3-Hour Tour – Mountaintop, Old Bisbee, Open Pits, & Lowell

A Detailed Look at the 3-Hour Mountaintop, Old Bisbee, Open Pits & Lowell Tour

This 3-hour private Jeep tour by Big Jeep Tours offers a unique peek into some of the most captivating sights around Tombstone and Bisbee, Arizona. It combines scenic mountain views, underground mining insights, and charming historic neighborhoods — all with the added bonus of rare access to usually off-limits sites.

What really sets this experience apart is the expert guidance of Travis, whose local roots and deep knowledge make the trip feel both personal and educational. We particularly love how the tour balances stunning vistas with engaging stories about the area’s mining past and geological treasures.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a moderately active tour, with some walking and uneven terrain at certain stops, so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of physical fitness. It’s ideal for travelers looking for an authentic, immersive experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing, especially if you’re fascinated by geology, history, or local culture.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to remote mineral sites and off-limit mine areas.
• Guide Travis, a local with genuine insight and personable storytelling.
• Scenic views of mountain ranges, the border, and colorful mineral deposits.
• Educational stops explaining mining methods, geology, and local history.
• Comfortable transportation with a private, intimate group size.
• Value for money, given the combination of both scenic beauty and educational content.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Mountaintop, Old Bisbee, Open Pits, & Lowell Tour is much more than just a scenic drive; it’s a comprehensive peek into the region’s rich mining history and stunning geological features. Running approximately three hours, it’s tailored for those who want a blend of adventure, learning, and authentic local flavor, all delivered in a private setting — making it feel more personalized than a large group excursion.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

Starting in Bisbee: A Town with Character

The tour kicks off in Bisbee, one of Arizona’s most charismatic old mining towns. From the moment you leave the pickup point, you get a sense of the town’s layered past — from its founding to its early days of copper mining. Your guide, Travis, begins sharing stories about the first copper smelter and the area’s architecture, giving you context before heading out into the surrounding landscape.

A highlight here is the visit to OK Street, a place favored by Hollywood legend John Wayne. The tour also explores Brewery Gulch and the historic Red Light District, where you learn about miners’ flood challenges and the sometimes gritty life in early Bisbee. The Lyric Theater and Central School stop offers a glimpse into the town’s architectural charm and community spirit.

This part of the tour isn’t just about looking around; it’s about understanding how the town grew from a rough-and-tumble mining camp into a vibrant community, all narrated by someone who genuinely knows its quirks and stories.

Ascending to Juniper Flats: Mountain Views and Mineral Treasures

Next, you’ll climb High Road for sweeping panoramic views over Bisbee and the surrounding mountains. The drive up to Juniper Flats takes you along winding dirt roads, where you might spot local wildlife and get glimpses of the Sulphur Springs Valley below.

At the summit, known as the Towers in the Mule Mountains, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas that stretch all the way into Mexico, with some days revealing the border wall in the distance. Here’s where the tour gets particularly interesting for geology buffs: you might find malachite and turquoise rocks on the ground — a real treat for mineral enthusiasts.

This stop is about appreciating natural beauty as well as understanding how the landscape shaped mining opportunities and local life.

Lavender Pit: A Mining Colossus

The Lavender Pit is a defining feature of this tour. It’s just a few feet from a 900-foot-deep mine, and standing nearby makes it easy to appreciate the scale of open-pit copper mining. Your guide will explain the mining methods and equipment used, making the sometimes overwhelming size of the pit easier to comprehend.

You’ll visit sections of the pit where leaching ponds remain — remnants of the chemical processes used to extract copper from ore. This provides an educational window into how copper was produced, including the chemical leaching technique that’s still used in some modern operations.

This stop offers a mix of industrial history and natural beauty, with stunning vistas that highlight the scale of mining operations and the environmental impact. As one reviewer put it, the guide’s explanations helped demystify the chemical processes and the socio-economic impacts of mining communities.

Lowell: A Vintage Look into the Past

The last part of the tour takes you to Lowell, AZ, an area packed with history and charm. Erie Street, lined with 1940s classic cars and vintage storefronts, makes for fantastic photos and a nostalgic atmosphere. The guide shares stories about the Junction Mine operations and the significance of the area.

