Overview

Hype:

Vulture City Ghost Town, located just outside Wickenburg, Arizona, is a well-preserved historic site open to the public for self-guided and guided walking tours. The town was established in 1863, and the Vulture Mine became Arizona's most productive gold mine until its closure in 1942. At its peak, Vulture City had a population of around 5,000 residents. Today, visitors follow a clearly marked gravel loop path about half a mile long, exploring more than a dozen restored buildings including the assay office, brothel, cookhouse, and original mine structures. Many interiors are staged with period-appropriate tools, furniture, and interpretive signage to give context to the town's mining-era life. The grounds also feature antique mining equipment and vehicles, making it a popular stop for history buffs and photographers. Tours are available Thursday through Sunday from October to May, with special events such as paranormal tours and festivals scheduled throughout the cooler months. The site has restrooms and a small gift shop, and the gravel paths are fairly accessible for most visitors.

Time:

Fees: Admission

Recommended Ages:

0-3
4-11
12-19
20-49
50-69
70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Features:
  • Mining
  • Ghost Towns
  • Museums
  • Displays
  • Desert
  • Restrooms - Flush
  • Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Interpretive Signs

Links: https://vulturecityghosttown.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulture_City,_Arizona

Maps

Closest City or Region: Wickenburg, Arizona

Coordinates: 33.817205, -112.832461

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February 22, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye,

Story

Saturday, February 22 - I had the whole day in Phoenix to explore. It was quite liberating to only have to think about myself for a day. I went to Vulture City Ghost Town first and really enjoyed the outdoor museum. 

As I was walking around admiring all of their awesome stuff, I wished that I could build something like that in my life or volunteer there or do something similar. Maybe someday. 

Pictures