Explore Arizona’s old west ghost towns to see a glimpse into the desert’s past. At one time this area was booming with mining towns. We have compiled some of our favorite areas to experience Arizona’s old western influence and ghost towns by the areas they are located in.
I love visiting historical sights and buildings because I get to imagine what it must have been like to live there at that time. The old west was dusty, wild and they didn’t have air conditioning.
Are there any Old Western Towns in Arizona?
Yes, there are still many old west towns in Arizona you can visit today. Arizona is part of the Old West, also called the Wild West and The American Frontier. You can find old western towns across the state of Arizona.
13 Arizona Old West Ghost Towns
Let’s take a road trip to some of the coolest old western towns in Arizona.
- Rawhide Western Town
- Goldfield Ghost Town
- Tortilla Flat
- Wickenburg (Vulture City)
- Old Tucson Studios
- Tombstone
- Bisbee
- Jerome
- Prescott
- Chloride
- Clifton
- Oatman
- Hackberry
Old West Ghost Towns in Phoenix
The following old western towns are near the city of Phoenix.
Rawhide- Recreated Old West Town
Rawhide is a convenient spot in the city to experience a recreated old west town. Bring the whole family for a day of fun at Rawhide. Experience what life was like in Arizona in the 1880’s with mock shoot-outs, pan for gold, go on a stagecoach ride, a burro ride, a train ride or pet the animals at the petting zoo.
It is free to enter the old west town, and you need to purchase ticket for the attractions, so you can purchase a wrist band or pick attractions a la carte’. Great family fun activity in Phoenix.
Arizona Old West Goldfield Ghost Town
A visit to Goldfield Ghost Town is a great way to start your old west trip. Located on on the Apache Trail . Visit a 1890’s ghost town located in the same spot as an authentic town once stood. Read More about Goldfield Ghost Town…
Tortilla Flat
Tortilla Flat is located along the historic Apache Trail. It is a reconstructed stagecoach stop with a general store, a saloon, a tiny museum, restaurant all along a wooden boardwalk. One of the few places that sells prickly pear ice cream. Read More about Tortilla Flat…
Wickenburg Arizona Old West Town
True West Magazine ranked this town in the Top Ten True Western Towns. Wickenburg prides itself in staying true to their old western roots.
They have several annual “western” events including The Gold Rush Days & Rodeo, Bluegrass Festival & Fiddle Championship, and the Cowboy Poetry Gathering. If you’re here drive out to see Vulture City. Read More about Wickenburg...
Where are the Cowboys in Arizona? Are there any Cowboys left?
Visitors often ask, where are the cowboys in Arizona? The best places to see cowboys in Arizona are at bull riding events and horse shows. Wild horses still live here and if you’re lucky you can often see them in the Tonto National Forest or near the Salt River.
Cave Creek and Wickenburg are towns near Phoenix that have definitely retained their old west flair. If you’re wanting to see cowboys or girls in Arizona we know a few places you may want to check out.
Bull Riding
If you want an authentic old western experience, stop by the Hitching Post in Apache Junction. Every Thursday and Saturday night they have live bull riding.
- Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek has live bull riding every Wednesday and Friday night.
- Hogs and Horses in Cave Creek often has Wild West Shows and live bull riding as well.
- The Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon in New River has live bull riding every Saturday night.
Horse Shows
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is an internationally renowned annual event in Scottsdale. This event has over 25 demonstrations and shows and thousands of Arabian horse lovers converge upon Westworld in February.
Old West Ghost Towns in Tucson & Southern Arizona
The Old Tucson Studios was originally created in the late 1930’s as a replica of a 1860’s Tucson for a movie set. In the 1960’s it was restored and reopened as both a film studio and a tourist attraction.
Today you can see old movie memorabilia, buildings from movie sets, watch stuntman shows.
The Tough Too Tough To Die: Tombstone
Tombstone is most famous for the gunfight at OK Corral between the Earp brothers and the McLaury brothers. Tombstone is an old west town that was once booming because of all of the silver in the mines. It is also the location of “The World’s Largest Rose.” Read More about Tombstone…
Clifton
The mining town of Clifton is a cool piece of Arizona boom and bust history. It was once a lively copper mining town, but visiting Clifton now is like taking a step back in time. Read More about Clifton…
Old West Ghost Towns in North Central Arizona
Jerome
Jerome was once known as a bustling rowdy copper mining town. Today it is a tiny vertical town with wonderful views of the Verde Valley. There are museums and many historical buildings to explore.
Jerome’s population dwindled down to as few as 50 people after the mines closed in the early 1950’s. Today it is a popular tourist destination where you can experience the old west mining town and take in the gorgeous views. Read More about Jerome...
Prescott Arizona an Old West Town
The oldest rodeo is held annually in Prescott. In addition, if you’re looking to see cowboys and bull riding visit Prescott the week of July 4th to be part of a tradition since 1888. Read More about Prescott…
Ghost Town: Chloride
Chloride is an old mining camp ghost town near Kingman. Chloride is the oldest mining town in Arizona. Due to the popularity in mining, more than 5,000 residents called Chloride home at it’s peak. Read More about Chloride…
Old West Ghost Towns Route 66 Arizona
Oatman is a cool town located off the classic Route 66. Wild burros hang out on the wooden boardwalks downtown. If you want a true old west feeling, a trip to Oatman should be on your list. Read More about Oatman…
A silver mining town from the late 1800’s, Hackberry is a cool historical ghost town is along Arizona’s Route 66.
Take a road trip to see remnants of Arizona’s old west past.
