As Halloween approaches and the summer heat begins to subside, many of us are in the mood to get spooked. And for good reason, this is the season for watching horror movies, visiting haunted houses, and checking out some of the most haunted places in Arizona. Arizona has some of the most unique places in the U.S. to visit, but it’s also home to many of the most haunted sites in the West. Most of the locations in this article have featured on TV shows such as Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters. If you’re up for some ghost hunting of your own, visit some of the places on this list. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
READ ALSO: 6 Arizona ghost towns to visit
1. The Grand Hotel, Jerome
This old mining town is nestled in the mountains North of Phoenix in-between Prescott and Sedona. There are many exciting places to visit in Jerome if you’re looking to have a spooky time. Explore the Haunted Hamburger, the Sliding Jail, or visit an abandoned mine. And if you’re looking for quite possibly the most haunted place in Arizona, visit The Grand Hotel.
Before it became the Grand Hotel in 1996, it was the United Verde Hospital. Known as one of the best hospitals in Arizona at the time, many were emitted there for a variety of reasons. The hospital opened in 1926 and closed sometime in the 50’s. The third floor is known for most of the supernatural occurrences, as this was where the operation room was. Most of the death happened in the operation room. However, room 32 is known to cause fright as there have been rumored suicides off the private balcony.
2. Lost Dutchman State Park, Superstition Mountains
Lost Dutchman State Park is only 40 miles East of Phoenix. Located in the Superstition Mountains, this park has many stories and urban legends attached to it. In the 1800’s this land belonged to the Apache.
A family known as the Peralta family from northern Mexico mined the land, discovering a plethora of gold. During the families last fateful expedition, they were ambushed by Apaches and killed. That area, known as the “Massacre Grounds” is known to be haunted. Since then, the pursuit of hidden gold has led to the death and disappearances of many others.
3. Territorial Prison, Yuma
Located as west as you can go before hitting California, Yuma’s Territorial Prison is known as a dark and intimidating location for visitors. This prison ran successfully for 33 years and housed over 3,000 inmates. Inmates that stole, killed, and even worse. This prison had walls so high that these prisoners had no view of the outside, and the worst of them were subject to the “Dark cell”.
Banished in the dark, the prisoners were left completely alone to conjure whatever negative thoughts or curses they dared. Now it’s an interesting museum to visit with the family, full of history and tragic souls. Tour the prison and even the “Dark Cell”, that is if you have the guts.
4. Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff
Hotel Monte Vista can be found off Route 66, in the popular city of Flagstaff located in Northern Arizona. If you want to visit a historic site, learn about many ghost stories, and possibly have a paranormal experience then Hotel Monte Vista is your place.
As one of the oldest hotels in Arizona, constructed in the 1920’s, this place has seen its fair share of death. Learn about the “Meat Man” of room 220, the haunted rocking chair in room 305, or the “Baby in the Basement”. Those are just a taste of the spirits that reside in this hotel. Each of these ghost stories are sure to cause intrigue, and fear.
5. The Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix
Created in 1929 and located in Downtown Phoenix, this restored piece of history is reportedly home to at least four ghosts. Purchase tickets to see a wonderful performance any time of year. Just keep in mind the living may not be the only ones in the audience.
The most famous ghost in the theatre is a little girl named “Maddie”. Visitors claim to be able to see or hear the little ghost when they are near the balcony area. If you’re feeling like getting spooked, visit from 6-9pm between Oct. 25th-31st for a ghost tour.
6. Casey Moore’s Oyster House, Tempe
Located in Tempe near the Arizona State University campus, the house was originally built in 1910. The house belonged to the William and Mary Moeur until they both passed away, William in 1929 and Mary sometime in the 1940’s. After the owners’ deaths, the house was used as a brothel where heinous crimes happened.
In 1986 it became Casey Moore’s Oyster House, where neighbors and customers alike speak about the paranormal events that take place. From random lights being turned on, to silverware and pictures moving unexplainably. The staff reports at night the spirits will reset the table settings. This location is sure to satisfy your appetite, and possibly inflict fright.
7. Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone
Tombstone is located Southeast of Tucson, and just North of Bisbee. Tombstone is home to The Birdcage Theatre, one of the oldest places on this list, opening in 1881. The New York Times has helped give it the reputation as one of the wickedest theaters between New Orleans and San Francisco.
For eight years the theater operated 24/7, during this time it’s said that at least 26 people were killed. Let’s say, this wasn’t the type of theater for traditional arts. Visit and you will see hundreds of bullet holes still in the walls. You may also see the spirits of prostitutes and cowboys roaming around, still causing mayhem even after death.
8. Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee
As the name of the hotel implies, Bisbee was a copper mining town back in the 1880’s. Now it’s known as one of the most haunted towns in Arizona. Located south of Tombstone, just North of the Mexico border. The town had a reputation of housing dangerous folk, many of which died in gunfights.
During the day enjoy the art galleries, cute boutiques, and history museums. But never let your guard down. It’s not just the Copper Queen Hotel that has ghost sightings, but the Grand Hotel, the Queen Mine, and Brewery Gulch District as well. Basically, all of Downtown is home to lost souls.
9. Vulture Gold Mine, Wickenburg
Years ago, there was a prosperous city called Vulture City, where the gold mine brought the town wealth and notoriety. From 1862 to 1942 this town thrived. After the start of the war the city was abandoned. Only 14 miles from Wickenburg northwest of Phoenix, you can now visit this abandoned town.
Beware of the ghosts though, many of the spirits were rough gunslingers and thieves looking for gold. One more tragic spirit named Jimmy Davis still lives in the mine shafts. It was said he was a decent man, who died a gruesome death in the mines. Listen closely and you may be able to hear his blood-curdling screams reminding us of the tragedy.
10. Pioneer Hotel, Tucson
Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, located in the Southern part of the state. Visit and you’ll enjoy beautiful mountain views, and a rich history. You may also encounter lingering spirits depending on where you look.
The pioneer hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in America. Constructed in 1929, this 11-story high hotel was a bustling part of the city. In the 70s tragedy hit when a fire raged throughout the hotel, killing 28 people and injuring more. After the fire, that part of city was abandoned by most. Now, dark shadows are left to wander throughout its halls and the smell of smoke lingers. You can reserve a tour if you’re brave enough, but beware.
