Hidden Gem

Vulture City

Near Wickenburg, Vulture City is a historic ghost town that once housed Arizona's most productive gold mine. Founded in 1863, this partially restored site offers insight into Arizona’s mining history, with preserved buildings, equipment, and stories of Old West justice.

About the experience

Vulture City is a historic ghost town in Arizona that was once a thriving gold mining settlement, offering visitors a fascinating look at Arizona’s mining past. Here’s what makes it a compelling destination:

  • Well-Preserved Mining History: Established in the 1860s around the Vulture Mine, Arizona’s most productive gold mine, Vulture City offers preserved buildings, equipment, and artifacts from the gold rush era, including the original assay office, blacksmith shop, and mine shaft.
  • Guided Tours and Historical Insights: Tours provide in-depth stories of the town’s heyday, from tales of its once-thriving population to accounts of Old West justice and hardships. Knowledgeable guides share details about the mine’s operations and the people who once lived there.
  • Rustic Desert Setting: Set against the scenic Sonoran Desert, the town’s rustic landscape, with its old buildings and mining structures, creates an authentic feel of the Old West. The dry, rugged environment enhances the experience of exploring this preserved ghost town.
  • Paranormal Activity: Vulture City has gained a reputation as one of Arizona’s haunted sites, with ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity. Ghost tours are offered for those interested in the town’s spooky side.

Vulture City provides an immersive glimpse into Arizona’s gold mining past, combining history, desert beauty, and a touch of ghostly intrigue.

Interactive Map

Schedule

Vulture City is open Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Entrance Fee

$15
General Admission: $15; Children under 12: Free. Guided tours available for an additional fee.
Buy Tickets

Need a Google Maps version for easy navigation?

Easily explore all featured destinations with just a tap! Download the Google Maps version to get every spot grouped into handy, ready-to-use lists, perfect for on-the-go navigation.