Arizona, known for its stunning landscapes, rich Native American history, and diverse ecosystems, is also home to a plethora of haunted locations that attract ghost hunters and curious tourists alike. From abandoned mining towns to historic hotels, the Grand Canyon State offers a wealth of paranormal experiences for those brave enough to seek them out. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into some of Arizona's most notoriously haunted towns and places, exploring their eerie histories and the supernatural occurrences that continue to intrigue visitors to this day.
Jerome: The Ghost Town That Refuses to Die
We have visited Jerome many times. It was usually a quick trip after our day trip to Sedona. Our Sedona trip starts with the first stop being the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The parking and getting to the church usually take the most time on that trip. But we always get some great photos, and they usually look alike when we go back through our years of visits.
Once we get to Sedona we usually have lunch and then walk the main drag, stopping in the shops. We normally get a drink at the Cowboy Club. Once we're done there, we head to Jerome.
That day trip is normally reserved for newbie visitors, or at least those who never made it to Sedona or Jerome. The last time the gang visited (my grade and high school friends), one of the gals mentioned that she'd like to go to Jerome. The rest of us had all been there before, but I thought it would be a great day trip just to hit Jerome without going to other places before. As it was, we'd always get to Jerome later in the day and everything was ready to close.
We still didn't have enough time to do everything I had on the itinerary. We never leave early enough. But we finally got to eat at The Haunted Hamburger. The wait to be seated nixed my planned visit to the Douglas Museum for Mining. Oh well, maybe next time. Jerome is about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, depending on where you start at.
Our journey through haunted Arizona begins in Jerome, a former copper mining boomtown perched precariously on the side of Cleopatra Hill in the Black Hills of Yavapai County. And it is definitely precariously perched! I'm always white-knuckling the ride up and back and can't imagine driving there at night, and forget about living there.
Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome's population peaked at around 15,000 in the 1920s but dwindled to just 50 residents by the 1950s after the mines closed. It is estimated that 2024's population is around 459. Today, Jerome has reinvented itself as a quirky artist community and tourist destination, but its ghostly reputation persists.
The Jerome Grand Hotel, formerly the United Verde Hospital, is considered one of the most haunted buildings in town. Built in 1926, the hospital treated miners and their families until it closed in 1950. Converted into a hotel in the 1990s, guests and staff have reported numerous paranormal experiences, including the sound of carts being pushed down hallways, disembodied voices, and even full-bodied apparitions.
One of the most famous spirits said to haunt the Jerome Grand Hotel is that of Claude Harvey, a maintenance man who was found dead at the bottom of an elevator shaft in 1935. Some believe his death was murder, while others insist it was an accident. Regardless, Claude's ghost is said to still roam the halls, perhaps seeking justice or simply unable to move on. One of these days I'd like to spend a night here.
The Connor Hotel is also reputedly haunted. Guests have experienced flickering lights and spectral apparitions, adding a layer of mystery to this historic site.
Another hotspot for paranormal activity in Jerome is the Haunted Hamburger restaurant, that I mentioned above. Located in a building that dates back to the town's mining heyday, the restaurant is said to be home to several mischievous spirits. Employees have reported objects moving on their own, lights flickering, and the distinct feeling of being watched when alone in the building.
I didn't realize the restaurant had two stories and we were lucky enough to be seated on the 2nd floor. It featured a huge window to marvel at the gorgeous landscaping. So not only were we up high in Jerome, but we were also on the 2nd floor of the restaurant. The food and service was great.
As you wander through Jerome's steep, winding streets, keep an eye out for the "Sliding Jail," a concrete structure that gradually slid down the hillside due to mining-induced instability. While not necessarily haunted, the jail serves as a reminder of Jerome's wild past and the forces that shaped this unique town.
The last trip was the first time I looked for the sliding jail (photo above) since we had spent the day there and I wanted to see things I missed on prior visits. If you look through the little opening you can see an old cot. Of course, it wasn't much, but it was still there!
Tombstone: Where the Old West Never Died
No discussion of haunted Arizona would be complete without mentioning Tombstone, the infamous site of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Visiting Tombstone is on my bucket list. I'd love to go with my sons and grandsons.
This legendary town, founded in 1879, was once a booming silver mining community that attracted both fortune seekers and outlaws. Today, Tombstone embraces its Wild West heritage, but beneath the tourist-friendly facade lies a town teeming with restless spirits.
The Bird Cage Theatre, which operated as a combination theater, saloon, gambling hall, and brothel from 1881 to 1889, is considered one of the most haunted buildings in Tombstone. During its heyday, the Bird Cage was the site of 26 murders, and bullet holes can still be seen in the walls and ceiling. Visitors and staff have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing unexplained music and laughter, and feeling cold spots throughout the building.
