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Goldfield became an instant town of about 4,000 residents after a gold strike in 1892; it dried up five years later when the gold mine flooded. Today the Goldfield Ghost Town is an interesting place to grab a cool drink, pan for gold, go for a mine tour, or take a desert jeep ride or horseback tour of the area. The ghost town's shops and saloon are open daily and gunfights are held on weekends.
Once the largest producing gold mine in Arizona, the Vulture Mine has found a new life in the 21st century as a tourist attraction and, sometimes, as a wedding venue. A self-guided tour through this "ghost town" wanders past mining memorabilia; old buildings including bunkhouses, the jail, and a blacksmith shop; the mine shaft itself; and the famous hanging tree, where more than a dozen ore thieves (high graders) were hanged.
Vulture Mine offers no protective safeguards for its aged buildings, shafts, and equipment. Wander at your own risk and keep an eye on children.
Head west from Wickenburg on U.S. 60 for about 6 miles, then turn left onto Vulture Mine Road and travel 12 miles to the mine at the end of the pavement.
