There are ghost towns scattered all over America. Some are big, others small, and they all have their unique charm. The American West has more than any other part of the United States because so many are tied to the gold mining boom that, for so many, went belly up, leaving behind broken dreams, rusty equipment, and weathered buildings. Arizona is an ideal place for those looking to take the path less traveled and explore some of these sometimes spooky but also interesting deserted towns. Whether you are looking for day trip ideas in Phoenix, Tucson, or a staycation anywhere in Arizona, this list will tell you where to go, what to expect, and what it will cost you. Here are the top ghost towns in Arizona for staycations and beyond.
Gleeson
The ghost town of Gleeson is a fun slice of tourist Americana. You can take a wandering tour of the cemetery, restored jailhouse, or the 100-mile driving circuit to access more host towns than you ever thought possible. Don’t worry about an all-terrain vehicle; your family car will do just fine. You can even do a genealogy search for long-lost relatives who might have lived in Gleeson. This ghost town is only open on Saturdays, so plan accordingly, but it is well worth adding this to your agenda for a day trip, staycation addition, or part of a road-tripping adventure. You can find more information here, including the geology lookup, panoramic historic town photos, and upcoming events. Important Tip- There is no bank for miles, so exact change is required if using cash.
Ruby
A day trip from Tuscon and 4 miles from the Mexico border sits Ruby, Arizona. This ghost town is nearly 115 years old, and although it isn’t what it used to be, it is still going strong. The privately owned town is open to the public with the proper permitting, which is $15 per person. The day pass includes access to the town, over 350 surrounding acres, including two lakes and trails, and a rich mining history. You can fish, watch the migratory bats, or camp on the mine tailings while gazing at the stars. Telescopes are permitted and encouraged.
Additionally, you can mountain bike, paddleboard, visit the museum, or explore the cemetery. Several nearby canyons and parks are easily accessible and could turn this into a multi-day adventure. Metal detectors are strictly forbidden, and you are asked to treat the land respectfully, but this is an immense attraction that you could easily get lost in for a day. You can find more information and buy permits here.
Castle Dome City
In Yuma, Arizona, Castle Dome is the longest-running mine, and it is now a ghost town. This mine and town, which has stood since 1871, have over 50 buildings to explore. It is more of a small city than a town. The mine museum has artifacts dug up from 300 mines’ worth of ground surrounding the mining district. Each of them paints a picture of life in the West and mining. It is an eclectic and exciting mix of personal and industrial items. While there, it is imperative to make reservations for the Arizona Fluorescent Mineral Wall tour at the Hull Mine. The mesmerizing tour gets you up close and personal with phosphorescent and fluorescent mineral walls. It continues to the Desperado Hideout, more of the mine, a blacksmith shop, and more. It is a must-see!
Cash is king here. Adult tickets for the entire tour are $80 with cards and $75 with cash. Children 7-11 are $40 and $30 with cash, and under 7 are FREE. Entrance is $21 for adults and $7 with a dollar discount for cash. This is one of the pricier ghost towns in Arizona. However, it is well worth the money. More information can be found here. Be aware they are open daily from October through April, excluding holidays—call before coming at all other times of the year.
Vulture City Ghost Town
This mysterious place leans all the way into its ghost town roots. It offers ghost tours, horseback riding tours, and blacksmith experiences. This is also an excellent place for a homeschool field trip, as it frequently caters to homeschooled groups. Located in Wickenburg, AZ, this one-of-a-kind treasure in the Sonoran Desert has something for everybody. It fully embraces its paranormal reputation with flashlight tours, ghost hunts, and paranormal investigations. Arizona’s most successful gold mines gave birth to Vulture City, which quickly grew to several thousand people before the gold dried up and everyone left, leaving nothing but abandoned buildings and ghosts behind. Between 1863 and 1942, the mine produced approximately 350,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver.
The four-hour blacksmith experience is not for the casual tinkier. This is the real deal and is a hands-on introduction to all things blacksmithing. The cost is $199 per person for this immersive experience. General admittance is $15 for adults, $12 for Seniors and veterans, $7 for children 7-12, and under 7 is FREE. Ghost tours are $30 a piece and are strictly for those 12 and older. They are only available on select evenings, so reservations are required. You can book all these and purchase your tickets here. Easily, this is one of my favorite ghost towns anywhere in America.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Acting as the gateway to the legendary Superstitious Mountains, Goldfield Ghost Town is an attraction that could easily become an entire vacation. You can camp nearby, plan a day trip, or staycation by visiting for multiple days while sleeping at home each night. It is located in Apache Junction, AZ, on the historic Apache Trail. Watch gunslingers shoot it out, visit a working saloon, wander through the many shops and buildings, and explore the mine museum. If you are feeling lucky, pan for gold, and no trip would be complete without riding on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. You can zipline, take a walking or guided tour of the mine, or reptile exhibits. There are even ghost tours and The Mystery Shack, where the laws of physics are defied. Feel free to tour the Bordello or pan for precious gems while there. You can even ride horses.
Each of these activities is a nominal fee. It is open seven days a week, and you can camp on-site for as little as $30 a night for “dry camping” and $50.00 for hookups. Horse camping is possible for $15, and they offer amenities such as shower facilities. Dogs are permitted, but you must keep them on a leash and clean up after them. The steakhouse and saloon is a fully functioning restaurant with tasty vittles for the whole family. You can find more information and buy tickets here.