Coke Ovens: Unique Man-Made Wonder In Arizona

Editor’s Note: While the roads leading to the Coke Ovens are open to the public, the ovens themselves are on private property. Please enjoy the views of the ovens from a distance and do not trespass on private property.

There’s no doubt that the state of Arizona is full of stunning natural wonders. There’s the Grand Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Oak Creek Canyon (yes, many canyons) along with Tonto Natural Bridge, Havasupai Falls, and Meteor Crater, among countless others. We could explore the state for years and still not see all of its natural beauty. In addition to the natural wonders in Arizona, there are plenty of unique and unusual manmade wonders. There’s one unique man-made wonder in Arizona, for example, that you may want to check out. Found in the small town of Florence is a set of abandoned coke ovens that are shaped like beehives. They are incredibly unusual to see in their remote location!

Located south of the Phoenix Metro area lies the small town of Florence. And hiding in Florence is one of the state's most unique manmade wonders that can only be accessed via a long trail.

The Coke Ovens in Florence once produced a charcoal product known as coke between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. Long abandoned, there are five well-preserved coke ovens surrounded by mountains in the middle of the desert. The Gila River is nearby as well.

You'll find the Florence Coke Ovens along an extensive and strenuous trail. The Florence Coke Ovens OHV Route is nearly 25 miles and can either be hiked or traversed using an OHV.

Their remote location in the desert may seem a bit curious but it was to make sure the process of smelting wood into coke was undisturbed.

Each of the five beehive-shaped coke ovens is 25 feet in diameter and 30 feet tall. Their impressive sizes are certainly a sight to see.

The long and rugged trail not only leads to the coke ovens but past other remnants of the past as well, including this building. While you can certainly hike the trail, with good preparation, of course, an OHV may be a better way to explore the area.

Have you ever seen the abandoned coke ovens in Florence? What’s another unique man-made wonder in Arizona you find fascinating? Let us know! For trail information on the coke ovens in Florence, head to AllTrails. And don’t forget to download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on your hiking journey.

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Florence, AZ, USA

There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Arizona

Melissa Mahoney

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