Most People Don’t Know These 10 Super Tiny Towns In Arizona Exist
If there’s anything Arizona is known for outside of delicious food and gorgeous landscapes, I would argue that an abundance of small towns is certainly at the top of that list. In fact, I have written articles in the past about a few of the tiny towns in Arizona and they all really are spectacular because they each have something a little different for everyone.
However, we have so many small towns and census-designated areas that it’s easy for some of them to get lost in the mix. I want to make sure every part of Arizona gets a little love and recognition, so that’s why today’s article is dedicated to some of the smallest towns you will find in our state. As a note, I chose towns that not only had small populations (less than 300) but also looked for ones that had some interesting piece of history or trivia attached to its location. So, come on, check out some of these lovely places!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
With a population of just under 300, this little town just barely makes our list. The town, if you've heard of it, is most famous for its now-closed Long Horn Grill, pictured above. However, a lot people don't know that it also was the filming location for the above scene in the 1955 film Oklahoma!
This former silver mining town once was booming but slowly saw its population dwindle to almost a ghost town in the early 20th century when mines began closing. Despite that, the town continues to survive and makes an interesting stop when en route to or from Las Vegas due to the quirky art installations you can find around town. Check it out!
One of the smallest towns on our list, this once was a prosperous farming community with a large Mexican and Spanish community that also happened to be in the running for the state capitol location. Also known as “Old Concho,” this town makes a nice, quiet getaway since it happens to be located in the White Mountains and a reasonable distance to attractions in slightly larger towns.
Sitting between Benson and Willcox, this small town is located at the base of the similarly named Dragoon Mountains. The Amerind Museum, a small but renowned museum dedicated to American Indian history, sits within the town's boundaries as does the popular tourist trap, The Thing.
Hackberry has a history of its population coming and going, with its first major population decline in the 1920s following the closure of its silver mine. However, the town managed to stay afloat when Route 66 opened and it saw a new economic opportunity until I-40 opened 16 miles away from the town. Today, the town still sees some tourism through the opening of the Hackberry General Store, an eclectic shop dedicated to Route 66.
Located along the Colorado River on the Colorado River Indian Reservation, is perhaps best known as a former Japanese-American internment camp. During its operation between 1942 and 1945, the Poston War Relocation Center was the largest of these camps and held a population of approximately 17,000 when two federal agencies took control of the area to house the population. Today, some of the structures still stand in various states of disrepair and a memorial sits in the area as well.
Sitting in the Catalina Mountains, this aptly named community is definitely where you will want to be once those summer temperatures start rising. It happens to be a short distance from the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley and makes a nice spot for a weekend getaway.
Contrary to what one Navajo politician claimed in a radio interview, people do actually live in the Grand Canyon. The Havasupai Tribe has a small town in the depths of the Grand Canyon that is only accessible by hiking, mules, and helicopter, making it an incredibly unique place to live and visit.
OK, this town is essentially a ghost town these days but there are still some lingering residents who stayed even after Route 66 closed. These days you will find mostly abandoned buildings, but it is also home to the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, a nonprofit sanctuary for animals local and exotic.
If you happen to drive frequently between Phoenix and Las Vegas, it's safe to say you've probably stopped in this small town. For those who haven't, you will at least want to stop by to see the rocket with Snoopy, his friend Woodstock and a couple of pals.
Are there any other super tiny towns here in Arizona that you think should have made this list? Let us know what you think by nominating them on our nominations page.
The smallest towns in Arizona are far from boring. Many are beautiful and totally picturesque in ways that big cities simply can’t be. If you’re looking for the prettiest of them all, you might find luck in visiting places like Bisbee. This charming old mining town is full of well-cared-for historic buildings and it’s located in a gorgeous spot. Another potential candidate for the most beautiful could be the teeny town of Greer. With a population of fewer than 50 residents, it’s location tucked up in the mountains makes it a truly stunning place.
What is the largest city in Arizona?
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum of tiny towns in Arizona, you have its largest city. These little towns often have populations of less than 500, but it comes to the surprise of few that the state’s largest and densest place is Phoenix. The city itself has a population of over 1.6 million, and the Valley has over 4 million. If you’re interested in some more fun Arizona trivia, coming in at second place in terms of biggest AZ cities is Tuscon. However, Tuscon has just a fraction of the population Phoenix has at just around 550,000 residents – well under half. Wow!
What is the most unique town in Arizona?
There are many quirky and unique places in Arizona that are worth a visit. While many have special histories, fun and unusual attractions, and kitschy characteristics, none are quite like Arcosanti. The town of Arcosanti, if you can really call it a town, was an experiment by an Italian architect. It was never completed but it does have residents even if it isn’t as many as was planned for. The buildings were meant to be a new type of urban planning part of arcology with almost science fiction-like designs. You might feel like you’re in the world of movies like Star Wars when you visit. Learn more about this unique Arizona town here.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at [email protected]
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