Sometimes, things happen that defy explanation. Ghosts appear, people stumble around lost, and strange things are seen. Arizonans have set their eyes on some pretty weird stuff over the years and here’s a look at a few of the more well-publicized events.
A legend exists that somewhere in the Superstition Mountains, a lost gold mine is hidden away within the treacherous range. Like many other settlers of the region at the time, Jacob Waltz (a German immigrant) was on a search for gold within Arizona Territory and allegedly came across a huge gold mine in the mountains. A map was apparently left describing the exact location of the mine but no one has seen the gold since Waltz’s death in 1891.
Although historians and geologists claim this story has no truth to it, the legend still incites people to attempt looking for the mine. However, because the Superstitions are a notably challenging hike, some people who engage in days-long hikes in search of the gold turn up dead, whether from dehydration and heat exhaustion or more sinister methods.
If you ever saw the movie "Fire in the Sky," you’re probably familiar with this event that allegedly happened in the Apache-Sitegreaves National Forest. In early November 1975, Travis Walton and his logging crew were returning to Snowflake from work when they saw a bright light and disk hovering near a hill. Walton exited the vehicle, ran towards the object, and disappeared for five days. Once he was found, Walton’s story about his abduction and his encounter with extraterrestrial life became well-known. However, there are inconsistencies with Walton’s stories which makes many wonder if the event actually happened.
On June 26, 1990, the afternoon temperatures in Phoenix reached a whopping 122℉, the highest temperature yet recorded for the city. Because of the high heat, incoming and outgoing flights were grounded for most of the day. While this has happened a few other times from severe storms or high heat (such as in June 2013), the impact wasn’t nearly as intense as it was this day.
4. Phoenix Lights, 1997
On March 13, 1997, thousands of people reported seeing strange lights moving across the state, ranging from Prescott and south towards Tucson. These five lights moved slowly, silently in a V formation, unlike the air traffic Phoenix is used to seeing and caused many to wonder what the UFOs were. While most people have described the event as "otherworldly," including then-governor Fife Symington, others have attempted to explain the event as separate airplanes that happened to be flying near each other.
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5. Landslide on the Navajo Nation, 2013
One of the oddest and most well-documented landslides happened along US 89, a highway south of Page that leads to Navajo Generating Station. ADOT confirmed this was an atypical event and most likely caused by a Triassic-era sandstone known as the Chinle formation.
Across the state, you’ll hear many stories from people alleging that certain roads and highways are haunted by the ghosts of people who died there or otherworldly beings. One of the most well-known is Highway 666, which has inspired movies, songs, and plenty of tales. Evidently, a large number of accidents have occurred on the highway, which has led people to believe it is haunted and call it "Devil’s Highway." Although the highway was renumbered in 2003, many people still refer to it as Highway 666.
What other weird events or sighting have you seen happen around the state that never made the news? Share your experiences with us in the comments.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
If there’s any place in the country with more old western towns in Arizona, we definitely don't know what is. The state is your quintessential Old West locale, where, depending on who’s telling the narrative, our state's history was either a mythos of paradise sprung to life, a romanticized image of a cowboy town in Arizona, or life interrupted by an exceedingly violent period. All of those stories create the image that Arizona continues to carry today and can be safely revisited without needing to make a time machine. We’re going to take a look at a handful of those Old West towns in Arizona and we challenge you to come with us on this wild adventure through the state!
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1. Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee
Arizona’s frontier history was heavily influenced by the mining industry. This Bisbee museum offers a glimpse into the working life in the mines, which is made even more vibrant with a mine cart tour led by former miners.
2. Castle Dome Mining Museum
Located a reasonable distance north of Yuma, Castle Dome Mine Museum is a reconstructed version of the old Castle Dome town that is now submerged in the Colorado River. You’ll find actual artifacts from the town and get an idea of life in a frontier town.
3. Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
One of the many forts constructed by the U.S. Army during a series of intense campaigns against American Indians in the mid-1800s, only remnants of the old adobe walls exist today. There is also an on-site visitor center, the ruins of an old stagecoach stop, and occasional re-enactments.
4. Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Junction
Historic Goldfield Wild West Ghost Town Apache Junction Arizona USA
Simply driving through the desert can leave us daydreaming about what life was like in one of the most fascinating Old West towns in AZ — gunslingers and duels at high noon…the whole shebang. Luckily, there’s one place that turns our imagination into reality: Goldfield Ghost Town. This reconstructed ghost town attraction sits near the actual Goldfield location and offers a classic look of a Western town complete with tours, gunfights, and a chance to pan for gold, too!
5. Heard Museum, Phoenix
This iconic and renowned museum focuses on the Indigenous peoples and their cultures both today and historically. Several of the exhibits and occasional lectures also offer compelling narratives about how American encroachment impacted the lives of Indigenous people during this time period.
One of the best examples of the trading posts commonly found in the Old West, this one located on the Navajo Nation was also a key place for trading and development of Navajo weaving styles. You can walk through the trading post, purchase some goods (it still operates as it did in the old days), and take a tour of the old homestead.
7. Jerome
It's difficult to pick one spot here that represents the Old West so we’re just including the entire town of Jerome. It’s a perfect example of what boomtowns in the late-nineteenth century resembled and the haunted stories will remind you of the rough history of such a place. What do you think: is Jerome one of the creepiest ghost towns in Arizona?
8. Museum of the West, Scottsdale
For years, Scottsdale has called itself the "West’s Most Western Town" and this is one example of that self-designation. This museum is dedicated to capturing the intricacies of Western life, past and present, through exhibitions, presentations, and storytelling opportunities.
9. Oatman
A wild donkey walks through the town of Oatman, Arizona, USA.
This little town located just off Route 66 has managed to live several lives, including that as a late boomtown shortly before Arizona became a state in 1912. Today, it is known for its wandering wild burros, Hollywood patrons (do the names Clark Gable and Carole Lombard ring a bell?), and Route 66 souvenirs.
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10. Old Tucson Studios
Watch a Western film and you’re bound to encounter a moment featuring this iconic movie set, including productions such as Arizona, episodes of Bonanza, and McLintock! A visit here will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the set’s movie history, plenty of shows, and history presentations/demonstrations.
Sometimes it can be difficult to imagine what life must have been like for our ancestors. Time makes old lifestyles seem so far removed until you realize that it is just a few short generations separating you from a time when people were more in tune with their surroundings and life for most focused on basic subsistence. The Pioneer Living History Museum is a collection of reconstructed buildings that form a little Western town, including a couple of little homes. It’s a popular spot for school field trips with an emphasis on life in Arizona’s territorial period.
13. Rawhide Wild West Town, Chandler
A Western-themed amusement park, Rawhide has attractions such as live gun shows, gold panning, and chances to ride horses or burros. They also have dining options such as a steakhouse, saloon, and a pizza parlor for the kids (even though pizza wasn’t technically part of frontier diets...). You can truly feel like you've gone back in time in one of the most immersive old western cowboy towns in Arizona.
14. San Xavier del Bac, Tucson
San Xavier Mission at sunrise
Arizona’s San Xavier del Bac, also known as the White Dove of the Desert, is a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture and is one of the oldest European structures in the country. There’s plenty of history — both good and bad — contained within these walls and it is a place that certainly earns a spot on this list.
15. Tombstone
When people think of the Old West, Tombstone is certainly one of the places that immediately comes to mind thanks to the town’s crazy history with outlaws and the gunfight at O.K. Corral.
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16. Tumacacori National Historic Park
“The abandoned TumacA!cori mission, now a National Historic Park, just north of the Arizona/Mexico border.”
Another old Spanish mission in southern Arizona, this one isn’t quite in the same condition as San Xavier due to the mission’s abandonment in the mid-1800s. In any case, it still makes an interesting spot to visit to see what Spanish colonial life was like and to learn about the turbulent relationship the Spaniards had with the Indigenous people. Go on a tour of the Tumacacori National Historic Park, and you'll see what we mean!
17. Whiskey Row, Prescott
After a block of buildings was destroyed in a 1900 fire, this notoriously haunted spot was rebuilt and the large number of saloons led to the street’s nickname, Whiskey Row. This spot became a focal point of the city, which continues to this day - the site is host to several Western shows and staged shootouts.
Have you visited any of these Wild West towns in Arizona? Do you have a favorite old cowboy town in Arizona?
If you're feeling especially proud of Arizona, be sure to check out state-pride apparel and accessory items from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
