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Why Ruby, Arizona Was Abandoned & How To Visit The Ghost Town

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10 additional scenic stops to make if you're visiting the grand canyon, 10 underrated small beach towns in florida to kick the winter blues, quick links, history of ruby, arizona - boom to bust, what to know about visiting ruby, arizona, camping & what else to see & do at ruby, arizona.

Ruby is one of the many great ghost towns of the American Southwest. Ruby is located in Santa Cruz County near the border with Mexico. Like so many other Wild West ghost towns, it was originally founded as a mining town. Today visitors are greeted with abandoned buildings and more that hark back to a time gone by. It is set on the foothills of Montana Peak and the pristine landscapes of southern Arizona.

Like Vulture City (another great Arizona ghost town) , Ruby is privately owned and is open to the public. Another great place to learn about the Wild West is in the living ghost town of Tombstone, Arizona. There, visitors can see re-enactments of the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral .

Ruby is located in Bear Valley and was initially called Montana Camp (the mining camp was set at the foot of Montana Peak). As with much of the Southwest, the first Europeans to arrive in the area were the Spanish in the 1500s. But for the next few hundred years, European settlement was sparse until the area became part of the United States in the mid-1800s, with ranches, miners, and others moving in.

The first gold strike in Montana's vein happened in the late 1870s, and by 1900, Ruby was the largest mining camp in the area. The mines of Ruby didn't just produce gold; it was also the largest zinc and lead-producing mine in Arizona. Additionally, the mines also produced silver.

It was a town with tales of fortunes and striking it rich. Between 1920 and 1922, it was also the scene of three double homicides called the Ruby Murders. The Ruby Murders triggers the largest manhunt in the history of the Southwest (and even the first airplane used in a manhunt).

At its peak, it had a population of over 1,000 residents. Ruby peaked in the mid-1930s but then soon went into decline. The mine closed in 1940, and in a flash, the town was abandoned by the end of 1941.

Related: Thistle Ghost Town: An Abandoned Relic Of Utah's Devastating Flood

Today the ghost town of Ruby preserves around 25 buildings that still have roofs (including the old school and the jail). Ruby is a great day trip from Tucson (and only 4 miles from the Mexican border). Ruby is privately owned and opens to the public from Thursday to Sunday. It is open from 9.00 am to dusk and is open for self-guided tours.

• Opening Hours: 9.00 am to Dusk
• Days Open: Thursday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: $15 Per Person

The $15 entry fee is a day pass that allows access to the ghost town and some 350 acres of trails, complete with two lakes. Visitors need to get the entry permit in advance (it typically takes over 24 hours to be issued, same-day permits are difficult but possible).

• Email: [email protected]

Visitors can see their on-site museum with its collections of old mining artifacts and historic photos that show what Ruby was like when 1,200 people called it home.

Visiting Ruby is easy from Tuscon and is worth the trip. But visitors are encouraged to check the local weather conditions before coming (and to check that they are open). The Monsoon season for this area of Arizona is July to August, and during this time, the dirt road to access Ruby can become impassible. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, although most cars can make it there.

Related: This Abandoned Smokies Ghost Town Is Easy To Hike To

People can come and enjoy more than just the ghost town itself. The private property also offers fishing in their lakes for bass, hiking the trails, birdwatching, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and camping on the tailings. It is also a great place to gaze up at the stars during the night, while the ghost town is ideal for photo shoots. One of the most notable attractions is watching 150,000 migratory bats emerging in the evening to feed.

• Camping: $20 Per Person
• Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Photo Shoots, Paddle Boarding, Birdwatching

To get the permit to stay overnight and to enjoy the various activities offered at Ruby, refer to the ghost town's official website .

Take the time to explore other ghost towns in Arizona - such as Swansea (a ghost town reputedly creepier in real life) .

There are plenty of other excellent ghost towns to discover all around the American West. Perhaps the most famous is the remote Californian ghost town of Bodie (it is preserved as a California state park) . Go to Wyoming, and visitors can find Cody - a recreated ghost town from recovered old buildings from the area .

