
The Ghost Town Born from a Gold Mine
While many ghost towns are scattered across the American Southwest, Vulture City stands out as one of Arizona’s most intriguing abandoned mining towns.
You can find this historic site 71 miles northwest of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert.
The well-kept ruins, including the original brothel, post office, and dining hall, show you exactly how frontier life looked. And if you’re into the paranormal, there’s plenty of that here as well.
Here’s what you need to know about this hidden gem.

It Used to be Arizona’s Most Productive Gold Mine
The Vulture Mine’s amazing story began when Henry Wickenburg found gold in 1863, starting Arizona Territory’s most successful mining operation.
Over 79 years, the mine produced an incredible 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver, making $200 million in total.
The mine’s success brought thousands of settlers, turning the empty desert into a busy town.

Started the Nearby Town of Wickenburg, Arizona
Finding lots of gold in 1863 turned Henry Wickenburg from a regular prospector into the founder of a growing southwestern town.
His successful Vulture Mine drew thousands of settlers to the area near the Hassayampa River, creating what would become Wickenburg.
The town’s location made it perfect for supplying mines and army posts throughout Arizona Territory.
Though it almost became the territorial capital in 1866 (losing by just two votes), Wickenburg grew strong, especially after trains arrived in 1895, becoming a place where Mexican ranching traditions met frontier American life.

The Famous Hanging Tree Still Stands in the Town
Among Vulture City’s scariest remains is a huge ironwood tree, its twisted branches reminding visitors of the harsh justice once carried out under it.
This 200-300 year old tree, standing south of the Testing Lab, saw 18 miners hanged for stealing gold from the mines.
Today, the historic tree attracts both history buffs and ghost hunters. You might hear about people feeling cold spots and strange whispers near its ancient trunk.

Had Several Modern Features at Its Peak
When Vulture City was at its best, it had many features you’d expect in regular frontier towns, turning the remote mining camp into a busy city.
With 5,000 people living there, the town had important services including a post office, doctor’s office, and a school teaching up to 60 students.
People enjoyed several saloons, boarding houses, and a well-stocked company store in the Testing Lab building.
A busy Wells Fargo office handled money matters, while people gathered at the kitchen and dining hall, creating the lively feeling you’d expect in successful mining towns.
And yes, you can still see the remains of several of these buildings today.

Shut Down by the US Government in 1942 During World War 2
Vulture City’s good times ended suddenly in 1942 when the U.S. War Production Board ordered non-essential mines to close.
The government decided gold mines, including the profitable Vulture Mine, weren’t needed for the war effort. They wanted miners to focus on copper, iron, and other materials needed for the war instead.
Though the mine opened briefly after fighting the shutdown order, its best days were over. The closure ended 79 years of non-stop work that had produced 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver.

Well-Preserved Ghost Town
Thanks to careful preservation work, Vulture City has become one of Arizona’s best-kept ghost towns.
Since Vulture Peak Tours bought the town in 2016, they’ve worked hard to fix up the original buildings and mining equipment while keeping its old-time feel.

Hollywood and Ghost Hunting Fame
Besides its history, Vulture City has become popular with ghost hunters and TV shows. The ghost town has appeared on shows like “Ghost Adventures” and “Ghost Brothers,” making people across America interested in its reported ghost activity.
Visitors often say they hear voices, see dark shapes, and hear phantom music throughout the property.
Popular spots include the famous “hanging tree,” the Testing Lab, and the old brothel, where two supposedly haunted dolls, Dollie and Libby, are said to interact with visitors.
You can now join overnight ghost hunts, using EMF meters and other equipment to look for spirits.

Special Tours Are Available in Vulture City
When you visit Vulture City’s historic grounds, you can choose from several fun tour options that bring the ghost town’s rich past to life.
Self-guided tours run Thursday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. For extra fun, you can also take a mule wagon ride through the walkable town.
The Wickenburg Marshals put on special shows with Old West acting, funny skits, and cowboy songs during scheduled dates from January through May, including a special campfire show on May 4th at 6 PM.

How to Get to Vulture City, Arizona
Getting to this historic ghost town is pretty simple, though you’ll drive through the Sonoran Desert to reach it.
You’ll find it 14 miles southwest of Wickenburg and 71 miles northwest of Phoenix. Take US-60 West for 53 miles, then turn left onto Vulture Mine Road.
Drive the final 12 miles straight to the site, where you can park for free in spots big enough for regular cars and RVs.
While most cars can make the trip, having a higher car helps on the dirt roads.
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