This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on October 07, 2021(Originally published October 06, 2021)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
It’s time for another road trip! Get ready for a fright, because we’re taking you to nine of the most haunted places in Arizona. From hotels you might never check out of to abandoned gold mines, these spots are crawling with things that go bump in the night. Happy haunting!
Kicking off our road trip to some of the most haunted places in Arizona is the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Open for less than 35 years, this former prison managed to house over 3,000 inmates during its brief period of operation. Although no executions were performed, 111 prisoners died of illness during their incarceration. These days, the former prison is a museum, and paranormal activity has been reported all over the facility, but most accounts come from the "dark cell," otherwise known as solitary confinement. Those brave enough to step foot inside can do so at their own risk. Address: 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ, 85364.
Ghost towns are creepy enough already, but an abandoned mine in a ghost town in Arizona? The thought of that alone is enough to send us running for the hills. Once a successful gold mine, this dilapidated building is absolutely crawling with ghosts of workers who perished in tragic accidents. Visitors have smelled the aroma of food cooking in the mess hall and seen apparitions standing by an ironwood tree outside that served as a gallows. Address: Vulture Mine, AZ, 85390.
Constructed in 1917, this century-old hotel harbors quite a bit tragedy. The wife of a former owner committed suicide in Room 16 after her husband failed to return from a nighttime grocery run. Countless guests have seen the woman, Abby, roaming the halls with her cat. Both spirits are said to be friendly entities. Meet them for yourself. Address: 230 South Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ, 86303.
Easily one of Arizona's most infamous haunts, the Jerome Grand opened in 1927 and served as a hospital for many years. Numerous patients died here, some from natural causes and others by suicide or murder. All of the anguish associated with disease and death is still harbored within these walls, and you can experience it firsthand. Address: 200 Hill Street, Jerome, AZ, 86331.
With an entire tab on their website dedicated to ghost stories, it's safe to say guests of the Monte Vista have witnessed some inexplicable Arizona hauntings. Room 305 was even featured on the TV show "Unsolved Mysteries," as a spectral woman is often seen sitting in a rocking chair. Other sightings include a phantom bellboy, a baby in the basement, and a dancing couple, among others. Address: 100 North San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.
From former prisoners out for blood to their innocent victims seeking vengeance, spirits of all kinds can be found inside this creepy jail. Over a century old, many people died here while the prison was still operating and they do not hesitate to make their ghostly presence known. Hunt for spirits yourself! Address: 171, 177 East Oak Street, Globe, AZ, 85501.
7. Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction)
6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Ancient folklore tells of a massive gold mine hidden deep within the Superstition Mountains, the contents of which would make whoever discovered it rich beyond their wildest dreams. Many adventurous souls have attempted to find the secret treasure, but it's a dangerous expedition that has resulted in the death or disappearance for several who have tried. Some folks claim "The Dutchman" haunts the area, ready to destroy anyone who dares lay a hand on his precious ores. While we certainly don't advocate trying to locate the mine, you can poke around for ghosts here at one of the most haunted places in Arizona. Address: 6109 North Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ, 85119.
The Orpheum Theatre is home to one of the spookiest Arizona ghost stories. Legend has it that a ghost named Mattie haunts the wings of this elegant theatre. Was she a performer? Or maybe an audience member who longed to be part of the show? Nobody knows for sure, but she's definitely a playful spirit who loves running up and down the rows of seats. Address: 203 West Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85003.
As if the burial ground of famous outlaws wasn't spooky enough, this performance hall has had quite a few paranormal sightings over the years. Disembodied voices have been heard singing and talking, and apparitions take the stage as if to act out their part in a play. You'll pass by the theatre on this haunted trolley tour, so don't miss the unique opportunity to take a road trip within a road trip! Address: 535 East Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ, 85638.
Are you brave enough to explore these real haunted places in Arizona? How many of the most haunted places in Arizona have you visited already, and what other spooky spots would you add to the list?
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Most Haunted Places In Arizona
Elisa Regulski |August 21, 2019
What is the most famous ghost story from Arizona?
The most famous Arizona ghost story takes place at Colossal Cave in Tucson. Four ghosts haunt this ominous area. Guests have reported seeing a spectral lady in white guarding the entrance, a shadowy figure looming in the darkness, and the ghost of former cave owner Frank Schmidt joining a public tour. The most bone-chilling story, however, involves a mourning Native American woman. Legend has it, this woman fell to her death as she ran away from a bear chase. Her cries echo off the cave’s walls to this day.
What is the most haunted town in Arizona?
Wickenburg, Arizona is the most haunted town in the state. This tiny city only has 6,363 residents, but it’s full of ghostly spirits. Henry Wickenburg settled this area in the mid 1800s in search of riches. He soon discovered the Vulture Mine and had great success mining silver and gold. Today, all that remains from this mine is a creepy dilapidated building. The spirits of perished miners often linger in the area. It’s enough to give anyone nightmares. Enter if you dare!
What is the creepiest abandoned place in Arizona?
If you’re aching for a spine-tingling adventure, visit the Casa Grande Domes. These mysterious abandoned bulidings look like something from a nightmare. Several rumors have circulated around these bizarre structures. Some say it’s a hub for haunted happenings and others believe it's the site of a former cult. The real answer, however, is far less ominous. To learn more about these weird abandoned buildings, read our feature article here. These aren’t the only abandoned spots in Arizona. You can learn more by clicking here.
