24 Abandoned Places In Arizona [MAP]
Last Updated on May 8, 2022 by Urbex Underground
Searching for abandoned places in Arizona? You’re in the right place. Below are 24 of my favorite abandoned places across the state!
Last Updated on May 8, 2022 by Urbex Underground
Abandoned Places In Arizona
1. B-24 Liberator Crash Site
35.341, -111.6902
History:
The remains of a plane crash that killed eight people can still be seen at Arizona’s highest point, a junked tribute to their awful accident.
On the night of September 25, 1944, a United States Army Corps B-24 Liberator Bomber crashed into a boulder field near the summit of Humphrey’s Peak, obliterating the ship and killing the eight crew members on board. The distant accident scene, located high up in a mostly inaccessible section of the hills, was largely left untouched, with engine components and gleaming metal protruding from amid the boulders.
What’s left?
The wreckage is still there today; however, it is no longer accessible. Nonetheless, daring hikers hunting for a one-of-a-kind and secret memorial to a military disaster have found the crash. Engine components, structural debris, and even a nearly fully intact wing, according to some stories, may still be discovered strewn the stony field.
2. Twin Arrows Trading Post
35.16108, -111.2792
History:
The Twin Arrows Trading Post, formerly known as the Padre Canyon Trading Post, was constructed on the 1937 Route 66 alignment. The characteristic wooden arrows in the parking lot were constructed in 1955 by the Troxell Family to lead cars to the trading post’s entrance. There was a gas station, a gift shop, and Valentine’s diner in the post.
Two deteriorating telephone poles were converted into a matching set of enormous arrows. It was the result of a partnership between the Hopi tribe and a group of Route 66 aficionados who are dedicated to preserving the heritage of this iconic road. Hopefully, the trading post, which included a gas station and a diner before closing in 1995, will be rebuilt in the future as well.
What’s left?
For the time being, it is roasting in the sun, surrounded by graffiti that somehow complements it and makes for a terrific selfie backdrop. The grounds are in poor condition, so keep an eye out for shattered glass.
Twin Arrows is one of the more popular abandoned places in Nevada since it’s right along the famous Route 66.
3. Two Guns
35.11698, -111.09629
History:
The full history of Two Guns is much crazier, but we’ll keep it brief here. Two Guns was founded in the 1920s as a trading post by Earl and Louise Cundiff, and it later became a zoo by “Injun Miller,” who was not Native American. Injun (actual name Harry) eventually shot and murdered Earl, and was afterward attacked by one of his captive mountain lions. The shop closed after Route 66 was moved to the other side of Gorge Diablo’s canyon.
What’s left?
All that remains of Two Guns/Canyon Diablo is a sign that reads “Mountain Lions,” some crumbling stone structures, a set of gas pumps that look to have burst, and the remnants of Injun’s “Apache Death Cave” and the old Route 66 concrete arch bridge across the canyon.
Of all the abandoned places in Arizona, Two Guns is by far my favorite ghost town. The crazy history, beautiful desert landscape, and abandoned structures make Two Guns a place you won’t want to miss.
4. Goldfield Ghost Town
33.45724, -111.49188
History:
Goldfield’s history began with the great gold strike of 1892, which put the town on the map. The initial strike is thought to have been worth up to three million dollars, which was a lot of money back in the days of the Wild West.
Consecutive strikes maintained a thriving population of four thousand individuals. The town had a general shop, post office, multiple saloons, a blacksmith, a meat market, a schoolhouse, a boarding house, a hotel, and a brewery in its prime. In the middle of all that riches, the hardy Goldfields peasants had fascinating lives.
What’s left?
Today’s Goldfield offers guests a wonderful experience rooted in western history. Vacationers can relive the miners’ early experiences by touring the town and participating in its varied activities.
Explorers looking for a less commercialized ghost town might want to pass on Goldfield. However, it’s still a cool place to see if you’re close by.
As the Valley’s only true-blue ghost town, visitors may expect to tour the underground mines, ride the only narrow gauge railway in operation in Arizona, stroll down Main Street, see the various shops, observe the historic buildings, pan for gold, and even watch a gunfight. The exhibit featuring the Lost Dutchman Mine is one of the most popular.
