Gold King Mine & Ghost Town Jerome Arizona
A quirky ghost town filled with vintage cars, mining relics, and a chance to pan for gold. A unique step back in time!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Gold King Mine & Ghost Town Jerome Arizona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky ghost town filled with vintage cars, mining relics, and a chance to pan for gold. A unique step back in time!
"It's a cross between a museum, a junkyard, an art exhibit, and a Renaissance Fair."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be uneven and dusty; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Follow the Red Arrow
Look for the distinctive black and white oil truck with a big red arrow to guide you to the mine. :oncoming_automobile:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Vehicle Collection
Throughout the grounds
Marvel at over 200 antique cars, trucks, and mining equipment, a testament to American ingenuity.
Gold & Gem Panning
Designated panning area
Try your luck at finding treasures in the mine's authentic gold and gem panning experience.
Historic Buildings & Mine Shaft
Various locations
Step back in time exploring a 100-year-old boarding house and the original mine shaft entrance.
Friendly Farm Animals
Animal enclosure
Meet and feed the adorable resident animals, adding a touch of farm life to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Charm
Timing is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be uneven and dusty; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Follow the Red Arrow
Look for the distinctive black and white oil truck with a big red arrow to guide you to the mine. :oncoming_automobile:
Embrace the 'Junk Yard' Vibe
Appreciate the nostalgic charm; it's a unique blend of history and curated relics. :sparkles:
Bring Cash for Extras
While entry might be card-friendly, some activities like gem panning or souvenirs may prefer cash. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be uneven and dusty; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Follow the Red Arrow
Look for the distinctive black and white oil truck with a big red arrow to guide you to the mine. :oncoming_automobile:
Embrace the 'Junk Yard' Vibe
Appreciate the nostalgic charm; it's a unique blend of history and curated relics. :sparkles:
Bring Cash for Extras
While entry might be card-friendly, some activities like gem panning or souvenirs may prefer cash. :moneywithwings:
Great for All Ages
Kids and adults alike can find something fascinating here, from animals to history. :family_ww:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town for its unique, eclectic charm and the sheer volume of vintage vehicles and mining artifacts. Many appreciate the opportunity for gold panning and the friendly staff who share historical insights. While some might see it as a 'junkyard,' those with an appreciation for nostalgia and history find it a captivating and fun experience for all ages.
"It was something different, fun to do, and passed the time. REALLY liked the gold mining! (That was our purpose for going.) The place is a cross between a museum, a junk yard, an art exhibit, a ghost town, and a Renaissance Fair, minus the food and people. We followed Google maps directions and found it just fine. In Jerome there's an old style black & white oil truck with a big red arrow on top - follow it to the mine. Neat views! Cool stuff to see. There's a store with a nice selection of souvenirs and jewelry, and fossils. There are paths to take to buildings and exhibits. (Earth path vs paved path, so if there's moisture there will be mud). I recall a dentist, a blacksmith, sheds of vintage vehicles, the gold and gem mining, and a fake mine entrance. There is so much to look at your eyes are constantly moving. The blacksmith was there selling wares (hooks & hangers he forged, etc). There are flowers, plants and cactus, rocks, and bits of rusted or enameled parts scattered and displayed throughout. Little details everywhere. Its evident someone (many people) took time to create this southwestern ghost town wonderland. I think we paid $12 a person to get in and explore, and our bags of material to pan were maybe $25 a person? Gem bags were less cost. And the gold miner guide was very nice, and it was evident he enjoyed it. Fun day! We certainly didn't regret it. And now are addicted to gold panning..."
Andrea Nevermind
"What a wonderful and fun experience with friends at the mine on Saturday. We learned about the operations and saw the equipment. We even got to look for gold and copper. Every member of staff was very welcoming and friendly. Animals are adorable. It was a great way to start a birthday celebration weekend."
Elena F
"So reading other reviews and going to the place it's easy to see people chalking it up to a junkyard, but that's from visitors who don't appreciate nostalgic things. Everything is American made steel and cars, it allows people to see past beauty made at home.
You really have to love learning and looking at antiques to appreciate this place. We spent 2 1/2 hrs here. Feeding animals, doing the mining activities and just looking around.
It's fun seeing historical places still operating. Plus the people running it tell about the town's history and mining. Just a good place to explore.