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Ruby Arizona: Our Best Ghost Town

Ruby is the best of the hundreds of Arizona ghost towns or at least the best-preserved of the many in Southern Arizona. Ruby Arizona is about 12 miles south of Arivaca. About halfway there, the road goes from pavement to dirt. But it’s well-maintained and a standard sedan can easily travel on it (unless of course, the area gets a hard rain). Caution: DO NOT rely on your GPS. Watch one or all three videos above and learn about its history and how you can experience this amazing place-out-of-time as we did. In the first video, get an overview of the mine and the inhabitants of the town. In the second video, Howard Frederick shares many stories about Ruby, including its bats, jaguar, and murders. Ruby is open to the public. For $15/person you can walk in Arizona mining history. For $20 you can catch bluegill & trophy bass. You can also picnic & camp at Ruby. For the history of Ruby, including the murders that occurred here in both 1920 & 1921, you can go there and buy the book: Ruby, Arizona: Mining, Mayhem and Murder . A recommended read.

Looking through a doorway of one of the many buildings at Ruby that still stand.

Ruby was a mining town in the early years of the last century. The mine produced gold, silver, zinc, and copper and was, for a time, highly profitable. In the 1930s, Ruby’s population was about 1,200, with 150 students attending the school. The Post Office was established in 1912, and the general store owner, Julius Andrews, named the town after his wife. In the early 1920s, there were two double murders here. The mine closed in 1940 and, by the next year, the town was mostly abandoned. When Ms. Karen & I first moved to Tucson, we enjoyed a lovely day trip to Ruby with friends, Dan & Wanda. Since then, Ruby has often been closed to the public. As of 2012, Ruby accepts visitors. I, my film crew and entourage, went to Ruby on a recent Saturday to do an on-camera interview with one of the partners who own this historical gem, Howard Frederick. Howard is exceedingly knowledgeable about Ruby and the interview went very well. To view the second video, you will find it in the list of Videos shown above.

Interviewing Howard Frederick, one of the partners who owns Ruby.

When you leave Ruby, you can return to I-19 by going back through Arivaca or continuing south on Forest Service Road-39. It’s a pretty drive (unpaved for about 13 miles) through Sycamore Canyon. Just after you reach the pavement there is a sign to Pena Blanca Lake nearby. If you take this route, which ends up in Rio Rico on I-19 almost to Nogales and the Mexican border, watch out for hunters during hunting season. If you appreciate Arizona history in general and ghost towns in particular, do visit Ruby. Highly recommended!

Ruby has a new website! Call ahead for reservations. 520-744-4471

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Home » Places » Ghost Towns and Abandoned Mines » Ruby Arizona

Ruby Ghost Town’s History

In southern Arizona near the Mexico/Arizona border, Ruby is a privately-owned abandoned mine and town once the state’s largest zinc and lead-producing mine. Originally named Montana Camp after the first strike in the Montana vein in the late 1870s, Ruby reached its peak in the 1930s with a population of 1200 people. However, the mine closed down in 1940 and was abandoned by 1941.

Despite its decline, Ruby’s history is still a fascinating one. In the 1920s, a double homicide took place in the town, leading to the largest manhunt in the southwest and the first-ever airplane used in an Arizona manhunt. Visitors can tour several buildings and still-standing structures, including the schoolhouse, general store, and jail. In addition, the town has a lake with a beach made from mining tailings.

Ruby’s story is a testament to the boom and bust cycles that have characterized Arizona’s mining industry. Its preserved structures and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular destination for history buffs, hikers, and ghost town enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in the town’s rich past or simply looking to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Ruby is well worth a visit.

Know Before You Go

• Region:  Southwest United States
• Location : Ruby, Arizona
• Coordinates: 31.461935615400712, -111.23785244944789
• Costs: Several types of permits are offered. 
• Schedule: Check the website for visiting hours
• Attraction Type: Ghost Town 

A friend was visiting from out of town, and we decided to head out to find Ruby. I had heard about it from several stories and wanted to visit before the temperatures were too hot for the season. Also, it was not too far from Tucson, making it a perfect day trip adventure.   

There are two ways, one being a more rustic trail and requiring a high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle.  Research directions , weather, and road conditions to ensure the roads are passable.  We choose to take the scenic route knowing the Jeep would handle the drive without issues.  It was a nice drive through forest service/country unpaved dirt roads, and the directions and Google Maps lead us there. Stopping at the caretaker’s accommodation, we paid $15 per person for the day, and then he briefed us on the places we could and should not go. He suggested staying away from several places for our safety near the mine and its trailings. At the time, some areas had become unstable, and he was afraid of people getting stuck or injured in those areas. 

