Entry No. 46 — the Phoenix file — filed under: ruins

Ajax Mine

Established in 1915 in the Mineral Mountain Mining District, the Ajax Mine was a short-lived operation that produced lead, copper, silver, and gold. Today, a remarkably well-preserved concrete and brick milling structure still stands across the wash, alongside concrete foundations and a nearby 30-foot-deep vertical shaft. The remote site is now a popular destination for off-roaders exploring the rugged Sonoran Desert.

The move: Take a rugged off-road drive in a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to the site, then safely photograph the impressive brick milling ruins from across the wash.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located on public BLM and State Trust land and can be legally viewed from the adjacent trail, but the deteriorating structures and open mine shaft are highly hazardous and must not be entered.

📍 Ajax Mine
💸 Free
⚡ Low-key
🌗 Outdoors

Where: Ajax Mine, Arizona, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

#ruins #mine #desert #4x4 trail #historic

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: boldcanyonoutdoors.com · azoffroad.net

last checked: 2026-07-20