VULTURE CITY GHOST TOWN

Founded in 1863 after prospector Henry Wickenburg struck gold, Vulture City grew to support Arizona’s richest gold mine, The Vulture, producing over 340,000 ounces and fueling the state’s gold rush. At its peak, the town boasted a population of 5,000 and a colorful cast of miners, merchants, and outlaws. Today, more than 18 restored buildings and structures —including the Assay Office, brothel, and Henry Wickenburg’s cabin—invite visitors to walk in the footsteps of history. Artifacts, interpretive tours, and immersive events like Gold Days and haunted experiences preserve and share Arizona’s mining heritage. Vulture City is a living museum that connects guests to the grit, ambition, and human stories that shaped the Southwest.

From its authentic adobe and wood structures to hands-on gold panning, blacksmithing, and seasonal celebrations, the site offers a genuine taste of the state’s mining roots. It’s a place where Arizona’s history isn’t just told—it’s experienced, celebrated, and kept alive for future generations.