The overall size of the place is not large, but because it was a hotter day, we decided on several of the locations and drove to them. You could park at the front and walk around had the temperatures been cooler.  Several buildings are still standing that you can poke around in, and then there is the beach and pond.  Yes, there is a beach created from the mining tailings that you can spend time on. 

Overall it was a neat little place to visit. The organization that owns it has been working on it for years, and the upkeep, while limited, allows you to understand what this mining operation was like and what it would have been like to live and work there. 

Photos from my visit. 

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The Ghost Town of Ruby, Arizona

That is my #1 ghost town I want to hit in AZ. It's so intact and that's rare.

I didn't realize how intact it was. I definitely want to visit this place. It has a fantastic history and even better yet, ghosts!

Ruby was awesome even with the rabid caretaker thinking we had stolen a window! LOL Interesting old ghost town! I am glad we had a chance to vist before all the border trouble! Debe

After hearing your story Debe, I wanted to visit even with the creepy caretaker. His presence makes for a great horror flick, don't you think? I am still hoping to see the place someday.

Glad it is so well preserved. Wish other ghost towns were as well. Hopefully you will get to see it one day.

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• Ghost Towns: Ruby, AZ

Ruby , AZ Quick Facts

• Founded:  Late 1800's
• Abandoned:  1940's
• Drive Time from Phoenix : 3 hours, 10 minutes
• Get Directions
• Related Website:  https://www.visitarizona.com/places/cities/oatman/

Why should I visit Ruby, AZ?

Though considered a ghost town, Ruby is a fascinating destination for history buffs and adventurers alike. Once a thriving mining community, Ruby now offers a peek into the past with its well-preserved structures, including the old schoolhouse, jail, and mining facilities.

Surrounded by scenic desert landscapes, it’s also an excellent spot for hiking and birdwatching. Ruby’s isolation and eerie charm provide a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience for those looking to explore Arizona's mining history.

What is the history of Ruby, AZ?

Ruby was established in the late 1800s as a mining town that boomed during the early 20th century due to its rich gold, silver, and lead deposits. At its peak, Ruby was home to around 1,200 people, with a bustling community that included a general store, post office, and even a schoolhouse. However, by the 1940s, the mines were depleted, and the town was gradually abandoned. Ruby is also known for a series of violent events known as the Ruby Murders, which adds a layer of intrigue to its history.

What is Ruby, AZ like today?

Today, Ruby stands as one of Arizona’s best-preserved ghost towns, offering visitors a chance to walk through the remains of a once-thriving mining community. The site is privately owned, but visitors can explore with a permit, allowing them to see the old schoolhouse, jail, and mining structures up close.

Ruby is also a gateway to wildlife watching, with a nearby lake attracting a variety of bird species. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just a quiet escape, Ruby provides a captivating glimpse into Arizona’s past.

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The Tiny Town In Arizona With A Terribly Creepy Past

Ruby, Arizona, a former mining town, is known for its gruesome past involving multiple murders and the largest manhunt in the Southwest.

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Arizona has a few places that are notoriously haunted or just plain creepy , but the gruesome past of this little ghost town includes the largest manhunt in the history of the Southwest. Read on to learn about the terrible incidents that have forever darkened this tiny spot on the Arizona map.

Back in the day, Ruby Arizona was a thriving mining town.

At its peak, the mine was the leading zinc and lead producer in the state.

But the close proximity of Ruby to the border made it, and its residents, vulnerable to attack by Mexican bandits.

The above 1990 photo shows Ruby, Arizona. The town's only general store, where two of the gruesome attacks took place, is positioned at far right in this image.

Ruby: The Tiny Town In Arizona With A Terribly Creepy Past

Bandits rode in from the South and robbed the town's only store, killing the couple who owned and ran the mercantile. But that wasn't the end of the issues Ruby and its residents would have with the bandits.

A short 18 months later, in August 1921, a different set of bandits robbed the same store and its new owners.

They shot and killed the unsuspecting couple and then removed five gold teeth from the victims so they could sell them. After this second double homicide,a large posse of residents and lawmen would chase the bandits. They enlisted the help of an Army biplane, and offered a $5,000 reward. But the manhunt ended unsuccessfully.

Some months later, an Arizona deputy sheriff was visiting a nearby town when he overheard a bartender trying to sell five gold teeth.

He felt sure it was the same teeth stolen in the most recent Ruby homicides. The bartender gave up the name of the outlaw who sold him the teeth.

Nearly a year later, two outlaws, Manuel Martinez and Placidio Silvas (shown in the middle of the back row in the 1922 photo below), were captured and tried for murder.