5. Pinal Airpark Graveyard
32.50972, -111.32527
History:
Pinal Airpark, located north of Tucson, Arizona, is a small, single-runway airstrip that has seen some of the world’s renowned jets. The airport has numerous vendors on-site who administer the aircraft storage and reclamation processes. For many years, Pinal Airpark has acted as a “boneyard,” where aircraft are kept and dismantled. Over the years, it has adapted to various aviation industry trends.
What’s left?
Many planes were placed in storage programs at various airports. Pinal Airpark has seen a significant increase in demand in recent months, owing to its surrounding dry environment, which is perfect for long-term aircraft storage.
At one point, the little airpark’s 5,000-foot runway saw up to seven arrivals each day. Pinal Airpark has roughly 300 aircraft from several carriers. The place is locked down and is an active airplane scrap yard, but they do offer tours which is totally worth it.
6. Davis Monthan Airplane Graveyard
32.17044, -110.84977
History:
The boneyard is located between Wilmot Road and Kolb Road, north of Valencia Road and south of Escalante Road. This is close to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (2720 S. Craycroft Rd.).
The airfield opened in 1919, and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base opened six years later. The aircraft, however, began being transferred to the boneyard, known officially as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), as early as 1946.
As the world’s largest historic boneyard, the facility has housed and maintained nearly every iconic American aircraft, from the B-29 “Enola Gay” to the SR-71 Blackbird. It is also the last active American boneyard.
What’s left?
Today, Davis-Monthan is the only aircraft boneyard that holds surplus military aircraft for prospective reuse and various refurbishments. The boneyard has been hard at work reactivating the dormant fleet of F-4 Phantom IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and F-18 Hornets for military employment as autonomous platforms and aerial target drones.
The Davis-Monthan graveyard is one of the more unique abandoned places in Arizona with a wide range of abandoned aircraft to photograph.
7. Chloride Ghost Town
35.41395, -114.19859
History:
Chloride City is a ghost town in Inyo County, California, about 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) north-northeast of Beatty Junction, at an elevation of 4,770 feet (1,450 m). Death Valley National Park now contains the former hamlet.
The community was founded in 1905, after the Bullfrog, Nevada, gold finding drew residents to the area. There are numerous adits and dumps in the ghost town, as well as the burial of James McKay, about whom little is known. There are also the ruins of three stamp mills in town.
What’s left?
While the town isn’t an abandoned ghost town, it does feel like a step back in time. Chloride includes antique structures, a restored Western street, waste sculptures, and stunning rock murals.
Of all the abandoned places in Arizona, Chloride is one of the most popular ghost towns, so don’t be surprised if you run into other folks there.
8. The Domes of Casa Grande
32.81266, -111.77391
History:
InnerConn Technology Inc., a producer of circuit boards for computers and watches, built the Domes in 1983. Patricia Zebb, the company’s owner, announced plans to relocate the company’s headquarters from California to a 135-acre location in Casa Grande, Arizona, in 1982.
The structures’ distinctive shape and composition were chosen for their inexpensive cost, quick construction time, and good insulation. Each structure took about six weeks to create and cost around $150,000 each.
What’s left?
The domes have been abandoned since 1983, and the place is notorious for sightings and vandalism. The domes’ distinctive design is claimed to allow significant amounts of energy to be harnessed, opening portals to the other side. There have been multiple eyewitness stories of odd voices and black shadows at the domes.
Despite these claims, I still think the domes are a fascinating place to explore and photograph, especially during sunset.
9. The Giant Triangle (Luke Air Force Base Auxillary No. 4)
33.74615, -112.63414
History:
The property of this field was probably transferred to the City of Phoenix, as it was indicated on the 1988 USGS topo map as “Luke Auxiliary Field #4 (City of Phoenix).” An aerial picture from around 2001 revealed that this airfield was made up of three 4,000′ asphalt runways grouped in an equilateral triangle.
What’s left?
The runways are in good condition, and there were no signs of any buildings on the site. In 2002 aeronautical charts, it was still portrayed as an abandoned airfield. Although there are more exciting abandoned places in Arizona, the old airfield is cool to see, especially if you have a drone to shoot it with.
10. Elden Pueblo Archaeological Site
35.24372, -111.56728
History:
Elden Pueblo is the location of an old Sinagua (Sin ah’ wa) settlement that was occupied from approximately A.D. 1070 to 1275.
