Explore Arizona’s Fascinating Ghost Towns

You Can Visit These Ghost Towns Near Phoenix

Arizona has a rich history of mining, attracting prospectors who sought gold, silver, and copper. This influx of seekers ultimately contributed to the state’s development. Today, various ghost towns near Phoenix serve as reminders of this intriguing era, each offering unique stories and remnants of the past.

Here are some fascinating ghost towns within approximately 100 miles of Phoenix, perfect for a day trip. Some may have limited access but provide a glimpse into the mining history of Arizona. The list is organized alphabetically for your convenience.

Note: Locations may not be exact on Google Maps, so be prepared to explore a little to discover the remnants of these ghost towns.

Bumble Bee – North of Phoenix

Bumble Bee got its post office in 1879. While there are still residents, many sights are either privately owned or not accessible. Notably, Bumble Bee never experienced a gold rush; it served primarily as a stage stop. Interestingly, a fake ghost town storefront was built to attract tourists but is now abandoned. This location also serves as a route to Cleator and Crown King.

Directions to Bumble Bee
From Phoenix, take I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) North to the Bumble Bee exit.
View location on Google Maps.

Cleator – North of Phoenix

The Turkey Creek Mining District once attracted gold prospectors in 1864, leading to the establishment of a brief post office. James Cleator, who arrived in 1900, still has family ties to the bar he purchased in 1905. Today, this tiny ghost town has a population of around 10, along with a few existing buildings, a school, and even a phone booth.

Directions to Cleator
From Phoenix, take I-17 North to the Bumblebee exit. Continue on Bumblebee Road (FSR 259) for about five miles to Bumblebee. Cleator is approximately eight miles down the road.
View location on Google Maps.

Congress – North of Phoenix

Gold was discovered in Congress in 1884, and the town saw a significant influx of miners, aided by the arrival of the railroad. Visitors can still see remnants of an old mine and a historic cemetery. The town consisted of an upper and lower section, the upper part housing businesses and the lower part reserved for residences. However, a devastating fire in 1898 wiped out many businesses. The mine continued operation until the 1930s, but both the mine and the Old Congress Cemetery remain closed to public access.

Directions to Congress
From Phoenix, take I-17 to U.S.60 West toward Wickenburg, then take U.S.93 to State Route 89 to Congress.
View location on Google Maps.

Copper Creek – South of Phoenix

Founded around 1863, Copper Creek was vital to about 200 residents housed in roughly 50 buildings. Although a post office was established in 1907, it closed in 1942. The Sibley family’s mansion, built in 1908, is a notable structure, although accessing it may require physical effort.

Directions to Copper Creek
From Phoenix, take I-10 East toward Tucson to 87 toward Florence. Proceed on State Route 79 south to State Route 77 heading toward Mammoth. Keep in mind, Copper Creek is approximately 12 miles east, and a 4WD high clearance vehicle is essential for the journey.

View location on Google Maps.

Crown King – North of Phoenix

The Crown King Mine’s history dates as far back as the 1870s with a post office opening in 1888. This mining settlement once boasted around 500 buildings, including dining and lodging establishments. The railroad arrived in 1904, yet the mining operations eventually declined. Today, visitors can explore the area, which still retains numerous original structures, including a school and a cemetery within this mountainous summer retreat.

Directions to Crown King
From Phoenix, take I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) north, then take the Bumble Bee exit. This route will lead you past the ghost towns of Bumble Bee and Cleator toward Crown King.

View location on Google Maps.

Fort Misery – North of Phoenix

Fort Misery was established by an individual instrumental in building the railroads to Crown King. The mining camp earned its somber name due to the hardships endured by its inhabitants. This camp was functional until the 1920s, telling the tale of tough times in the mining industry.

Directions to Fort Misery
While not hard to find, Fort Misery is reachable only by a 4WD vehicle. Start by heading on I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) north toward the Crown King exit. The mine lies approximately five miles southwest of Crown King and seven miles from the former Old Senator Highway.

View location on Google Maps.

Gillette – North of Phoenix

Founded in 1878, Gillette was constructed along the banks of the Agua Fria River, featuring six streets. Notably, the Burfind Hotel once served as the largest structure but now lies in ruins. The town was established to process ore extracted from the nearby Tip Top Mine. Gillette remained a stop on the stagecoach route until the railroad rendered stagecoaches obsolete.

Directions to Gillette
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Route 69 heading west. Gillette is approximately five miles west of the Table Mesa Exchange. Note that a sturdy high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the trip.

View location on Google Maps.

Jerome – North of Phoenix

Recognized as Arizona’s most famous ghost town, Jerome was once a bustling copper mining town, housing nearly 3,000 residents at its peak in 1900. The town’s post office, established in 1883, is still operational today. Jerome has transformed into an artist’s haven, with various original buildings, including a museum and historical sites, still standing. The town offers ample activities and sights for visitors to fill an entire afternoon.

Directions to Jerome
To reach Jerome from Phoenix, take I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) North toward State Route 69, which leads into Prescott. Then, take Alt 89 towards Jerome. Any vehicle will suffice. For an adventurous return journey, navigate along the winding mountain road leading from Jerome to 260 toward Camp Verde.