Martinez was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged; Silvas was sentenced to life in prison. However, while being transported in a police car, two managed to break free after a terrible car crash occurred. The two deputies driving the car were found dead. This time, the largest manhunt in the history of Arizona ensued. More than 700 volunteers searched the desert for Martinez and Silvas.

Eventually, the two were captured, retried, and found guilty once again. Martinez was executed by hanging on August 10, 1923. Silvas was sent to prison for life, but while incarcerated in Florence, he escaped in 1928 and was never seen again.

Part of the old general store where four of the Ruby murders took place is still standing in the ghost town of Ruby, Arizona. The town sits on private property, but is open for self-guided tours on certain days of the week.

See more photos of this tiny Arizona ghost town with an incredibly gruesome past, and learn more about when the property is open for exploration, in this previous article .

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This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town In Arizona Is So Worth Exploring

For outdoor explorers and history lovers, Tuba City is a tiny town in Arizona worthy of a day trip.

Arizona is a huge state so, needless to say, there are so many small towns and communities we may miss while traveling around. But some of these towns should not be missed as they offer hidden gems just waiting for you to discover. One such place is Tuba City, a tiny town in Arizona that's worth a day trip, especially if you love history and exploring the great outdoors.

Tuba City is an unincorporated town within the Painted Desert and badlands found in the Navajo Nation. It's remote, to say the least. However, it's absolutely worth a stop.

One place you must stop at is the Tuba City Trading Post which was established in 1906 and is a working trading post to this day.

Here you will find a large selection of Native American art, pottery, Kachina dolls, silver jewelry, clothing, rugs, and more.

Exploring the Navajo Interactive Museum is another must when in the tiny town of Tuba City. Located on the same property as the trading post, it is super easy to visit.

Exhibits and artifacts fill the 7,000-square-foot museum. You'll see a traditional Navajo hogan, art, pottery, and cultural information throughout.

Another incredible place to visit in Tuba City is the Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks considered the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in North America.

The tracks were left behind by dinosaurs from the Jurassic period. However, it is unclear what species of dinosaur made them. Regardless, this is a great spot for kids and adults may feel like kids when they visit!

Have you been to this tiny town in Arizona yet? If you have, let us know about your experience in the comments. To learn more, head to the Visit Arizona website.

If you plan on taking a road trip to Tuba City, make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you need before you go.

The One Arizona Town That’s So Perfectly Western

Wickenburg, Arizona, offers a rich Western experience with historic sites, themed shops, and annual events like Gold Rush Days.

Scottsdale may have the official motto but if there’s any town that deserves the designation as the most Western town , then Wickenburg may be just the candidate to get it. Here are just a few reasons why Wickenburg, Arizona is one of our favorite places.

Welcome to Wickenburg! This little town sits about 65 miles northwest of Phoenix and has a population of about 7,900.

One of your first stops should be the Wickenburg visitor center, which sits in an old train depot and has all the information you need about upcoming events and suggestions for where to go in town.

While walking through downtown, you’ll find an array of Western-themed shops and restaurants.

Stop by a saloon or two!

In the downtown area, you can get a brief history of the town by checking out the train depot and the old jail tree.

You can also book a guided historic tour for more in-depth knowledge about the town!

There are also plenty of events that go on around here, such as rodeos...

...and the annual Gold Rush Days that happen in early February! They welcome the three-day celebration with a parade, rodeo, car show, art show, and more.

Don't forget to visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum! You'll get a chance to learn more about the town's western heritage.

Exhibits include Western art, quilts, artifacts, and some very cool replicas of Western settings, like the general store depicted below.

Vulture City and its gold mine are just a short drive away. A quick stop here on Saturdays will give you more insight into the area's mining origins.

Wickenburg is known as the "Dude Ranch Capital of the World," so make sure you book an overnight stay at one to complete your visit to the town.

This is truly a spectacular town!

Wickenburg, Arizona is a delightful town that lets us catch a glimpse of the 1800s. What are some of your favorite things to do in Wickenburg, AZ? If you are looking for a beautiful romantic getaway in Wickenburg, check out the Casa Agave . It will sweep you off your feet.

Want to experience more of the Old West? You can get some incredible ideas for places to visit after you read about these cool Old West towns in Arizona .

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/az-old-west-experiences/

Another of our favorite small towns in Arizona is Sedona. Check it out in this quick video:

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