One of the most frequently sighted ghosts at the Bird Cage is that of a woman in a white dress, believed to be a former prostitute named Margarita. She's often seen on the stage or wandering the balcony area. Others have reported encounters with the ghosts of cowboys, still engaged in spectral card games long after their deaths.
The Tombstone Epitaph building, home to the longest-running newspaper in Arizona, is another paranormal hotspot. Founded in 1880, the Epitaph covered many of Tombstone's most notorious events, including the O.K. Corral shootout. Today, visitors to the building have reported seeing the ghost of a man in old-fashioned clothing, believed to be a former editor or printer, still hard at work on the next edition.
For those seeking a truly immersive haunted experience, the Larian Motel on the outskirts of town is said to be home to several spirits. Guests have reported everything from unexplained noises and cold spots to full-bodied apparitions appearing in their rooms. One particularly active room is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died there many years ago.
As you explore Tombstone's historic streets, keep in mind that the town's violent past has left an indelible mark on the present. Many believe that the spirits of gunslingers, miners, and other colorful characters from Tombstone's heyday continue to walk alongside the living, perhaps unable or unwilling to leave the town they called home in life. Tombstone is around 3.5 hours from Phoenix.
Bisbee: Copper Queen of the Paranormal
This photo is by Yesterdays-Paper
Located just 90 miles southeast of Tucson, Bisbee is another former mining town with a rich history and an equally rich paranormal presence. Founded in 1880, Bisbee was once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco, producing nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper over its lifetime.
The crown jewel of Bisbee's haunted locations is the Copper Queen Hotel, built in 1902 to accommodate wealthy investors and dignitaries visiting the booming mining town. The hotel has been in continuous operation since its opening and has accumulated quite a collection of ghostly residents over the years.
One of the most famous spirits at the Copper Queen is that of Julia Lowell, a prostitute who allegedly took her own life in Room 315 after being rejected by the man she loved. Guests staying in this room have reported feeling a presence, seeing a female figure, and even experiencing gentle caresses. Male guests, in particular, seem to attract Julia's attention.
Another ghostly resident of the Copper Queen is a young boy named Billy, who is said to have drowned in the San Pedro River. Guests and staff have reported hearing the sound of children's laughter and seeing a small boy running through the halls, only to disappear around corners.
For those interested in Bisbee's mining history and its associated haunts, the Queen Mine Tour offers a unique underground experience. While descending into the depths of the old copper mine, some visitors have reported feeling unseen presences and hearing unexplained noises echoing through the tunnels. Could these be the spirits of miners who lost their lives in accidents or the ghosts of those who simply can't let go of their subterranean workplace?
The Bisbee Seance Room, located in the town's historic district, offers visitors the chance to participate in spirit communication sessions led by experienced mediums. While skeptics may scoff, many participants have reported profound experiences and unexplainable phenomena during these seances.
As you wander through Bisbee's well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and steep, winding streets, it's easy to feel as though you've stepped back in time. The town's rich history and the lingering energy of its past inhabitants create an atmosphere ripe for paranormal encounters. Bisbee is about 3 hours 15 minutes from Phoenix.
Superstition Mountains and the Enigmatic Lost Dutchman
These rugged mountains are rich with myth and legend, particularly the story of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The spirit of Jacob Waltz allegedly guards his elusive treasure, creating an aura of mystery and danger.
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We've never hiked the mountains, but we've been to Tortilla Flat and we always stop at Goldfield Ghost Town. It's free to enter but you can purchase something at one of the shops, ride the zip line, get food or drinks, take a mine tour (no thanks, I'm claustrophobic), ride The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is something I'd love to do, visit the Superstition Reptile Exhibit, which my son took the grandsons through - I waited outside. That's a long sentence so I decided to break it up - you can also visit Goldfield's Historic Museum and/or Lu Lu's Bordello, which also have tour fees.
I just noticed something on their website that I haven't seen - The Mystery Shack. I can't figure out where it would be located but I'll be sure to look for it the next time we visit. The mountains and the ghost town are 1-1.5 hours from Phoenix, depending on where you're driving from.
Phoenix: Urban Hauntings in the Valley of the Sun
While Arizona's ghost towns may get most of the paranormal attention, the state's largest city, Phoenix, has its fair share of haunted locations. As a rapidly growing metropolis built atop ancient Native American settlements, Phoenix is a place where the old and new collide, sometimes with supernatural results.
The city's downtown area is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl who died in a fire in the late 1800s. According to legend, the girl's ghost, known as "La Llorona" or "The Weeping Woman," is responsible for the numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city.
Visitors to the city's historic Heritage Square have reported encountering the ghostly apparition of a woman in white, often accompanied by strange noises and unexplained cold spots. Some believe that La Llorona is searching for her lost children, while others claim that she's a harbinger of doom, foretelling the destruction of the city.
