Day Pass to Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile

Travelers seeking a true off-the-beaten-path experience will find this day pass to the abandoned mining city of Chrysotile in Arizona offers a fascinating glimpse into history and nature. Perfect for those who love exploring ruins, scenic hikes, and wild landscapes, this adventure combines the intrigue of a ghost town with the stunning vistas of Tonto National Forest.

What we love most about this tour is its flexibility — after a brief guided tour of the historic site, you’re free to carve out your own day exploring waterfalls, swimming holes, and canyon views. However, it’s worth noting that this experience requires a bit of planning, hiking, and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable wilderness.

If you’re the type of traveler who craves authentic, less-commercialized adventures, this day pass fits the bill perfectly. It’s suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, history buffs curious about old mining towns, or anyone wanting to escape into Arizona’s rugged landscape for a day.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: Visit an abandoned, privately owned mining city with historic buildings and shafts that haven’t been open to the public since 1945.
• Flexible Itinerary: Choose from multiple stops like waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic canyon hikes to customize your day.
• Wildlife & Scenery: Expect to see native desert plants, cacti, wildflowers, and possibly wildlife like javelinas, snakes, or birds.
• Guided & Independent: Starting with a 2-hour guided tour, then free time to explore your preferred spots at your own pace.
• Value for the Price: For $100 per person, you get a full day of outdoor adventure, stunning views, and access to pristine natural sites.
• Camping Option: The fee includes access for camping overnight, perfect for extending the experience or stargazing.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Introduction to Chrysotile in Tonto National Forest

This tour begins with a 9:00 AM opening in the Tonto National Forest, a vast and captivating landscape offering a mixture of desert and canyon scenery. Chrysotile, the centerpiece of this experience, is a privately owned, abandoned mining settlement that has been off-limits to the public since 1945. Today, with this day pass, you’re granted access to explore its remains, which include structures like the jailhouse, schoolhouse, machine shop, and miner barracks.

What makes this part of the tour compelling is the opportunity to stand among buildings that once buzzed with industry and community life, now silent except for the occasional wildlife. The guide will give a short tour of these sites, sharing stories of the mining operations and the town’s history, making it a meaningful starting point.

Why the Guided Tour Matters

Many reviewers highlight the value of the initial guided tour, which lasts about two hours. You’ll learn about the history of Chrysotile and see several key buildings up close. One reviewer praised guide Andy’s storytelling and his ATV ride into the site, noting how he took visitors through canyons and tall pines, making the journey part of the adventure. Knowing the history adds context, enriching your understanding of the place as you walk through the ghost town.

Free Exploration: Crafting Your Own Adventure

After the guided tour, the tour opens up to self-guided exploration. Here’s where the tour shines, as you can pick and choose your favorite spots. Several options are available, each offering different experiences:

• Swimming Holes & Waterfalls: Descend to Ash Creek’s canyon bottom, following the same trail used by miners transporting ore. The reward is a cool swimming hole with a waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip. One reviewer loved this spot, describing it as a “beautiful, hidden gem where you can swim and play in the waterfall.”

• Hiking Ash Creek & Mermaid Lagoon: Winding along the creek, you’ll pass over boulders, fallen logs, and even walk in parts of the creek itself. Mermaid Lagoon is a deep, cool swimming hole where crayfish and playful kids alike can enjoy. This hike offers scenic creek views and a chance to see Arizona’s native flora and fauna.

• Moon Canyon: This rugged, boulder-strewn trail takes you over rocks, around trees, and past a dam, leading to a geographically unique area. The creek bed’s conglomerate formation makes for interesting photography and terrain to explore. One reviewer described Moon Canyon as “a fun adventure with great photo ops and unique geology.”

• Victory Mine: The largest remaining mine on the property, open for peeking inside and taking photos. The guided 4 PM tour offers an inside look at the shafts and tailings, with opportunities to see bats and learn about the mining methods used. Guests have appreciated the chance to get close to these historic structures without risking safety by venturing inside unaccompanied.

Practical Details & Tips

The entire experience is built around flexibility — after the initial tour, you could spend hours exploring the area at your own pace. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and sun protection, as much of the exploration is outdoors and unshaded. The trails vary in difficulty but are generally accessible for most outdoor enthusiasts.

The $100 entrance fee includes access to camp overnight, allowing for a relaxed, multi-day visit if you want to extend your adventure. Camping is ideal for stargazing or simply savoring the tranquility of this seldom-visited region.

The Experience’s Value

For $100, you’re getting a full day of exploration in a pristine, untouched environment. The tour’s guided element provides historical context and safety, while the free exploration allows you to tailor the day to your interests. It’s particularly appealing for those who love outdoor activities, history, or wildlife.

Authenticity and Hidden Gems

Reviews mention guides like Andy who make the experience memorable with their local knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer noted that the tour took them “through canyons, and tall pines into the little town of Chrysotile,” emphasizing the natural beauty along the way. The chance to see bats in the mine shafts or spot wild animals like javelinas adds an authentic touch, making every visit feel unique.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy discovering less-visited sites and aren’t afraid of some walking and hiking. Nature lovers will relish the chance to see native desert plants, scenic canyons, and hidden swimming holes. History buffs will appreciate exploring the ruins of Chrysotile and learning about its mining past.

It’s a good fit for those who want flexibility — you can spend a few hours or an entire day, camping overnight if desired. Family-friendly, as long as kids are comfortable with some walking, it offers a mix of history, nature, and fun.

The Sum Up: Is This Experience Worth It?

This day pass offers a rare glimpse into Arizona’s mining past combined with wild, scenic landscapes. The blend of guided history and DIY exploration means you get both insight and freedom, making it a great value for the $100 admission fee. The ability to visit abandoned buildings, hike through canyons, swim in waterfalls, and camp overnight makes it a versatile adventure.

If you’re someone who loves outdoor adventures, exploring hidden gems, and soaking in scenic views without the crowds, this will likely be a highlight of your trip. It’s perfect for those eager to learn about Arizona’s rugged history while enjoying the natural beauty of Tonto National Forest.

For travelers wanting a mix of history, outdoor activity, and untouched wilderness, this tour checks all the boxes and offers a memorable, authentic experience.

FAQs

Is there a guided tour included?
Yes, the tour begins with a 2-hour guided exploration of Chrysotile, led by knowledgeable guides who share the history of the mining town.

Can I explore the area on my own after the guided tour?
Absolutely. After the initial tour, you are free to explore spots like swimming holes, Moon Canyon, Mermaid Lagoon, and the Victory Mine at your own pace.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sun protection, and possibly a camera for capturing the scenery. If you plan to swim, pack a swimsuit and towel.

Is camping available?
Yes, the $100 fee includes access for camping overnight, allowing you to extend your adventure or enjoy stargazing in this remote area.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the physical demands of hiking and exploring uneven terrain when bringing children.

What is the best time of year to visit?
The tour operates from May through June 2026, with opening hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Spring and early summer offer warm weather and good conditions for outdoor activities.

How much does the experience cost?
The price is $100 per person, which covers the entire day of exploration, including the initial guided tour and access to various sites.

In short, this adventure in Chrysotile offers an engaging mix of history, nature, and exploration that’s tough to find elsewhere in Arizona. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just craving a day away from typical tourist spots, this experience provides genuine, memorable moments in wild, pristine surroundings.