25 Best (and Spookiest!) Ghost Towns in Arizona
There's nothing more "Arizona" than exploring its many ghost towns. From the crumbling ruins of old buildings to the thriving tourist destinations of storied towns, if you know where to look, you can walk through the pages of history and glimpse a bygone era.
You can explore Arizona's ghost towns and meet at the intersection where history and mystery intertwine. Once bustling mining towns, many of these locations remain as silent witnesses to a bygone era.
If you're a history buff, an avid adventurer, or a dedicated photographer, visiting these ghost towns will give you an experience to remember.
Bustling Arizona Ghost Towns
Tombstone, Jerome, and Bisbee are three of Arizona's most popular ghost towns, and they're still operational.
READ: The Top 5 Hidden Tourist Gems Only Arizona Locals Know
Jerome was known as the Wickedest Town in the West. Time and change have tamed that wild reputation and transformed it into a vibrant artist community.
Rootin' tootin' wild west miners have been replaced by art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Bisbee has followed a similar path.
Abandoned and Well-Preserved Ghost Towns in Arizona
On the other hand, towns like Ruby and Vulture City were mostly abandoned but well-preserved ghost towns. They offer a more authentic ghost town experience.
Ruby is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Arizona. It was known for its wild-west mining history. Visitors can stroll through the eerie, deserted buildings.
READ: Did We Find a Ghost in the Birdcage Theater in Tombstone, AZ?
If you're looking for adventure, check out Sasco or Swansea. Sasco, was a smelter town, and Swansea was once a thriving copper mining town. The spirit of the Old West is preserved in the ruins of the old towns.
No matter which town you choose, your Arizona Ghost Town adventure awaits.
Sources: Wikipedia - Jerome, Arizona | Wikipedia - Bisbee, Arizona | TouristSecrets - Ruby, Arizona | WanderWisdom - Vulture City | Urbex Underground - Sasco | Urbex Underground - Swansea
25 Best (and Spookiest!) Ghost Towns in Arizona
Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
15 Historic Arizona Site You Need to Visit
Gallery Credit: Tim Gray
The Forgotten Abandoned Arizona Town That Never Existed
Gallery Credit: Tim Gray