The Hotel San Carlos, built in 1928, is one of downtown Phoenix's most notorious haunted locations. The hotel's most famous ghost is that of Leone Jensen, a young woman who allegedly jumped to her death from the roof in 1928 after being jilted by her lover. Guests have reported seeing Leone's ghost in hallways and feeling cold spots in various rooms. Some even claim to have been awakened by the sensation of someone sitting on their bed.
The hotel is also said to be haunted by the spirits of three young boys who drowned in a well that once occupied the site. Their laughter and the sound of running feet have been reported throughout the building.
Another haunted Phoenix landmark is the Rosson House Museum in Heritage Square (photo above). Built in 1895, this Victorian mansion has been restored to its original glory and now serves as a museum. Staff and visitors have reported numerous paranormal experiences, including the sound of footsteps on the stairs when no one is there, doors opening and closing on their own, and even sightings of a ghostly woman in Victorian-era clothing.
Phoenix Suburbs Hauntings
Phoenix isn't the only city in Arizona with a rich paranormal history. The surrounding towns, such as Gilbert and Tempe, are also said to be haunted by a variety of ghostly entities.
In Gilbert, the old railroad depot is reportedly haunted by the spirit of a former train conductor, who's said to appear to travelers and attempt to warn them of impending danger. The building was razed in 1969, so there is now a commemorative historical marker. So I'm not sure what would be haunted.
For those interested in combining their love of the paranormal with a night out, Casey Moore's Oyster House in Tempe (just outside of Phoenix) is said to be one of the area's most haunted restaurants. Built in 1910, the building has a long and colorful history, including a period when it allegedly operated as a brothel. Today, staff and patrons have reported seeing ghostly figures, experiencing cold spots, and witnessing objects moving on their own.
Flagstaff: High-Altitude Hauntings
Nestled in the mountains of northern Arizona, Flagstaff offers a cooler climate and a different vibe from much of the state. This charming mountain town is also home to several notable haunted locations.
The Weatherford Hotel with the Orpheum Theater in back
The Weatherford Hotel, built in 1897, is considered one of Flagstaff's most haunted buildings. The hotel has seen its share of tragedy over the years, including a honeymooning couple who both died of tuberculosis in one of the rooms. Guests and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing unexplained cold spots throughout the building.
Another Flagstaff hotspot for paranormal activity is the Orpheum Theater. Built in 1911, the theater has undergone several renovations and changes of ownership over the years. Staff and patrons have reported seeing the ghost of a young girl in the balcony area, as well as experiencing unexplained technical difficulties during performances.
The Northern Arizona University campus is also said to be home to several haunted locations. Morton Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus, is reportedly haunted by the ghost of a young woman who took her own life there in the 1950s. Students and faculty have reported hearing unexplained noises and seeing a ghostly figure in the building's windows late at night. Flagstaff is a little over 2 hours drive from Phoenix.
Vulture City: A Settlement Shrouded in Legend
The Assay Office by Tony the Marine
I've never heard of Vulture City, but I know where Wickenburg is as we've been there. Vulture City was a thriving gold mining town with a legacy of violence and tragedy. Today, it draws visitors intrigued by its haunted past.
It states that it is a refurbished ghost town built in the vicinity of successful gold and silver mines that ran until 1942. It was once called Vulture City and Henry Wickenburg had something to do with it. The small town grew into Wickenburg, or Wickenburg swallowed it up.
Now you can book tickets for a visit the ghost town, but the mine is closed. You can even have your wedding there! A definite tourist trap, but I love being a tourist and might have to visit one of these days.
They put on a spectacle for the Halloween spirit called The Awakening which will happen October 25-27, 2024. Check their website for other events during the year.
Some of the hauntings are the Vultures Roost, the Blacksmith Shop, which offers a separate 4-hour hands-on experience, the Wells Fargo Post Office that faces the mine, the Assay Building, and finally, the Brothel. All of these areas boast paranormal activity. Wickenburg is about an hour+ drive from Phoenix.
Conclusion: Arizona's Haunted Legacy
From the abandoned mining towns of Jerome and Bisbee to the urban hauntings of Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona offers a diverse array of paranormal experiences for ghost hunters and curious travelers alike. The state's rich history, dramatic landscapes, and blend of cultures have created the perfect backdrop for lingering spirits and unexplained phenomena.
Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, exploring Arizona's haunted locations can provide a unique perspective on the state's history and the enduring impact of those who came before us. As you visit these places, remember to approach them with respect and an open mind. After all, you never know when you might have an encounter with one of Arizona's many ghostly residents.
So, the next time you find yourself in the Grand Canyon State, consider taking a detour off the beaten path to explore some of these haunted towns and places. Who knows? You might just come away with a ghostly tale of your own to tell.
And if you know of another haunted place in Arizona that I missed, please leave a Comment or use the Contact form.
The license page for the Copper Queen Hotel photo above is here and The Vulture City Assay Office with slight edits is here.
Posted by Judy Orr on
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