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.

Best Ghost Towns in Arizona
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If you're a history buff, an avid adventurer, or a dedicated photographer, visiting these ghost towns will give you an experience to remember.

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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Rootin' tootin' wild west miners have been replaced by art galleries, shops, and restaurants.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.

Best Ghost Towns in Arizona
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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 SwanseaSasco, 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

Walk where they fell, or meander where the heartiest Americans tried to scratch out a life in the desert.

Some of Arizona's ghost towns were boom to bust, some were just abandoned, and some have been revived as tourist destinations.

Check out our list. How many have you been to?

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

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The Forgotten Abandoned Arizona Town That Never Existed

The forgotten town of Silverado, Arizona is a stark reminder that some things will not go as planned.

Gallery Credit: Tim Gray

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