There is an enormous number of abandoned places in Arizona, many dating back centuries before this land was settled by the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans. Some places have only hints of the people who once lived there while others appear as though they had just been abandoned. Today, we’re going to check out a few abandoned places in Arizona that are places abandoned within the last century or so that will also give you the creeps.
Since many of these places are literally falling apart, enter at your own risk and obey private property laws. You can virtually check them out through photos on the accompanying links or video searches.
1. Black Canyon City Greyhound Park
This old abandoned dog racing track in Arizona was found just off the highway in Black Canyon City and continued to decay since it was abandoned in the 1980s. While people were no longer permitted to enter the dilapidated building before its destruction, some photographers still managed to sneak in to capture fascinating photos of urban decay. The remaining small bits of evidence show the once-thriving liveliness of the building that appears a bit creepy, especially since the random trash makes it seem as though people suddenly left in a hurry.
2. Gold King Mansion
The Gold King Mansion sits alone in the Hualapai Mountains near Kingman, and it proves that even luxurious settings can seem spooky with slow decay over the decades. Its isolation only adds to this, since it requires a drive on a rough dirt road and some hiking to reach, but you will be intrigued by what you find there.
3. Santa Claus
This spot is a bit of an odd find, since it’s Santa’s abandoned workshop in the Arizona desert sitting off the highway 14 miles north of Kingman. This place was once a small tourist destination featuring a restaurant, inn, and opportunities for kids to visit Santa all year long. However, it was eventually abandoned by the 1970s, and these days you’ll find it covered in graffiti with shattered windows and the original paint slowly fading.
4. Swansea
Not many people know about this ghost town in western Arizona but it is an excellent example of mining town remains you’ll find scattered around the state. Swansea had a brief, wondrous life in the early 1900s when copper ore was extracted from the area but was completely abandoned by 1937. The old mines and buildings are still standing so who knows what you may find there.
5. Two Guns
Two Guns often gets confused with the old ghost town Canyon Diablo, but there is certainly much more still standing at this Route 66 stop than the former railroad town. Two Guns has deteriorated heavily over the decades but that doesn’t stop people from stopping by to check out what remains of the old haunt.
6. Vulture City
This town and its accompanying gold mine by the same name had a robust life from 1863 to 1942, closing for World War II. Both have been slowly fading under the blazing Arizona sun but some of the buildings have been preserved and restored by the property owners. Of all the places on this list, this abandoned mine in Arizona is one that offers guided tours so that you can learn more about the area.
7. Casa Grande Domes
Much mystery surrounds these domes that are up for demolition and plenty of rumors have fueled the reason for their abandonment. They also look pretty spooky at night with the graffiti, crumbling structures, and colored lights. Learn more about the spooky and awesome Casa Grande Domes in more articles.
If you’re looking for more creepy things to do just in time for Halloween, then you’ll want to read about some of our favorite creepy places in Arizona. You may recognize the first two locations - some of the others may surprise you! What abandoned places in Arizona did we skip on this list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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