Perfect for a quick stop on a Route 66 road trip. ### 10. Oatman Location: Mohave County, Route 66 Status: Active tourist town Why Visit: Wild burros roaming the streets Oatman straddles the line between ghost town and tourist trap, but the wild burros (descendants of miners' pack animals) make it uniquely charming. ### 11. Courtland Location: Cochise County, near Tombstone Status: True ghost town Why Visit: Lesser-known ruins near Tombstone Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Courtland offers atmospheric ruins without the crowds. The old jail and various foundations are free to explore. ### 12. Two Guns Location: Coconino County, I-40 Status: Roadside ruins Why Visit: Route 66 history and Apache Death Cave This Route 66 tourist trap-turned-ghost-town features stone ruins, a defunct zoo, and the infamous Apache Death Cave (a tragic site from the 1878 Apache Wars). --- ## Ghost Town Road Trip Itinerary ### Southern Arizona Loop (3-4 Days) Day 1: Tucson → Ruby → Tombstone Day 2: Tombstone → Gleeson → Courtland → Fairbank Day 3: Bisbee (not a ghost town but historic) → Return ### Central Arizona Loop (2-3 Days) Day 1: Phoenix → Vulture City → Congress → Prescott Day 2: Jerome → Clarkdale → Sedona Day 3: Return to Phoenix ### Route 66 Ghost Towns (1-2 Days) Day 1: Kingman → Chloride → Goldroad → Oatman Day 2: Two Guns → Meteor Crater → Flagstaff --- ## When to Visit Arizona Ghost Towns - Best: October through April (cooler temperatures) - Avoid: May through September (extreme heat in lower elevations) - Peak Season: March and October (spring break, fall festivals) --- Ready to explore? 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