Arizona’s Coolest Abandoned Places, from Mission Ruins to Empty Jailhouses

Explore Arizona’s most fascinating and eerie abandoned places.

Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument | ORCHID LADY/Shutterstock
Wupatki National Monument | ORCHID LADY/Shutterstock

Along with its ghost towns, Arizona is home to a plethora of iconic abandoned sites. Over the course of multiple historic events, including the California Gold Rush and American Civil War, a slew of goldmines, hotels, and jailhouses were left behind. Now, you can explore the bones of these spots, some of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. From a desolate campground to mission ruins, here are the most fascinating and downright eerie abandoned places in Arizona.

Christmas Tree Inn at Santa Claus Acres
Christmas Tree Inn at Santa Claus Acres | Flickr/mlhradio

Christmas Tree Inn

Santa Claus Acres
When you were a kid and you wrote letters to Santa, they probably ended up here. But a jolly old man in a red suit wasn’t on the receiving end of your Christmas wish list. Originating in 1937, Santa Claus gained popularity as a tourist spot, but by the ‘70s business had started to decline, and by 1995 the town was empty. Today you can still see Santa’s face plastered around town, accompanied by a lot of graffiti.

The Lisa Frank Factory
The Lisa Frank Factory | melissamn/Shutterstock

The Lisa Frank Factory

Tucson
What was once a colorful tribute to a ‘90s school supply empire is now a mysterious relic from another time. We don’t recommend scaling the fence that surrounds the building, but even from the street the colorfully painted warehouse, shimmering wall of windows, and striking horse statue are worth a peep. This abandoned place may not be abandoned for long, however; in December 2023, the Lisa Frank Tiktok account posted a video of the warehouse with the caption “We’re baaaack” and has been teasing a reopening. 

KOA’s desolate campground
KOA’s desolate campground | Wikimedia Commons/Z22

KOA’s desolate campground

Two Guns
East of Flagstaff, Two Guns was once a booming tourist stop off of Route 66 outfitted with a gas station, souvenir shop, and even a zoo that housed bobcats and panthers. Like many Route 66 stops that were bypassed by I-40, it died a quick death and is now in ruins. Now, you can stroll through the graffitied grounds and jump into the drained pool. 

Empty jailhouse at Salt River Canyon
Empty jailhouse at Salt River Canyon | Flickr/Skeledong

Empty jailhouse

Salt River Canyon
There’s something really creepy about abandoned jails and prisons—Alcatraz, anybody? So, the empty jailhouse in Salt River Canyon didn’t actually house any Wild West outlaws, notorious killers, or criminals; it was just built as a fun spot for tourists to take photos while fueling up their cars. But it’s still a little eerie. 

Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument | CrackerClips Stock Media/Shutterstock

Wupatki National Monument

Flagstaff
The protected site located near Flagstaff is home to a number of sandstone dwellings that were built by the Pueblo people; evidence of the first inhabitants date way back to 500 AD. Wupatki is the largest building on the site, with more than 100 rooms. Abandoned since 1225, the multistory residence was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1960s.

Twin Arrows Trading Post
Twin Arrows Trading Post | Josh Brasted/Getty Images

Twin Arrows Trading Post

Twin Arrows
Just another abandoned pit stop along the historic Route 66, the Twin Arrows Trading Post consists of a gas station, diner, and empty curio shop. After being restored in 2009, one of the massive faded red and yellow arrows has since fallen. While the buildings are owned by the Hopi tribe, the land the trading post sits on belongs to the state of Arizona. Supposedly, there’s been talk about restoring the area, but it still remains boarded up and in decay, overcome by Arizona’s harsh elements and weeds.

Vulture Gold Mine
Vulture Gold Mine | Thomas Trompeter/Shutterstock

Vulture Gold Mine

Wickenburg
Vulture City was established at the height of the California Gold Rush in 1863. After several years of success, Vulture Mine was shut down temporarily by a regulatory agency in 1942, and permanently soon after. The site is no stranger to legend and urban myths—some say the property is haunted, and we’d take their word for it. Over a dozen men met their fate at the hanging tree, an old ironwood for theft during the mine’s heyday. Today you can check out the mine for yourself for $15.

Tumacacori Mission ruins
Tumacacori Mission ruins | Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock

Tumacacori Mission ruins

Tumacacori
Made up of adobe, wood, and plaster, the Tumacacori Mission ruins have been a Southern Arizona landmark since 1691, when the village was established. Missionaries, settlers, and soldiers have all passed through. Not much remains of the early settlements, but today the historical site is preserved and protected by the National Park Service, and it’s open to the public.

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Jamie Killin is a Phoenix native and Arizona State graduate who specializes in lifestyle and features writing. You can usually find her at the spin studio, a concert, or trying new restaurants across the Valley. Follow her at @jamiefayekillin.