The Creepiest Hike In Arizona Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Mine
From a gold mine hidden deep within the Superstition Mountains to a wailing widow, Arizona has its fair share of spooky hiking trails. One you’ve probably never heard of is the Clay Mine Trail at Cave Creek Regional Park. This creepy hike in Arizona leads straight through an abandoned mine, and the story behind it will make your hair stand on end.
Tucked away in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Clay Mine Trail is a three-mile, moderately difficult out and back hike. With an elevation gain of just under 350 feet, it's suitable for most skill levels (including kids and dogs.)
Not too easy or too hard, the offers an overall pleasant experience. It meanders through the vast mountain landscape, lined on either side by unique desert vegetation.
Several lookout points provide sweeping panoramic views of the wide open surroundings. You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere - despite being just 35 miles north of Phoenix.
At the end of the trail, however, things take a much creepier turn. There's an abandoned clay mine that has been left to decay in the elements, and the story behind it will send chills down your spine.
Originally, the mine was dug in hopes of finding gold - but it only contained clay. A woman named Leila P. Irish bought the land and decided to bottle the clay and sell it as a "miracle elixir" that allegedly cured all disease.
Of course, she was not being truthful - however, the solution did manage to heal one sickness: dysentery. She made a fortune (never mind the fact that much of it was obtained under false pretenses) that her descendants still enjoy to this day.
The trail is not shaded, so dawn and dusk are the best times to embark on it. You just might see a hot air balloon drifting way off in the distance - a nice surprise after the heavy and dark energy of the mine.
Have you ever hiked the Clay Mine Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. For another creepy hike in Arizona, check out our previous article.
Address: Clay Mine Trail, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
