Phoenix Arizona skyline and Greater Phoenix attractions

Vulture City Ghost Town & Vulture Mine Near Wickenburg AZ

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 5, 2026.

Historic Gold Mining Ghost Town Near Wickenburg

Vulture City Ghost Town, located south of Wickenburg, Arizona, preserves the remains of the historic community that grew around the Vulture Mine after Henry Wickenburg discovered gold here in 1863. The mine became one of Arizona Territory's most productive gold operations, attracting miners, merchants and families to this remote Sonoran Desert settlement. Today, visitors can explore original mining-era buildings, historic equipment and artifacts while learning about the people who lived and worked at Vulture City during Arizona's territorial mining boom.

Vulture Mine History
Vulture City Today
What To See
Tours, Hours & Admission
Visitor Tips
Directions
FAQ

Historic buildings at Vulture City Ghost Town and Vulture Mine near Wickenburg Arizona

Vulture Mine History

The discovery of gold by Henry Wickenburg in 1863 led to the development of the Vulture Mine and the settlement that became Vulture City. As mining expanded, the community grew to include boarding houses, a cookhouse, blacksmith facilities, stores, offices, saloons, a school and housing for mine workers and their families. At its peak, Vulture City supported a population reported to have reached several thousand residents. The mine operated through a series of owners and periods of expansion and decline before gold-mining restrictions during World War II brought major operations to an end in 1942.

Historical accounts credit the Vulture Mine with producing approximately 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver during its productive years, making it one of the most important mines in Arizona's early development.

Vulture City Ghost Town Today

Vulture City is privately owned and operated as a historic attraction, with preservation efforts protecting original structures and artifacts from the mining era. Visitors can explore the site through self-guided admission, scheduled guided tours and special programs offered during the cooler months. The property presents the history of mining, daily life in the territorial desert and the community that developed around the Vulture Mine.

Historic Vulture Mine buildings and mining ruins at Vulture City near Wickenburg Arizona

What To See At Vulture City

Visitors can walk among original mining-era structures and exhibits that illustrate life at the once-busy desert settlement. Historic buildings, mining equipment, tools, household objects and interpretive displays help tell the story of the miners, families and businesses that supported the Vulture Mine.

Assay and mine buildings: See structures associated with testing ore and managing mining operations.
Blacksmith facilities: Learn how tools and equipment were repaired and fabricated in the remote mining camp.
Historic residences: Explore buildings that help illustrate everyday life for workers and families.
Mining equipment: View machinery and tools connected with the extraction and processing of ore.
Henry Wickenburg history: Learn about the prospector whose 1863 gold discovery led to the Vulture Mine and helped shape the development of nearby Wickenburg.
Period artifacts: Furniture, tools and other objects provide additional context for life in the territorial mining settlement.

One of Vulture City's best-known Old West stories involves the site's so-called Hanging Tree, which local legend associates with men accused of high grading, or stealing valuable gold ore. The story has become part of the ghost town's folklore and is frequently shared as visitors explore the site's mining history.

Vulture City Tours, Hours & Admission

Vulture City operates seasonally during Arizona's cooler months. Current regular-season hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., generally from mid-October through mid-May. Self-guided admission, scheduled guided tours and special events may be available depending on the date. Hours, ticket prices and programs can change, so visitors should check the official Vulture City Ghost Town website before making the trip.

Tips For Visiting Vulture City Ghost Town

Check seasonal hours: Vulture City operates primarily during the cooler months, and schedules can change for tours and special events.
Allow time to explore: The historic buildings, artifacts and mining displays are spread across the property and are best enjoyed without rushing.
Prepare for desert conditions: Bring water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes, even during cooler months.
Respect historic structures: Follow posted signs and remain within areas open to visitors to help protect original buildings and artifacts.
Consider a guided experience: Guided tours and special programs can provide additional historical context beyond a self-guided visit.

Directions To Vulture City From Wickenburg & Phoenix

From Phoenix: Follow US 60 northwest toward Wickenburg. In Wickenburg, turn south onto Vulture Mine Road and continue approximately 12 miles to Vulture City Ghost Town.

Address: 36610 N. 355th Ave., Wickenburg, AZ 85390.

Driving conditions, construction and routing can change, so confirm directions before departing.

Vulture City Ghost Town FAQ

Where is Vulture City Ghost Town?

Vulture City Ghost Town is located about 12 miles south of Wickenburg, Arizona, along Vulture Mine Road at the historic Vulture Mine site.

When was the Vulture Mine discovered?

Henry Wickenburg discovered gold at the site in 1863, leading to development of the Vulture Mine and the settlement that became Vulture City.

How much gold was produced at the Vulture Mine?

Historical accounts credit the Vulture Mine with producing approximately 340,000 ounces of gold as well as substantial quantities of silver during its years of operation.

Can you tour Vulture City?

Yes. Vulture City offers self-guided visits along with scheduled guided tours, educational programs and special events during its regular operating season.

What can you see at Vulture City?

Visitors can see original mining-era structures, historic equipment, artifacts and exhibits that interpret the history of the Vulture Mine and everyday life in the surrounding mining settlement.

When is Vulture City open?

Regular seasonal hours are generally Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from mid-October through mid-May. Visitors should confirm current hours before traveling because schedules can change.

Is Vulture City a real ghost town?

Yes. Vulture City developed around the Vulture Mine beginning in the 1860s and later declined as mining activity ended. Original structures and artifacts remain at the historic site today.