Our kids age 6 and 15 both had fun"
Melissa Groff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gold King Mine & Ghost Town is located about a mile past the Jerome fire department on Perkinsville Road. Follow Google Maps directions, and look for the distinctive black and white oil truck with a large red arrow pointing the way.
Yes, there is parking available on-site. It's generally ample, especially if you arrive during off-peak hours.
Absolutely! It's a popular and unique stop for those visiting Jerome, which is a common day trip destination from Sedona.
Most visitors find following GPS directions to Jerome and then continuing on Perkinsville Road to be straightforward. Keep an eye out for the unique signage.
The road leading to the mine is generally accessible, but the grounds themselves have a mix of paved and unpaved (earth) paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but reviews suggest it's around $12 per person for general entry to explore the grounds.
Yes, activities like gold and gem panning are typically an additional cost, with gem bags being less expensive than gold panning bags.
The mine is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official hours before your visit, especially for specific activities.
Information on advance ticket purchases is limited; it's often best to pay upon arrival.
While not explicitly stated, inquire at the entrance about any potential group or family discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore over 200 vintage cars and trucks, see mining equipment, visit a 100-year-old boarding house, pan for gold and gems, and interact with farm animals.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly and great for all ages. Kids often enjoy the animals and the interactive panning activities.
You can see the main exhibits in about 30 minutes, but allow 2-3 hours if you plan to pan for gold or gems and fully explore.
While not formal tours, the staff, particularly the gold miner guide, are very friendly and happy to share historical information.
The terrain includes a mix of earth paths and some paved areas. Be aware that earth paths can become muddy if there's moisture.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The unique collection of vintage vehicles, rustic buildings, and eclectic displays offers endless photographic opportunities.
The areas with the densest collections of trucks and cars, the historic buildings, and the mine entrance are particularly photogenic.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the rustic charm of the ghost town.
Yes, professional cameras are welcome. The site's unique aesthetic makes it a great location for photographers.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of other visitors and the property.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be prepared for a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential. The site's unique, slightly wild aesthetic makes it a memorable outing that sparks curiosity about history and how things used to be. It's a great place to spend a few hours exploring and creating lasting family memories.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The rustic textures, weathered metal, and eclectic arrangements provide a rich visual narrative. The late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' can enhance the atmosphere, casting a warm glow on the relics and structures. Beyond the vehicles, the historic buildings and the general 'junkyard chic' aesthetic provide further opportunities for compelling shots. Whether you're interested in automotive history, Americana, or simply unique textures and compositions, this location delivers. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself capturing more than you initially planned.
🚗 Road Trippers & Unique Find Seekers
The sheer scale of the vintage vehicle collection and the authentic ghost town feel make it a unique discovery. It’s perfect for those who love exploring hidden gems and appreciate the beauty in the old and forgotten. The drive itself, especially if coming from or going to Sedona, is scenic. Plan for a few hours to truly soak in the atmosphere, take photos, and perhaps even try your luck panning for gold.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Gold King Mine's History
The site has evolved into a unique attraction, preserving the spirit of the old West.The current iteration of the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town is a fascinating blend of historical preservation and artistic curation. It showcases not only mining equipment but also an extensive collection of over 200 vintage cars, trucks, and other machinery, meticulously arranged to evoke the era. This eclectic display creates a visually stunning and historically rich environment, offering a glimpse into the industrial and automotive history of America.
+1 The site feels like stepping onto a movie set, with every corner offering a new discovery.Travelers often describe the experience as a cross between a museum, a junkyard, and an art exhibit, highlighting its unconventional yet captivating nature. The dedication of the people who maintain the site is evident in the details, from the scattered relics to the flourishing plants and cacti. It’s a place that rewards those who appreciate nostalgia and the beauty of American-made steel and ingenuity.
Experiencing the Gold King Mine: Activities and Attractions
Beyond panning, the site boasts an impressive collection of vintage vehicles, including cars, trucks, and mining equipment, meticulously displayed throughout the grounds. You can also explore historic buildings, such as a 100-year-old boarding house, and even see the entrance to the original mine shaft. For animal lovers, the friendly farm animals provide a charming addition to the experience; visitors are often welcome to feed them.
+1Navigating the site involves walking along a mix of earth and paved paths. While the visual appeal is immense, it's important to note that much of the collection is covered in rust, making it a 'do not touch' environment for younger children to ensure preservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit