7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Arizona

Are you ready to venture off of the beaten path? These undiscovered towns in Arizona may be in the middle of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do! Get lost in the majesty of Arizona outside of the bigger cities like Phoenix and Mesa without losing the comforts of home. Become a cowboy in the Dude Ranch Capital of the World in Wickenburg, or find yourself in the middle of a gunfight reenactment at the OK Corral. Don’t worry; there are a few ghost towns here, too!

Cottonwood

In the heart of Verde Valley is the sleepy little town of Cottonwood. Its serene city streets, charming shops, and amazing views make it a great place to unwind and relax without the bustle of the bigger cities. Historic Old Towne boasts amazing buildings from the 1900s and has over 60 commercial buildings for an afternoon of shopping. Nestled along the Verde River, one of the state's last free-flowing rivers, visitors can spend an afternoon fishing, kayaking, or bird-watching.

On the cusp of town is Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which has beautiful views and so much to discover. Walk one of the extensive trails in the park, kayak down scenic lagoons, or fish along the Verde River. History buffs have to check out the Tuzigoot National Monument to explore the Ancient Pueblo Ruins overlooking the Verde Valley.

Wickenburg

Become a cowboy while visiting the Dude Ranch Capital of the World in Wickenburg! Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Wickenburg is a small town with a big cowboy heart and some of the most amazing sunsets in the United States! Visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum to learn a little bit more about the town's rich gold mining history. Be sure to check in at Rancho de los Caballeros, one of the most famous dude ranches in Arizona!

Another notable site in Wickenburg is the Vulture Mine, discovered by the town’s founder Henry Wickenburg. In the mid-19th century, it was one of the most productive gold mines in the state. Today, visitors can tour the site and learn more about the town’s origins. If you love ghost towns, you have to explore Vulture City Ghost Town! Despite being abandoned, many of the original buildings of Vulture City still stand today.

Oatman

A journey down Route 66 will take you through the charming town of Oatman, tucked away in the Black Mountains. It is a quirky town with gunfight reenactments and wild burros that walk the streets! Be sure to stop by Oatman’s gem, the Oatman Hotel Restaurant and Bar. It was once a six-room hotel for gold prospectors, but today operates as a spunky restaurant, museum, and gift shop. To learn a little more about the charming past of this old gold mining town, stop by the historic Oatman Jail and Museum.

While the downtown area of Oatman has plenty of fun stops and shops, it is also surrounded by iconic Arizona beauty. Visit old mining sites located right outside of town on Route 66, or walk nearby trails. The Black Mountain Loop Trail is a popular spot among tourists and locals and offers stunning panoramic views of the Black Mountains.

Tombstone

Travel back to the days of the Wild West in Tombstone! Many of the structures in the downtown district are perfectly preserved, and transport visitors to the early days of the American frontier. Find the amazing Bird Cage Theatre and the Tombstone Courthouse. However, Tombstone's claim to fame is the iconic OK Corral, the setting for the famous shootout between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton-McLaury gang. The site offers live reenactments three times a day, which is a must-see!

But visiting the OK Corral is just the beginning! Stop by the iconic Boothill Graveyard that looks like something right out of a movie set. Walk the streets for Western-theme souvenirs, or dine in Western-themed restaurants. To learn more about the origins of this dusty Western town, make sure to check out the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park.

Jerome

If you have a soft spot for abandoned Old West ghost towns, you have to explore Jerome. As the mining in the area declined in the 20th century, many of the buildings in town were left abandoned. Jerome is a great place to explore these abandoned ghost towns, with a mix of commercial and historical sites to keep you occupied.

Learn more about what makes Jerome special by visiting the Jerome State Historic Park. Located in the Douglas Mansion, it gives visitors a glimpse into its early residents. Or, stop by the Mining Museum to explore exhibits that give insight into the mining history of the area. While the town is the perfect blend of modern and abandoned structures, you can’t beat the view! Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, visitors earn a one-of-a-kind panoramic view of Verde Valley.

Patagonia

Patagonia is one of those rare Arizona towns with a perfect blend of natural beauty, interesting historical sites, and a quirky downtown district. While it may be a long drive from any nearby city, it is well worth the trip! Located in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains, it is a wonderful town for bird watching or just taking in the stunning views and sunsets.

While the views are amazing, the quaint downtown area adds to Patagonia's charm. Explore the Patagonia Depot or the old post office that harkens back to its early days. With a handful of art galleries, antique shops, and local boutiques, there is so much to discover in this sleepy little town. And if you want to explore Patagonia’s natural beauty, lace up those hiking boots and head to the beautiful Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve.

Bisbee

The town of Bisbee is an eclectic, quirky small town with a lot of western charm. The cozy downtown district is a quirky mixture of 20th-century Victorian and Art Deco architecture with fun shops and cafes worth exploring. To learn more about this town's unique roots, be sure to stop by the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Learn about Bisbee’s early mining days and its early settlers through unique and engaging exhibits.

Situated in the heart of the Mule Mountains, Bisbee is no stranger to amazing landscapes. For a little adventure, take an underground tour of the Copper Queen Mine. Roam deep into tunnels and learn more about the mining operations of Bisbee's past. Or head above ground and hike Bisbee Hill Trail for breathtaking views of the Mule Mountains.

Discover The Charm of Arizona

Quirky roadside attractions? Check. Ghost towns? Check. Breathtaking views? Check! Whatever you want from your Arizona adventure, these undiscovered towns are just waiting to be explored. From charming historic ghost towns to quirky communities brimming with character, these hidden gems are just a glimpse into the soul of Arizona. These towns offer friendly locals, family-friendly attractions, and views that will exhaust the camera storage on your phone. Pack your sense of adventure and get ready to be swept away in the rustic charm of these undiscovered Arizona towns.