For a number of reasons, the site is one-of-a-kind. Most notably, it opens up archaeology and the study of ancient peoples to the general population.
Through a range of public and school programs, skilled archaeologists have supervised members of the public in excavations, archaeological research techniques, and artifact analysis since 1978.
What’s left?
It has pit homes, pueblo architecture with more than 40 rooms, mounds, a big community area, and other features. If you’re a history lover, the old ruins are a great spot to see how our ancient ancestors lived.
11. Meteor City
35.09392, -110.93481
History:
Meteor City is neither a city, town, or hamlet; it is the remnants of a once-popular dome-shaped Trading Post on the south side of US Route 66 (just west of I-40’s Exit 239) in Coconino County, in central-eastern Arizona: It is located on the old routing of Route 66.
The wagon track that connected Winslow and Flagstaff was mapped in the late 1800s, and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, which subsequently became the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, was built (AT&SF). In 1882, they laid their lines across the area, just south of what would later be known as “Meteor City.” Dennison was 3 miles east of Meteor City, and Sunshine was 4.5 miles west.
What’s left?
Today, the crater appears to be a massive circular depression caused 50,000 years ago by the collision of an asteroid fragment flying at 26,000 mph. The crater was about a mile in diameter, 2.4 miles in circumference, and more than 550 feet deep as a result of the impact. There is nothing else like it anywhere in the world.
Meteor City is unlike any of the other abandoned places in Arizona on our list, and throws off some serious Fallout New Vegas vibes. If you’re a fan of apocalyptic landscape don’t pass up on this spot!
12. Jerome Post Office
34.7585, -112.1239
History:
Jerome, Arizona, previously known as “America’s Largest Ghost Town,” was supposed to have perished due to abandonment.
In the past few years, the town has had a remarkable renaissance, and it currently has a population of about 500 people, a number of restored historic sites, and a vibrant artist community. Its abandoned legacy, on the other hand, is far from forgotten.
What’s left?
Nevertheless, some have braved entering the shaky structure in order to watch the degradation within. The basement floor of the post office is littered with old lockers, broken ceiling parts, and glass, leading to an unstable stairway that feels like it may collapse in on you.
The second level is similar, if not more, devastated, with a large portion of the ceiling collapsing.
13. Abandoned Mineral Belt Railroad Tunnel
34.34226, -98.87417
History:
A long time ago, a man named James W. Eddy had the vision to build the Mineral Belt Railroad. The train line was supposed to go from north to south across the state. Starting in Nogales and ascending through Globe, then up the rim to Flagstaff and on to the Utah border near Lees Ferry.
Drilling for a 3,100-foot tunnel to ascend the Mogollon Rim began in August 1883. Throughout the summer, 42 men toiled. The railroad was abandoned twice due to a lack of money. Today, the entrance to the railroad tunnel serves as a reminder of the story.
What’s left?
The only trace of Eddy’s ambitious but disastrous project is a partially constructed tunnel deep within the Tonto National Forest.
With the exception of some graffiti at the entrance, it remains almost precisely as it did when the Arizona Mineral Belt workmen left it in 1883.
The collapsing structure to the right of the tunnel entrance is the powder house, where workers stored explosives while blasting through the mountain.
14. Ella’s Frontier Trading Post
34.9593, -110.3623
History:
Initially worked out of utility poles, previous bazaar jokester, taxidermist, and now and then writer Fredrick “San Diego” Rawson laid out San Diego’s Old Frontier Trading Post in 1927.
Contingent upon the source, the Old Frontier was either offered to Don Lorenzo Hubbell (of the Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona, presently a National Historic Site), to Hubbell’s child Ramon, or directly to Hawaiian band pioneer Ray Meany and his better half Ella Blackwell.
Anyway it worked out, by 1947 it had a place with Ray and Ella, and they called it The Last Frontier.
What’s left?
Ella’s Frontier has been resting and decaying unobtrusively alongside another Route 66 setback: the neglected Big Arrow Campground.
15. Mayhew Lodge
34.9883, -111.7462
History:
Initially developed in 1870, this natural cabin was recorded on NRHP in 1975. Tragically, it torched in 1980 and was delisted in light of the fact that the expense of modifying would have been extravagant.
