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Phoenix Arizona attractions and Superstition Mountain day trips

Goldfield Ghost Town

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 13, 2026.

Goldfield Ghost Town with the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction Arizona

Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction, Arizona brings the area's 1890s mining history to life at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. Visitors can explore Old West-style streets and historic exhibits, tour an underground mine, ride the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad, pan for gold, visit the museum, shop along Main Street and enjoy sweeping desert and mountain views. Located on historic Apache Trail just northeast of Apache Junction, Goldfield is one of the most popular family attractions in the eastern Phoenix area.

Goldfield History
Things To Do
Mine Tour & Train Ride
Museum & Gold Panning
Old West Entertainment
Horseback Riding & Tours
Food & Shopping
Hours & Visitor Information
Directions
Nearby Attractions
FAQ

Goldfield Ghost Town History

Historic Goldfield mining town scene in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona

Goldfield developed during Arizona's 1890s gold-mining boom in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. During its active years, the community included saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and school as miners and businesses gathered around the surrounding gold claims.

The boom did not last. As the productive vein faulted and ore quality declined, mining activity slowed and Goldfield gradually faded. Efforts were made to revive mining from about 1910 through 1926, but the settlement never returned to its original boomtown activity.

Today's Goldfield Ghost Town preserves and recreates the atmosphere of that mining era through historic exhibits, restored and Old West-style buildings, mining equipment and visitor attractions centered on the area's frontier history.

Historic mining ore cars at Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction Arizona

Things To Do At Goldfield Ghost Town

Tour The Goldfield Mine: Take a guided underground tour and learn about historic mining equipment and techniques.
Ride The Narrow Gauge Railroad: Circle Goldfield on a narrated train ride with views of the Superstition Mountains.
Visit The Goldfield Museum: Explore exhibits about local mining history, the Superstitions and the Lost Dutchman legend.
Pan For Gold: Try traditional gold panning or gem sluicing at Prospector's Palace.
Visit The Mystery Shack: Experience Goldfield's unusual gravity-themed attraction.
Watch Old West Gunfights: Seasonal weekend performances recreate Wild West action on the streets of Goldfield.
Ride Horses: Guided horseback rides explore the surrounding Superstition and Goldfield Mountain country.
Take An Apache Trail Tour: Guided sightseeing and off-road tours explore nearby desert scenery and history.
Shop & Eat: Browse Old West-style stores and stop for food, coffee, ice cream or a meal at the saloon.

Goldfield Mine Tour And Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Goldfield Mine Tour takes visitors underground with a guide who explains the history of the mine, Goldfield's mining era, historic equipment and gold-mining techniques. The current tour lasts approximately 25 minutes and operates seven days a week.

The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad follows approximately 1.5 miles of track around Goldfield. The narrated 20-minute ride covers the history of Goldfield, the Superstition Mountains and the surrounding Sonoran Desert while providing scenic views of the town and mountains.

Goldfield Museum And Gold Panning

Goldfield's Historic Museum explores the mining history of the area and includes exhibits related to the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine, along with antique firearms, minerals and fossils.

Visitors can also try gold panning and gem sluicing at Prospector's Palace. Instructors demonstrate basic panning techniques, giving families and first-time prospectors a hands-on introduction to the methods used during Arizona's mining era.

Old West Entertainment At Goldfield

Goldfield combines mining history with Old West entertainment. The Goldfield Gunfighters currently perform seasonal weekend gunfight shows from November through April, generally on Saturdays and Sundays from noon through late afternoon.

Other entertainment options include the Mystery Shack, Superstition Zipline, an Old West-themed arcade, daytime paranormal-themed experiences and a reservation-based nighttime walking ghost tour. Individual attractions have separate admission charges and schedules, so check current availability before visiting.

Horseback Riding And Apache Trail Tours

Superstition's O.K. Corral Stables offers guided horseback rides into the Superstition and Goldfield Mountain area. Ride lengths range from shorter outings to extended rides, with reservations recommended.

Apache Trail Tours also operates from Goldfield and offers guided sightseeing and off-road experiences focused on desert scenery, plants, wildlife, local history and legends of the Superstition region. Summer availability may be limited, so confirm schedules in advance.

Food And Shopping At Goldfield

Goldfield's Main Street and surrounding buildings contain a variety of shops, food stops and Old West-themed businesses. Visitors can browse Southwestern gifts, jewelry, minerals, fossils, pottery, hats, souvenirs and local products while exploring the town.

Food options currently include the Mammoth Steakhouse & Saloon, Miner's Grill & Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Cantina & Bakery. Individual business hours may vary, particularly during summer.

Goldfield Ghost Town Hours And Visitor Information

Merchants: Currently open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Mine Tour: Currently operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week.
Narrow Gauge Railroad: Currently operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week.
Coffee Shop: Currently open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Mammoth Steakhouse & Saloon: Open daily, with summer hours that can vary.

Individual attraction schedules, ticket prices and seasonal entertainment can change. Check Goldfield Ghost Town's official website before making a special trip for a specific tour or performance.

Camping At Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town currently offers on-site camping with dry-camping and hookup options, along with a shower house and selected sites with fire rings. Horse camping is also available. Reservations are not required but are recommended.

Campground policies and rates can change, so confirm current information directly with Goldfield before planning an overnight stay.

Directions To Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town is located at 4650 North Mammoth Mine Road, approximately 4.5 miles northeast of Apache Junction on historic Apache Trail, Arizona State Route 88.

From the Phoenix area, travel east on U.S. Highway 60 toward Apache Junction, exit at Idaho Road, continue north toward Arizona Highway 88 and follow Apache Trail northeast toward Goldfield. Turn onto Mammoth Mine Road at the signed entrance.

The drive provides increasingly dramatic views of the Superstition Mountains as you approach Goldfield.

Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 North Mammoth Mine Road
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119
480-983-0333

Goldfield Interactive Map

Nearby Apache Junction Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions About Goldfield Ghost Town

Where is Goldfield Ghost Town Arizona?

Goldfield Ghost Town is located at 4650 North Mammoth Mine Road near Apache Junction, Arizona, about 4.5 miles northeast of the city on historic Apache Trail.

What can you do at Goldfield Ghost Town?

Visitors can take an underground mine tour, ride the narrow gauge railroad, visit the historic museum, pan for gold, explore shops, visit the Mystery Shack and enjoy additional Old West attractions and entertainment.

Does Goldfield Ghost Town have a mine tour?

Yes. Goldfield currently offers a guided underground mine tour that lasts approximately 25 minutes and explains the area's mining history, equipment and techniques.

Does Goldfield Ghost Town have a train ride?

Yes. The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad follows approximately 1.5 miles of track around the town on a narrated ride lasting about 20 minutes.

Are there gunfights at Goldfield Ghost Town?

Yes. The Goldfield Gunfighters currently perform seasonal weekend shows from November through April. Performance schedules can change, so confirm current dates before visiting.

Can you go horseback riding at Goldfield?

Yes. Superstition's O.K. Corral Stables offers guided horseback rides in the Superstition and Goldfield Mountain area.

Can you pan for gold at Goldfield Ghost Town?

Yes. Prospector's Palace offers gold panning and gem sluicing with instruction for visitors who want a hands-on mining experience.

Does Goldfield Ghost Town have food and shopping?

Yes. Goldfield has multiple shops and food options, including the Mammoth Steakhouse & Saloon, Miner's Grill & Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Cantina & Bakery.