It’s a shame that most people visiting Arizona tend to only frequent the touristy spots: Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Phoenix and its suburbs. There are so many hidden gems scattered around the state that are just off the radar for even long-time residents. It’s these little places that really showcase our state, whether it’s our impressive food or diverse cultures or the oddities you can find here. One place we’re going to look at today is an old silver mining town found along a lonely stretch of highway in the western part of Arizona.It makes for an entertaining stop during a weekend trip!
Welcome to Chloride. Population, 400, give or take.
Haydn Blackey/Flickr
It sits in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains, once the home of dozens of mines which extracted minerals like gold, silver, lead, and turquoise.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Founded in 1862, it was once a bustling place with a population that reached an estimated 5,000 residents at the turn of the 20th century.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Today, it’s just a shell of its former self, which is probably why most people consider this place a living ghost town and drive right on by. But there’s still some pretty cool things you can find around here!
mlhradio/Flickr
First, there’s the town itself. Due to its history, you’ll find quite a few old false front buildings and other hints of the quaint atmosphere of small town Arizona.
Digger Daves/Yelp
mlhradio/Flickr
It’s also a bit of an artists’ haven, if you expand your definition of the word art.
mlhradio/Flickr One man’s trash is another man’s artist opportunity.
There’s plenty of the junk art scattered around town sitting in yards. Some have a very minimalist appeal to their designs.
mlhradio/Flickr
Others are whimsical!
mlhradio/Flickr
And for some, it’s difficult to tell if it’s art or just junk.
Nicolas Nova/Flickr
You’ll also find the murals of Roy Purcell sitting just outside of town which date to the mid-1960s.
Paul Gorbould/Flickr In this same area, you’ll also find centuries-old petroglyphs etched in the rocks. It makes for a nice walk, especially before sunset.
The Chloride Historical Society also makes a nice little stop. Check out the museum for details about the town’s history.
Chloride Historical Society/Facebook It sits at 4940 Elkhart Avenue, right next to the community park.
In this same area, you’ll also find Cyanide Springs, a little row of wooden buildings that represents the town’s past. You’ll find historic buildings, shops, and gunfight re-enactments on Saturdays at high noon.
Graeme Churchard/Flickr
You’ll also find a couple of nice little restaurants, like Digger Dave’s here, with tasty food and even live music!
Digger Daves/Yelp
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Have you ever had the chance to stop by Chloride? Let us know what your experience was like!
Haydn Blackey/Flickr
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
mlhradio/Flickr
Digger Daves/Yelp
One man’s trash is another man’s artist opportunity.
Nicolas Nova/Flickr
Paul Gorbould/Flickr
In this same area, you’ll also find centuries-old petroglyphs etched in the rocks. It makes for a nice walk, especially before sunset.
Chloride Historical Society/Facebook
It sits at 4940 Elkhart Avenue, right next to the community park.
Graeme Churchard/Flickr
Want to check out another cool little town? Read up on one fun place in our “west coast” in Why Everyone In Arizona Should Visit This One Tiny Town. You definitely won’t regret stopping here!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
