Mystery and rumors surround the Lost Ranch Ruins in Phoenix, Arizona. What was this building? Who built it? Why is it in the middle of nowhere? And…what happened to it? Take this creepy hike at South Mountain Preserve that takes you near the ruins of an abandoned mine in Arizona and see if you can solve the mystery.

Lost Ranch Ruins Trail begins at the South Mountain Chandler/19th Ave trailhead.
E Root/AllTrails
Your adventure starts on Pyramid Trail with a pleasant stroll through the desert.
After passing Bursera Trail, you'll turn off to Lost Ranch Ruins Trail.
Laura Gifford/AllTrails
The path dips down into a sandy wash and is easy to lose. Watch the opposite bank for the trail to pick up again. Once you come out of the wash, you'll continue on a dirt road.
Follow the dirt road to the Lost Ranch Ruins.
Donald MacDiarmid/AllTrails
You're now far from the road, and the only sound you're likely to hear is the wind whipping through the canyon.
There are a few solid theories about what this building once was.
Emily Walters/AllTrails
Some think the Civilian Conservation Corps built it under President Roosevelt. The Corps did do many projects at South Mountain between 1933 and 1940; however, they kept meticulous records of their work, but records for this building have not been found.

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One rumor is that this was a speakeasy during prohibition.
Janelle Evans/AllTrails
There are plenty of places for criminally-minded entrepreneurs to hide out in the surrounding canyon.
A more likely scenario is that this ruin was once a mining camp used to house miners who worked in the nearby mines.
Scott Henry/AllTrails
Based on the slump block construction, it was probably constructed in the 1950s. Whatever the Lost Ranch was, it is now only a foundation and a spectacular fireplace.
Moving past the ruins to continue on the trail, you'll take a steep descent.
T Bambam/AllTrails
Bring along your hiking poles to help you keep your balance on the loose rock.
When you reach the top, you are greeted with a spectacular view.
Marianne Vaughn/AllTrails

What do you think? is this the creepiest hike in Arizona? Unfortunately, there are still more questions about the Lost Ranch Ruins. Head out on Lost Ranch Ruins Trail and find your own answers. For more opportunities to go hiking in Arizona, take a look at these hikes through ruins.

If you’re still searching for more exciting ways to explore Arizona, take a look at some of the offerings available on Airbnb Experiences. You can take courses, enjoy shared meals, go on hikes led by experts, and so much more. Every type of person will find something to do on this hub.

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More to Explore

Creepy Places In Arizona

Sara Dager | September 18, 2023

Are there any haunted places in Arizona that I can visit?

Some of the most haunted places in Arizona that you can visit include:

  • The Birdcage Theater is home to various spirits. Many people have reported seeing apparitions, as well as hearing disembodied music.
  • The Copper Queen Hotel is said to house a few ghosts. The most well-known ghost is believed to be a friendly sex worker who is particularly fond of the male clientele.
  • Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is another creepy spot. The prison was only open for 33 years but it saw 111 prisoner deaths in that short time, leaving quite a few restless spirits behind.

 

What abandoned places in Arizona can I go to? 

Not all abandoned places in Arizona are going to be haunted, but these spots are certainly creepy and worth checking out. (Just make sure to check that it is safe, some of these places should only be viewed from the road.)

  • Black Canyon City Greyhound Park is an abandoned dog racing track that manages to maintain an eerie sort of beauty.
  • Gold King Mansion sits dilapidated in the mountains and you will need to embark on a rough drive and a hike to reach it, but it's well worth the adventure.
  • Swansea was once a mining town but now it has fallen to nature. Many of the original structures survive in various states of disrepair and it's definitely a creepy spot to walk through.

 

Can I take any creepy road trips through Arizona? 

If you want to see the best and creepiest spots conveniently, try one of these road trips through Arizona.

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Lost Ranch Ruins Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85045, USA