Entry No. 48 — the Phoenix file — filed under: ruins

Oro Grande Mine

Founded in 1901 following a rich gold strike, the Oro Grande Mine in the Black Rock district became a short-lived mining sensation that saw massive investments but minimal returns. The site once featured a ten-stamp mill, a pumping plant at the nearby Hassayampa River, and several wood and stone structures. Today, only scattered ruins, collapsed wooden buildings, and dangerous open shafts remain hidden in a rugged box canyon.

The move: Embark on a scenic desert drive north of Wickenburg to hike the rugged box canyon, keeping an eye out for the weathered stone foundations and photographing the historic ruins from a safe distance.

📍 Before you go The mine is located in a remote box canyon north of Wickenburg; while some surrounding lands are managed by the BLM, the exact claim boundaries and current private property status of the mine itself are unverified, and the site contains highly dangerous open shafts.

• 📍 Oro Grande Mine
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Oro Grande Mine, Arizona 85390, USA

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: ghosttowns.com · westernmininghistory.com

last checked: 2026-07-20