Overview
1 day
Mobile ticket
We will be in the Tonto National Forest. Expect to see beautiful desert scenery including, Unique plants, cactus, and wildflowers that are native to the Sonoran Desert. Beautiful views of Ash Creek Canyon and the unique trees that grow next to it. There is always a chance to see wild animals such as cows, javelinas, snakes, lizards, and birds. You will experience the Adventure of exploring abandoned mining facilities, hiking, swimming, and canyon views. These places are wild and rarely traveled. Be one of the first people to see, according to the Fish and Wildlife, one of the most pristine locations in Arizona.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Tonto National Forest
Chrysotile is located in Tonto National Forest. It's a privately owned, abandoned mining city located in some of the most pristine areas of the national forest. The gates will open at 9:00 and shortly after opening a short tour of some of the attractions is available. We will stop at several abandoned buildings including: the jailhouse, schoolhouse, the machine shop, and the minor barracks. Other abandoned buildings include: the farmhouse, manager's house and the mess hall. Guests will also receive a map of the area that includes all the best places to see and spend time exploring. The mining city of Chrysotile is privately owned and hasn't been open to the public since 1945.
Tonto National Forest
After the 9 am tour and receiving the map of attractions, the guest is free to explore and create their own adventure. Some of the areas that can be visited include Swimming holes, waterfalls, mine entrances, Ash Creek, Mermaid Lagoon, and Moon Canyon. To visit a swimming hole with a waterfall, guest will hike down to the creek bottom. Th path that will be taken is the same trail that the mining burrows followed when carrying ore out of the canyon to Globe, AZ. Once guests arrive at the canyon bottom, there will be a swimming hole with a waterfall. Enjoy swimming and playing in the waterfall as well as hiking the canyon floor. Several swimming holes can be found along the canyon floor as well as unique rock formations and beautiful canyon walls. This is an amazing location to take photos, look for rocks, and even have a picnic.
Options
Day Pass to Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile
What‘s Included
Purchase 1 Adult ticket and get a CAR LOAD of guests free
No additional costs other than entrance fee of $100 per car of guests
Exploring Mines, Hiking, Camping, Swimming, Photography
24 Hour access to the lost mining city of Chrysotile, Arizona
Meeting points
Tonto National Forest
United States
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome visit to Chrysotile in Gila County, Az !
anitalB6079UT,May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Breathtaking! Absolutely fabulous! Andy came up to the main road in an ATV seating 6 passengers. We descended quite a ways on a dirt road, through canyons, and tall pines into the little town of Chrysotile. Andy took us through each of the old stone buildings abandoned in 1945 that he's restoring for future use as getaway rentals. Even after years of neglect, these stone buildings were made to last by the Roosevelt Dam stone masons and are in wonderful conditions. The tour is by ATV, but walking, through the houses and mines, and down to the waterfalls. I'm 80 and handicapped, so I did not climb up or down but did go thru one of the mines that was easy walking with a cane. It was incredible! And a cool 60 degrees in the mines interior. We spent 7 hours with Andy as we drove and walked, from place to place while he narrated the history of Chrysotile, and what he is doing with the houses. Can't wait to see the final results. I would recommend this tour to anyone, Although it is a higher elevation, check the temperatures first for walking.
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Operated by Arizona Off-Road Adventures