Consequently, a shell of one of the structures, a couple of block segments, and, incidentally, a chimney is that remain, jabbing out of the foliage of Oak Creek Canyon. Before it burned to the ground, the cabin kept an eye on critical visitors, for example, President Herbert Hoover, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Walt Disney, Cesar Romero, Maureen O’Hara, and Susan Hayward.
What’s left?
The Forest Service obtained this property in 1968 yet shut it to the general population, lacking assets for reclamation. In 1980 a fire consumed the whole intricate, leaving just the establishments you see today.
The cabin chimney a portion of the divider actually stands. Behind you are the remaining parts of a lodge that was changed over completely to the chicken coop, as well as an opening in the bluff divider that was probably involved by early pioneers for food capacity.
16. Fort Courage
35.28309, -109.207
History:
During the 1960s, another cutting-edge general store was worked at the Houck, Arizona called Fort Courage, this spot was roused by the 1960s network show F-Troop.
Throughout the long term, this stop highlighted a café, eatery, service station, supermarket, gift shop, and general store which kept an enormous choice of bona fide Indian adornments, Navajo carpets, and a wide range of doodads and keepsakes. It likewise highlighted in units, a trailer park, and a camping area.
What’s left?
Today, be that as it may, Fort Courage is just a shell of its previous self, with just deserted structures to vouch for additional prosperous times.
Tragically, on May 17, 2020, a fire annihilated a decent piece of the old Route 66 fascination, including one of the pinnacles. Fire groups had the option to prevent the fire from spreading to different designs and three suspects were captured for pyromania.
Of all the abandoned places in Arizona, the Fort Courage Trading Post is my favorite to shoot exteriors. The old singage the azure skies make for some great photos.
17. Clifton Cliff Jail
33.0555, -109.2993
History:
At the point when individuals were indicted for violations there or in the adjoining town of Morenci, they weren’t condemned to time in jail. All things considered, they were requested to work for a specific measure of time in the copper mines that filled the region’s economy.
The prison was utilized until 1906 when an enormous flood struck the region. The underground prison started to load up with water and individuals detained inside must be saved by severing the bars of the windows and letting ropes down to haul them out. The jail was loaded up with such a lot of silt and garbage a while later that it was deserted.
What’s left?
The prison is close by U.S. Highway 191 as it goes through Clifton. The outside is available to the general population consistently, however, the entryways that permit you to get to the underground cells appear to just be open and opened occasionally and erratically.
Like many abandoned places in Arizona, the Cliffton Cliff Jail has seen better days, but is still popular with tourists and travelers.
18. Cow Springs Trading Post
36.41298, -110.82121
History:
This trading post was situated off of Highway 160, previously Navajo Route 1. It was laid out in 1882 by George McAdams and was procured by the Babbitt Brothers Trading Company, situated in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1895.
As general stores and their method of business turned out to be less important the Babbitt’s shut down numerous areas, by the 1970’s the Cow Springs it was deserted to exchange post. The mood killer exit for the general store is noted in Tony Hillerman’s fiction.
What’s left?
Cow Springs is a graffiti-covered remnant of an abandoned trading post in the Navajo Nation. Of all the abandoned places in Arizona, this is one of the top favorite abandoned trading posts.
19. Silver Bell Ghost Town
32.3834, -111.50066
History:
Before Arizona turned into a state, and the west was still wild, mining action, as per Arizona State University, started nearby during the 1870s with Charles Brown, a Tuscon occupant. His work endured a couple of years before it failed. Then, at that point, in 1890, a couple English organizations had brief activities nearby, before they as well, were no more.
Regardless of the difficulties, interest went on into the 1900s. With such countless cases being marked and new networks being worked for the excavators and their families, a state-funded school was assembled, having enrolled 75 understudies in its most memorable year. Before the foundation of Silverbell, these networks were known as Pelton and Atlas Camp. Little as they were, they actually appeared in the Census of that time.
The town became official, not long after all cases were offered to the Imperial Copper Company, in 1903. Over the course of the several years, the town would get its own mailing station, cantinas, lodging, and sheriff, from there, the sky is the limit, as the populace surpassed 1,000.
What’s left?
Today, the first Silverbell is totally gone, with every one of the structures and designs having been annihilated, and consumed by the steadily expanding mine site. Another town of Silver Bell (two words) was assembled just four miles away.
In any case, in 1984, this town would share a comparative destiny. Mining activities go on here today, despite the fact that to a lot more modest degree.
20. Dateland Air Force Auxiliary Field
32.80916, -113.52833
History:
Dateland Air Force Auxiliary Field is a neglected military runway found 40 miles east of Yuma, Arizona. Its most recent military use was in 1957. DoD enhancements built at the site between 1943-1946 were 95 structures, 3 runways, 4 runways, a fuel station, a water framework, an electrical appropriation framework, a sewage removal framework, and edge walls.
Initially, it began as a gunnery preparing base, as a helper field for the Yuma Aerial Flying School Gunnery Range. It ultimately changed over completely to B-25 plane training. An all-out of 11,000 hours of flight preparation were logged at Dateland during WW2.
Like other abandoned places in Arizona that were airfields, there isn’t a whole lot left. However, this place is cool to shoot from above with a drone.
What’s left?
Dateland Air Force Auxiliary Field is an unwanted military landing strip situated in Dateland, Arizona, 40 miles east of Yuma, Arizona. Its latest military use was in 1957.
21. Ambrosia Mill
33.79975, -113.18241
History:
H.C. Mitchell & Associates used the Golden Turkey Mine in 1933. From roughly 1923 to 1949, the mine produced gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper. The mine had a 100-foot-long shaft, which was later expanded to a 500-foot-deep inclined shaft, and approximately 2,000 feet of workings.
What’s left?
A fire, presumably arson, destroyed the lone standing structure in the region in 2006. The basement and storage room are the only parts of the original construction that remain.
Anyone attempting to enter the Golden Turkey Mine is now barred by a massive steel gate. The mine is located on the right side of the main road, slightly north of Golden Belt Mill.
Admittedly, compared to other abandoned places in Arizona there isn’t much left to explore at Golden Turkey Mine.
22. Golden Turkey Mine
34.27006, -112.20473
History:
Boynton, Oklahoma was once a thriving town bustling with activity. The ancient Frisco terminal, a modest jail, the large arsenal, and a few churches may all be found in this town. It used to be an African Masonic town.
Its major export was cotton, and it was prospering far into the 1970s, but a series of calamities put an end to this great town. First, the employees were relocated to Muskogee, Okmulgee, and Tulsa. Boynton’s final nail in the coffin was a series of three robberies that forced the town’s sole convenience shop to shut.
What’s left?
On the main street, there are several lovely structures. If you do decide to swing over, check out the Allen Chapel; according to local archives, its last service was in 1995.
23. Harquahala Mine
33.66909, -113.59219
History:
The principal gold revelation was made in 1762 by Spanish miners, they deserted the site until somewhere in the range of 50 years after the fact, when work got again briefly in 1814. By the mid-1800’s the region started its dash for unheard of wealth, drawing in miners like Wyatt Earp,
Harry Watton, Hubbard, and Bowers coordinated the Bonanza Mining Company and opened the Harquahala Bonanza mine, a mine that delivered millions at the present costs. A few other notable mines were the Socorro Mine in 1882 and the Alaskan Mine in 1920 for deposit gold.
What’s left?
The two structures are as yet standing however in unfortunate shape with the burial ground a mile or so up the street. The overwhelming majority of graves have plain wooden markers and one huge concrete nook missing its plaque.
24. Harshaw Ghost Town
33.66909, -113.59219
History:
Harshaw is a for the most part deserted apparition town in Santa Cruz County, only south of the town of Patagonia. Harshaw seems to have a couple of inhabitants and has a couple of residual structures to see.
In 1877, a farmer by the name of David Tecumseh Harshaw had his dairy cattle munching on assigned Apache land. It was now that Indian Agent Jeffords advised him to move his cows. Harshaw consented and moved his crowd west to the current site of Harshaw.
What’s left?
From 1937-1956, the Arizona Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) worked two mines nearby. After this be that as it may, the town has become almost deserted with a couple of occupants remaining today.
Today, at Harshaw there are a couple of buildings left to see. Follow Harshaw Rd. south from Patagonia. A U.S. Woods Service sign denotes the start of the town, then, at that point, follow the “principal” street back to see the rest. There is a graveyard west of Harshaw across the street.
Go out and explore!
That concludes our list of abandoned places in Arizona, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.
If you’re having trouble finding abandoned places, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore abandoned places near you.
