Jerome, Arizona: America's Largest Ghost Town
From copper mining boomtown to haunted art colony, Jerome clings to its mountainside as one of Arizona's most unique destinationsThe Wickedest Town in the West
Perched precariously on the slopes of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome was once Arizona's fourth-largest city—a copper mining powerhouse of 15,000 residents complete with saloons, bordellos, opium dens, and a reputation for lawlessness that earned it the title "The Wickedest Town in the West."
Today, about 500 hardy souls call Jerome home, and the town has transformed into something remarkable: a living ghost town where Victorian-era buildings now house art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and one of Arizona's most haunted hotels.
From Boom to Near-Bust
The Copper Rush (1876-1953)
Mining began in Jerome in 1876, and for decades the United Verde Mine produced astronomical quantities of copper, attracting workers from around the world. By the 1920s, Jerome had become a sophisticated city with:- An opera house
- Electric streetcars
- A hospital (now the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel)
- Even a Woolworth's department store
The Decline
When the final mine closed in 1953, Jerome's population plummeted to just 50 residents. The town seemed destined to crumble, its buildings slowly sliding down the unstable hillside.The Artistic Resurrection
But Jerome refused to die. In the 1960s and 70s, artists and preservationists discovered the ghost town's potential. They purchased abandoned buildings for next to nothing and began restoring them as studios, galleries, and homes. This creative influx saved Jerome and gives it the eclectic character it has today.In 1967, Jerome became a National Historic Landmark, protecting its unique architecture and history for future generations.
Exploring Jerome Today
Must-See Attractions
Jerome State Historic Park & Douglas Mansion Built in 1916 for mining executive James Douglas, this adobe mansion now houses an excellent museum covering the area's mining history, complete with underground mine models and vintage photographs. The Sliding Jail One of Jerome's most photographed oddities—this old jail has slid 225 feet from its original foundation due to the unstable hillside. The ground beneath Jerome contains miles of mining tunnels, causing ongoing settling. Art Galleries Jerome's main streets are lined with dozens of galleries featuring painting, sculpture, jewelry, and crafts. Unlike touristy art districts, many artists actually live and work in town. Winery Tasting Rooms Several Verde Valley wineries maintain tasting rooms in Jerome, taking advantage of the town's dramatic views and foot traffic. The Haunted Hamburger Part restaurant, part ghost magnet—this popular eatery in a historic building is known for unexplained footsteps, moving objects, and apparitions.The Ghost Town's Ghosts
Jerome's violent history has left a paranormal legacy that draws ghost hunters from around the world.
Jerome Grand Hotel Originally the United Verde Hospital (1927-1950), this imposing building witnessed nearly 9,000 deaths during its medical days. Guests and staff report:- Ghostly figures in hallways
- Objects moving on their own
- Phantom footsteps and voices
- Elevator malfunctions
- The spirit of Claude Harvey, a maintenance man who died in an elevator accident
- The Haskins House (alleged murders)
- Jerome Cemetery
- The old high school
- Numerous shops and restaurants
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Jerome is located on Highway 89A between Sedona and Prescott:| From | Distance | Drive Time |
| Sedona | 28 miles | 45 min |
| Prescott | 33 miles | 45 min |
| Phoenix | 100 miles | 2 hours |
Hours & Access
The town is always accessible. Most shops and restaurants operate 10 AM – 5 PM daily, with some evening hours for restaurants and wine bars. Admission: Free to walk around town; individual attractions have separate fees.Navigating Jerome
Be prepared for steep terrain. Jerome drops 2,000 feet in elevation over just one mile. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.- Parking is limited; paid lots are available
- Many streets are narrow and one-way
- Accessibility varies—some buildings have stairs
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (essential!)
- Camera (the views are spectacular)
- Cash for smaller galleries and shops
- Layers—elevation means cooler temps
Best Times to Visit
| Season | What to Expect |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild temps, wildflowers, moderate crowds |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot at lower elevations; Jerome is 10-15° cooler |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Ideal weather, fall colors in surrounding valleys |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Quieter; occasional cold snaps but rarely snow |
Day Trip Itinerary
Morning:- Start at Jerome State Historic Park—get the historical context
- Walk through downtown galleries
- Coffee at a local café with valley views
- Haunted Hamburger (make a reservation for busy times)
- Or try the Mile High Grill & Inn
- Wine tasting at Caduceus Cellars (owned by Tool's Maynard James Keenan)
- Visit Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes—world's largest kaleidoscope dealer
- Explore the Sliding Jail
- Book a ghost tour
- Dinner with sunset views
- Overnight at the Jerome Grand Hotel (if you dare)
Nearby Adventures
| Destination | Distance | Why Visit |
| Tuzigoot National Monument | 10 miles | Ancient Sinagua pueblo ruins |
| Dead Horse Ranch State Park | 12 miles | Hiking, fishing, camping |
| Sedona | 28 miles | Red rock hikes, vortexes, dining |
| Prescott | 33 miles | Whiskey Row, Victorian downtown |
The Jerome Experience
Jerome isn't just another ghost town. It's a place where history and creativity intersect on a mountainside that's literally sliding into the valley below. The combination of Wild West grit, artistic resurrection, and paranormal atmosphere creates something you won't find anywhere else in Arizona—or perhaps America.
As locals like to say: "The ghosts never left. They just got new neighbors."
---
Last Updated: December 2024 Sources:- Jerome Historical Society
- Arizona State Parks
- Visit Arizona
- Jerome Chamber of Commerce
Explore more Arizona ghost towns: Tombstone • Vulture City