Arizona may be known for its deserts, red rock canyons, and sunny skies, but behind the beauty lies a darker side. Throughout the state, ghost stories echo from abandoned hotels, historic theaters, and forgotten amusement parks. If you’re up for a spine-tingling road trip, here are 10 haunted places in Arizona you can still explore.
Jerome Grand Hotel, Jerome
Perched on a hillside in Jerome, the Jerome Grand Hotel was originally the United Verde Hospital. Nearly 9,000 deaths were recorded during its operation from 1927 to 1950. After decades of vacancy, it reopened as a hotel in 1996.
Room 32 is infamous for ghost activity, with paranormal investigators reporting EMF spikes and unexplained noises. Guests across the hotel have heard coughing and wheezing, thought to be echoes of tuberculosis patients. Hallways, restrooms, and even the elevator are all rumored to be haunted.
The Oliver House, Bisbee
At first glance, The Oliver House looks like a charming red-sided bed and breakfast. But its peaceful exterior hides a grim past. Over 26 deaths have occurred on the property, and nearly every room is reported to be haunted.
The most notable spirit is Nat Anderson, a man shot over a debt and said to haunt Room 13. Other rooms carry their own tales, from phantom footsteps and moving objects to ghostly parties heard in empty halls. Guests often report cold spots and the feeling of being watched.
Hotel San Carlos, Phoenix
Opened in 1928, the Hotel San Carlos is one of Phoenix’s oldest hotels and comes with its own legend. A woman named Leone Jensen jumped from the rooftop shortly after the hotel opened. Since then, her ghost is believed to roam the building.
Staff and guests have seen her figure in windows and mirrors. Others have heard unexplained footsteps, or felt a sudden chill while walking alone in the halls. Even with its ghostly history, the hotel remains a downtown staple.
Flintstones Amusement Park, Williams
Also known as Bedrock City, this quirky theme park once brought the Flintstones cartoon to life. Located between Williams and the Grand Canyon, it featured replica homes, life-sized statues, and themed rides.
The park closed years ago and now sits eerily empty. Though there’s no official record of hauntings, the abandoned attractions and weather-worn statues give many visitors a deeply unsettling feeling. Its deserted state fuels speculation that Bedrock is more than just a forgotten park.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House, Tempe
Located in Tempe’s historic Maple-Ash neighborhood, Casey Moore’s Oyster House is as famous for its seafood as it is for its ghost stories. A young woman, allegedly murdered by a jealous lover upstairs, is said to haunt the building.
Employees have witnessed strange reflections in mirrors, furniture moving by itself, and unexplained footsteps in empty rooms. Despite the eerie tales, the restaurant continues to draw in diners and ghost hunters alike.
Hotel Congress, Tucson
The Hotel Congress is best known for its connection to gangster John Dillinger, but it also holds ghostly secrets. In 1934, a fire swept through the building. A hotel employee named Frieda reportedly died in the blaze and never left.
Visitors say they’ve seen a woman in period clothing or caught a whiff of cigarette smoke when no one was smoking. The hotel’s vintage decor only enhances the haunting atmosphere, drawing history buffs and paranormal fans in equal measure.
Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee
The Copper Queen Hotel claims to host three ghosts. Julia Lowell is the most famous, said to haunt Room 315 after a tragic love affair led to her suicide. Guests in that room often report whispers, footsteps, and sudden cold spots.
Another ghost, an older gentleman wearing a top hat, haunts Room 401 and is associated with the scent of cigar smoke. The third is Billy, a mischievous child ghost in Room 412 known for moving objects and playing tricks on guests.
The Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone
The Bird Cage Theatre has a wild past filled with saloons, gambling, and gunfights. It opened in 1881 and quickly became one of the most infamous venues in the Old West. With its bloody history, it’s no surprise that ghost stories abound.
Jennie Lawrence, a dancer who died mid-performance, is believed to linger in the theater. Visitors also report seeing phantom cowboys and hearing music when no one is performing. It’s a popular spot for ghost tours and paranormal investigations.
Jefferson Park, Mesa
Jefferson Park looks like any other local playground, but locals tell a different story. According to urban legend, a young girl was murdered there many years ago. Her spirit is said to wander the grounds late at night.
While there’s little official documentation, reports from nearby residents describe sightings of a pale figure between trees and unexplained sobbing sounds. The activity is reportedly strongest around midnight, making it a late-night curiosity for paranormal enthusiasts.
The Old Gadsden Hotel, Douglas
Built in the early 1900s, the Gadsden Hotel in Douglas is a grand structure with a haunting reputation. The third floor, especially Room 333, is considered a hotbed for paranormal activity.
Guests have reported TVs turning on and off, knocking from old radiators, and ghostly images appearing in photographs. Paranormal groups have conducted multiple investigations, some claiming to capture voices and shadows. Despite its eerie reputation, the hotel remains operational and proud of its haunted history.
