15 Abandoned Places In Arizona That Nature Is Reclaiming

For the last two hundred years, Arizona has had a history of people swarming into and out of the state. With that comes plenty of settlements that eventually are often and areas that retain some evidence of human contact. These abandoned places in Arizona are easy to find but typically go unnoticed in the hectic pace of our everyday lives.

Here are a few areas to reflect on the human existence that once inhabited the place. While you’re looking through the photos, think about how the desert, as opposed to a forest or swamp, reclaims its space.

1. An abandoned trailer sits outside of Buckeye.

2. A former building in Ruby, an old ghost town, is slowly returning to the desert.

3. Another sight at Ruby, this time with a tree growing out of this old building.

4. This former homestead outside of Tucson still seems a bit sturdy despite its abandonment.

I wouldn't try climbing it though.

5. This rusty, old car outside the general store in Hackberry (about 30 minutes northeast of Kingman) has a cactus growing out of it.

6. An example of all that’s left in Fairbank, a short distance from Tombstone.

A few buildings are still standing but portions of the ghost town look like this.

7. An interior view of one of the standing buildings at Two Guns.

8. I suspect there aren’t any auctions happening here this Sunday.

9. This old snack stand has seen better days as well.

10. If it weren’t for this hunk of wood, you would probably find few clues that a mine sits nearby.

11. This former classroom sits in a little community called Frazier Wells, located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.

12. An old building at Santa Land is starting to become overrun by desert flora.

13. This house near Bitter Springs is not only giving way to the surrounding desert but also the local artists.

This wheatpaste was done by regional doctor and artist, Chip Thomas.

14. This building at Vulture Mine is slowly finding its way back to the ground.

15. There’s also this original example of an abandoned place being consumed by the surrounding nature.

This the Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff.

These places not only remind us of our state's beautiful landscape and the power of nature, but also the deep roots people have in Arizona. Have you visited any of these abandoned spots that nature is reclaiming in Arizona? What other deserted or abandoned places in Arizona have you seen? Tell us about them in the comments below!