A visit to the Shady Dell Hotel reveals a collection of vintage vehicles and artifacts that tell stories of bygone days. Lowell School, with its copper-colored roof, rounds out the experience — a symbol of the town’s mining era.

The tour concludes with a stop at a polluted drainage ditch, which, while a bit grim, underscores the lasting environmental effects of mining. Our guide explained the historical and ongoing challenges this area faces, adding a layer of thoughtful reflection to the trip.

The Value of the Experience

While the $120 price tag might seem steep at first glance, the tour offers excellent value considering the depth of access, personalized guidance, and the combination of natural beauty, historic insight, and geology. You’re paying for a private, intimate experience that not only shows you the sights but explains the stories behind them — from mining techniques to local legends.

Unlike larger, generic tours, this private setup allows for more flexibility and a more engaging conversation, often leading to spontaneous questions and tailored stories from Travis, who’s both knowledgeable and personable. The reviews reinforce this: multiple guests praised Travis’s storytelling and local expertise, describing him as “the best guide” and “a real insider.”

On top of that, the tour’s stops are carefully curated to give a rundown of the area, including less-visited geological sites, which makes it stand out from more typical sightseeing options. It’s especially suited for those who love geology, history, and authentic small-town charm, as well as anyone eager to see off-the-beaten-path sites that are usually out of reach.

What You Can Expect

The entire three hours are filled with stunning views, informative commentary, and authentic local flavor. The transportation is in a comfortable Jeep, and the group size is small enough for genuine interaction. Expect a mix of short walks, scenic viewpoints, and inside stories that deepen your understanding of Bisbee’s mining past.

You’ll learn about mining methods and how they’ve evolved over the years, see visual remnants of copper extraction, and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and mineral deposits. The stops at Lavender Pit and Juniper Flats are both educational and awe-inspiring, offering insight into the scale and techniques of large-scale mining.

The stops in Lowell give a nostalgic feel, with vintage cars and old buildings that echo the town’s historic roots. The guide’s storytelling, peppered with personal anecdotes, makes all the difference — transforming a sightseeing trip into a true learning experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the region beyond typical tourist fare. It’s also great for those wanting a private, flexible experience with a knowledgeable guide who can answer your questions and personalize the trip.

It works well for adults and older children with a moderate physical fitness level, as some walking and uneven terrain are involved. The tour’s length and pace make it suitable for a morning or early afternoon outing.

If you’re looking for a scenic, educational, and authentic way to explore Bisbee and its surroundings, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially valuable for visitors who appreciate local stories, geological wonders, and behind-the-scenes access.

Final Thoughts

The Mountaintop, Old Bisbee, Open Pits & Lowell Tour by Big Jeep Tours offers a rare and detailed look into some of the most compelling sights of the Tombstone area. The combination of stunning views, expert storytelling, and off-limits sites makes it a standout choice for travelers craving a personalized, insightful adventure.

You’ll leave with a better understanding of the region’s mining history, geology, and local culture, all delivered by a guide who clearly loves sharing his knowledge. The tour’s value lies in its mix of scenic beauty and educational depth, making it a worthwhile addition to any Arizona itinerary.

Whether you’re a geology nerd, history lover, or simply seeking an engaging way to explore the area, this tour delivers a genuine, memorable experience — well worth considering if you want to go beyond the usual tourist spots.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for older children with moderate physical fitness, younger kids might find some parts, like walking at uneven terrain or standing near large open pits, less comfortable.

What is included in the price?
The $120 fee covers the private Jeep tour, guide services, and sightseeing stops at key locations like Lavender Pit. It does not specify additional inclusions, but the tour itself offers excellent value for the access and insights provided.

How long does each stop last?
Stops range from about 30 minutes at Lavender Pit to approximately 45 minutes at Lowell, with some variation depending on the group and pace.

Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from your chosen spot in the greater Bisbee area, making it convenient to start your adventure.

What is the Group Size?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for more personalized interaction and flexibility.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suited for outdoor exploration is recommended, especially since some terrain might be uneven. Closed-toe shoes are advisable.

Are there any weather considerations?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changing plans.

To sum it up, this tour is a fantastic choice for anyone craving an authentic, in-depth look at Bisbee’s remarkable geology and history, guided by someone who truly knows his stuff. It’s a perfect blend of scenic beauty, educational value, and cultural storytelling — a memorable way to spend a few hours exploring the Arizona borderlands.