Entry No. 45 — the Phoenix file — filed under: ruins

Dragon Mine

Located in the San Domingo Mining District southeast of Wickenburg, the Dragon Mine is a former gold and vanadium operation that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Originally developed as the Julia Mine, it was renamed in 1917 and produced vanadium for the World War I effort before being abandoned multiple times. Today, visitors can find concrete foundations, the ruins of a stamp mill, and scattered mining debris nestled in the desert landscape.

The move: Embark on an off-road drive or hike through the scenic desert trails to photograph the historic concrete foundations and stamp mill ruins from a safe distance.

📍 Before you go The mine is located on public land accessible via off-road trails, but the remaining structures, shafts, and ruins are unstable and hazardous, so they should only be viewed from a safe distance.

• 📍 Wickenburg
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: dragon mine, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, USA

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: azoffroad.net

last checked: 2026-07-20