Echoes of the past can be heard in the canyons of Mohave County, in northwestern Arizona. In these diverse and picturesque landscapes history lingers like a whisper in the wind.

Scattered across the desert and nestled in the pine forested mountains are the ghost towns that tell the tales of boom and bust, fortune seekers, and the hardy pioneering souls who once called these places home. From forgotten county seats to vanished mining camps in the Cerbat Mountains, let’s take a journey in search of the lost towns of Mohave County.

County Seats of the Past

Before Kingman claimed its long-standing role as the Mohave County seat, several other towns held the title. Each faded into obscurity as the tides of progress swept forward.

• Hardyville (1864-1867) – Once a bustling river port along the Colorado River, Hardyville near present day Bullhead City served as the first official county seat. It was linked to the territorial capital in Prescott, and Fort Mohave, by the Mohave-Prescott Road. Portions of this pioneering artery of commerce can be found in Coyote Pass, in the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, and along Route66. With completion of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad to the Colorado River in the 1880s steamboat traffic declined, so did the town.
• Cerbat (1871-1873) – Tucked deep into the Cerbat Mountains, this mining camp briefly held the county seat title before losing it to Mineral Park. Today, only the faint traces of the cemetery, and remanants of early 20th century mining mark the site.
• Mineral Park (1873-1887) – At its peak, Mineral Park was a thriving mining town with a post office, saloons, and a rudimentary courthouse. It served as the county seat until Kingman’s rise as a transportation hub located on the railroad. Much of Mineral Park has been swallowed by modern open pit mining operations. But the cemetery has been preserved.

Ghost Towns of Mohave County

Beyond the former county seats, Mohave County is rich with ghost towns that once thrived during Arizona’s mining heyday.

• Oatman – While not entirely abandoned, Oatman, at the heart of the last gold rush in Arizona retains its Old West charm. Famous for its wild burros and historic Route 66 ties, Oatman is a living ghost town where the cinematic induced vision of the Wild West town gives visitors an opportunity for some fun.
• Chloride – Arizona’s oldest continuously inhabited mining town, Chloride isn’t a ghost town in the traditional sense. There is still a small population, and a delightful restaurant, Yesterday’s. There is even a rustic refurbished circa 1930 motel. Chloride is well worth a visit.
• Signal – Located along the Big Sandy River, Signal was once a thriving silver mining town. In its heyday, it boasted saloons, a hotel, and a population with hundreds of residents. Today a few scattered ruins and a forlorn cemetery mark the site where prospectors once struck it rich.
• Hackberry – Originally a mining town and later a stop along Route 66, Hackberry still holds onto its history. While not entirely abandoned, its historic general store, vintage signs, and rusting automobiles make it a ghost town of sorts, drawing in road-trippers and photographers alike. As a bit of trivia this town was once so prosperous it was briefly considered for designation as the Mohave County seat.
• Stockton Hill – Once a prosperous mining camp north of Kingman, Stockton Hill saw its peak in the late 19th century. The remnants of old mines and a scattering of ruins can still be found in the area today but they date from a later period.
• White Hills – This once-thriving silver boomtown in the 1890s quickly faded as the mines played out. Once home to a hotel, saloons, and even an opera house, the site of White Hills is being trasformed into a bit of suburbia, a bedroom community for Las Vegas.
• Goldroad – Nestled along the pre 1952 alignment of Route 66 in the rugged Black Mountains near Oatman, Goldroad was a gold mining town that experienced a series of booms and busts. While the townsite is mostly gone, remnants of its mining past can still be seen along the historic highway, and a gold mine is still active.

Arizona & Utah Railroad: McConnico to Chloride

Constructed in the late 19th century, the Arizona & Utah Railroad connected the mining town of Chloride with McConnico, a small junction of the Santa Fe Railroad main line near Kingman along I-40/Route 66. For a brief time in the late 1890s this rail line played a crucial role in transporting ore, passengers, and supplies. Initially there were ambitious plans to extend the railroad beyond Chloride to White Hills, but that never happened. The long shuttered depot still stands in Chloride. Though the tracks have long since disappeared, the segments of the route that remains are an historical landmark for those tracing Mohave County’s colorful past.

Mohave Milltown Railroad: From Industry to Adventure

Originally built to support mining operations, the Mohave Milltown Railroad from near Oatman to the Colorado River was a very shortlived endeavor. Less than two years after completion torrential rains washed out sections of track and the company couldn’t afford the repairs. The old railroad has found new life as a hiking and mountain biking trail. This historic railbed winds through the rugged terrain of the Colorado River Valley, offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the same landscapes that once echoed with the sounds of locomotives. It’s a unique way to experience the area’s history while enjoying breathtaking desert views. As a travel tip the Colorado River Valley often experiences the hottest summer temperatures in the United States. So, this trail is best enjoyed in hte months of winter, fall or early spring.

Windy Point Campground: A Hidden Retreat

Above Chloride, in the scenic Cerbat Mountains, Windy Point Campground offers modern-day adventurers a chance to experience the beauty of the high desert. This peaceful retreat is a gateway to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring the remains of long-forgotten mining camps. With stunning views of the surrounding landscape, it’s a perfect spot for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature while uncovering the region’s history. It is accessed via US 93 and Big wash Road, the first road north of the Chloride junction. Inquire locally about road conditions as this gravel road is not regularly maintained.

In Search of Lost Highways: Exploring Chloride

For those eager to see Chloride and its ghostly charm from a fresh perspective, Jim Hinckley’s In Search of Lost Highways series on YouTube offers an immersive experience. One episode focuses entirely on Chloride, taking viewers through its historic streets, the artistic murals, and the forgotten highway that once connected the town to Kingman. This series is an excellent companion for anyone planning a visit or simply wanting to explore Arizona’s history from the comfort of home.

Step Into the Past

Mohave County’s ghost towns are more than abandoned buildings—they are silent storytellers of the past, waiting to share their history with those willing to listen. Whether you’re visiting the remnants of Hardyville, hiking near Mineral Park, or camping above Chloride at Windy Point, each location offers a glimpse into Arizona’s rugged frontier spirit.

So, pack your sense of adventure, follow the lost highways, and let Jim Hinckley’s America be your guide to the ghost towns of Mohave County.