View location on Google Maps.

Octave – North of Phoenix

The Octave mine dates back to 1863 and was once a profitable venture, yielding millions until its closure in 1942. Several buildings once characterized the town, yet now only one remains standing. Octave was known for its Friday Night dances, but the area is now privately owned.

Directions to Octave
To visit Octave, head from Phoenix on I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) to U.S.60 West toward Wickenburg. Follow U.S.93 to State Route 89 past Congress, turning off toward Stanton and Weaver. Octave is found at the end of the road, requiring a high clearance vehicle for access.

View location on Google Maps.

Oro Belle – North of Phoenix

Established around 1898, the Oro Belle Mining and Mill Company left behind the foundations of several buildings, including a safe house, even though the safe itself is now absent. The mine ceased operations in 1908, and the saloon once found here has since been moved to Crown King in 1910.

Directions to Oro Belle
Finding Oro Belle requires a bit of effort and a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. From Phoenix, head north on I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) to the Crown King exit, with the mine located about five miles southwest of Crown King, three miles from what was referred to as the Old Senator Highway.

View location on Google Maps.

Sasco Loop – South of Phoenix

The Sasco Loop comprises three towns: Sasco, Silverbell, and Silver Bell. Established in 1907, Sasco was a smelter with a hotel and various businesses, while the post office ceased operations in 1919. Some remains of Silverbell are still visible from the road, but the area is private. Silver Bell, a copper mining town, remained active until the 1980s.

Directions to Sasco Loop
Traveling from Phoenix, take I-10 East towards Tucson to Avra Valley Road Exit. A high clearance vehicle is advisable for smoother access.

View location on Google Maps.

Silver King – South of Phoenix

Situated near Superior, AZ, Silver King is private property, and access requires permission. The post office was established in 1877. Historically, it was known as a peaceful camp with enough inhabitants to support two hotels and featured a church. Due to internal conflicts, the owners attempted violence against one another, although without success. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed Silver King’s most famous building.

Directions to Silver King
From Phoenix, use I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) toward U.S. 60 East toward Superior. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the journey.

View location on Google Maps.

Stanton – North of Phoenix

Stanton experienced its first gold strike in 1863 and was initially known as Antelope Station. Charles Stanton, who arrived in town, appointed himself to multiple roles including deputy, justice of the peace, and postmaster, subsequently renaming the town. His unpopularity, however, led to his untimely death. Today, Stanton is essentially an RV park, and public access may not be available.

Directions to Stanton
From Phoenix, take I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) to U.S.60 West toward Wickenburg, continuing on U.S.93 to State Route 89 toward Yarnell. Stanton is positioned six miles east of Arrowhead Station.

View location on Google Maps.

Stoddard – North of Phoenix

Named after Isaac Stoddard, the town emerged thanks to the Stoddard-Binghamton and Copper Queen mines. Located northeast of Mayer, Arizona, Stoddard had an operational post office from 1882 through 1907. By 1924, most residents had departed, leaving behind only a school and a few structures. At its height, Stoddard was home to around 300 people, yet public access to the mine ceased in 2012.

Directions to Stoddard
From Phoenix, navigate on I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) north to State Route 69 leading toward Mayer. A 4WD high clearance vehicle is essential for the trip.

Tip Top – North of Phoenix

Founded in 1875, the Tip Top Mine attracted a population of approximately 200 people. Numerous facilities—including stores, a restaurant, a laundry, and a saloon—were also established nearby. Furthermore, a neighboring town named Gillette arose to support the mine’s operations, which later also became a ghost town.

Directions to Tip Top
The journey to Tip Top is quite challenging. From Phoenix, head north on I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) to Table Mesa Exit. Following the crossing at Agua Fria, be prepared for several miles of rugged terrain, necessitating a 4-wheel-drive vehicle for access.

Vulture Mine – North of Phoenix

Located approximately 14 miles from Wickenburg, Arizona, the Vulture Mine gained fame when gold was discovered there in 1863. The mine is named after a legend involving a vulture that fell near a gold nugget. Thriving through the 1890s and still operational in the 1920s, mining activities ceased in 1942. Today, various buildings, a school, and a hanging tree remain. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, including an option to pan for gold for an additional fee.

Directions to Vulture Mine
From Phoenix, take I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) to US60 West. The turnoff is around 2.5 miles west of Wickenburg. Continue about another 12 miles to the Vulture Mine at the end of the pavement on Vulture Mine Road.

View location on Google Maps.

Weaver – North of Phoenix

Situated along Weaver Creek, Weaver is part of the Rich Hill area, alongside Stanton and Octave. The town owes its name to guide Pauline Weaver, who stumbled upon a gold discovery. Once the gold mines were depleted, the area became a haven for criminals. Currently, remnants of a cemetery and the walls of the former Weaver post office can still be located in the town.

Directions to Weaver
Travel from Phoenix by taking I-17 (the Black Canyon Freeway) to U.S.60 West toward Wickenburg. Follow U.S.93 to State Route 89 past Congress. After about two miles past Congress, turn right to Stanton; Weaver is located about two miles behind Stanton.

View location on Google Maps.