Arizona

The Grand Canyon is the standard of National Parks found in Arizona. - Photo by James L Rathbun
The Grand Canyon is the standard of National Parks found in Arizona. – Photo by James L Rathbun

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State is home to many ghost towns, 4×4 trails, and lots of history. Arizona was the last of the lower 48 states to be admitted into the United States in 1912. Arizona boasts the Grand Canyon, which is the largest canyon in the planet and is also home to Tombstone, the site of the most iconic gunfight in the old west.

Arizona shares the Colorado River with Utah, Nevada, and California, the water of which scoured the harsh landscape. This erosion is the caused the creation of some of the most memorable landscapes the world has to offer.

Valley of the Gods, Utah - Photo by James L Rathbun
Valley of the Gods, Utah – Photo by James L Rathbun

Although Arizona is characterized as a harsh, dry desert landscape, it does offer amazing water activities. The Colorado River offers amazing recreational opportunities in Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Mojave and Lake Havasu. House boating on the lakes gives you the opportunity to relax and lazily navigate the water ways. Those of us fortunate enough to do so, rafting the white waters of the Grand Canyon and exploring the side canyons will make memories of a life time.

Arizona 4×4 trails offer unique remote views and landscape and a chance to look back in time and history.

Arizona Destinations and 4×4 Trails

Arizona Trails

Cerbat Arizona in 1870

Cerbat Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Founded in 1870 Cerbat Arizona is a gold mine ghost town and former county seat for Mohave County, Arizona. The surrounding area started to attract…

Arizona Points of Interest

Alamo Crossing, Mohave County Arizona

Alamo Crossing Mohave County Ghost Town

Alamo Crossing is a submerged ghost town hidden beneath the waters of Alamo Lake, Mohave County, Arizona. Alamo Crossing, Mohave County Arizona The town is…
Call's Landing or Callville looking toward the west as it appeared in 1926 - Photo courtesy of R. F. Perkins

Callville Nevada – Colorado River Steamship Landing

Callville Nevada is a ghost town and Colorado River Steamboat port, which is now submerged below the waters of Lake Mead. Bishop Anson Call founded…
Cerbat Arizona in 1870

Cerbat Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Founded in 1870 Cerbat Arizona is a gold mine ghost town and former county seat for Mohave County, Arizona. The surrounding area started to attract…
Charleston, circa 1885 - Photograph by C. S Fly

Charleston Arizona

Charleston, Arizona is a ghost town located in Cochise County, Arizona. the town operated from the late 1870's through the 1880's. The town is founded…

Chloride Arizona

Chloride Arizona is the oldest continuously inhabited Silver Mining town located in Mohave County, Arizona. The name derives its named from Silver Chloride (AgCl) which…
View showing steamboat Cochan on the Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona in 1900 - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Colorado Steamships

From 1852 through 1909, Colorado Steamships ferried people and supplies up and down the Colorado River to mining camps and outposts. Following the discovery of…

Fort Mohave

Fort Mohave is a historic settlement located in the southwestern region of Mohave county, Arizona, United States. Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River…
First Train to Carry Passengers all the way to Grand Canyon Village. SEPT. 17, 1901. Photo By G.L. ROSE.

Grand Canyon Railroad

The Grand Canyon Railroad is a 64 miles railroad which connects Williams Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The original 64 mile…
Metal Stairs inside of Lower Antelop Canyon, Arizona

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon one of two slot canyons located off the highway 98 just outside of Page, Arizona near the Utah border. Entering Lower Antelope…
Millville, sister town to Charleston located just across the San Pedro River, circa 1880

Millville Arizona

Millville Arizona is a ghost town and sister city to Charleston, Arizona located along the San Pedro River, in Cochise County, Arizona. Charleston served as…
Mineral Park, Arizona @1880

Mineral Park Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Mineral Park is a ghost town located in Mohave County Arizona founded in 1870. Once started, operations continued until 1912. The journey was tough just…
Mines of the Oatman district; Up Gold Road Gulch, showing the surface relations of the Gold Road mine, right to left the following are identified; Gold Road Mill, No. 1 shaft, and No. 3 shaft. All the rock included in the view is the Gold Road latite. The generally easterly dip of the flows is distinctly shown. Mohave County, Arizona. 1921.

Oatman Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Oatman Arizona is a small community with a rich history located in Black Mountains in Mohave County, Arizona. Located near Bullhead City, the town of…
Northern end of Tip Top, circa 1888. Visible are the stamp mill (1), assay office (2), brewery (3), beer hall (4), restaurant (5), saloon (6), hotel (7), and mine workings (8).

Tip Top Arizona

Founded in 1876, Tip Top Arizona is a old Silver Mining town and ghost town located in Yavapai County, Arizona. The town site is located…
Tombstone, Arizona in 1881 photographed by C. S. Fly. An ore wagon at the center of the image is pulled by 15 or 16 mules leaving town for one of the mines or on the way to a mill. The town had a population of about 4,000 that year with 600 dwellings and two church buildings. There were 650 men working in the nearby mines. The Tough Nut hoisting works are in the right foreground. The firehouse is behind the ore wagons, with the Russ House hotel just to the left of it. The dark, tall building above the Russ House is the Grand Hotel, and the top of Schieffelin Hall (1881) is visible to the right.

Tombstone Arizona

Tombstone Arizona is a historical point of interest, and the location of the O K Corral Gunfight, located in Cochise County, Arizona. The history and…
Molten Wave - Located in Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona Antelope Canyon is the best known slot canyon. - Photo by James L Rathbun

Upper Antelope Canyon

Located just outside of Page, Arizona Upper Antelope Canyon is arguably the best known slot canyon on the planet, yet few people will know its name…
A very early view of Vulture City, in the late 1870s. From a George H. Rothrock stereo view, no. 145, “Arizona Scenery” series.

Vulture City Arizona

Vulture City Arizona is a ghost town and popular mining camp which is located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The town was located in the Sonoran…

Arizona Ghost Towns

Articles published by Destination 4x4 which are tagged as ghost towns which can be found in Arizona.

Alamo Crossing, Mohave County Arizona

Alamo Crossing Mohave County Ghost Town

Alamo Crossing is a submerged ghost town hidden beneath the waters of Alamo Lake, Mohave County, Arizona. Alamo Crossing, Mohave County Arizona The town is…
Call's Landing or Callville looking toward the west as it appeared in 1926 - Photo courtesy of R. F. Perkins

Callville Nevada – Colorado River Steamship Landing

Callville Nevada is a ghost town and Colorado River Steamboat port, which is now submerged below the waters of Lake Mead. Bishop Anson Call founded…
Cerbat Arizona in 1870

Cerbat Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Founded in 1870 Cerbat Arizona is a gold mine ghost town and former county seat for Mohave County, Arizona. The surrounding area started to attract…
Charleston, circa 1885 - Photograph by C. S Fly

Charleston Arizona

Charleston, Arizona is a ghost town located in Cochise County, Arizona. the town operated from the late 1870's through the 1880's. The town is founded…
Millville, sister town to Charleston located just across the San Pedro River, circa 1880

Millville Arizona

Millville Arizona is a ghost town and sister city to Charleston, Arizona located along the San Pedro River, in Cochise County, Arizona. Charleston served as…
Mineral Park, Arizona @1880

Mineral Park Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Mineral Park is a ghost town located in Mohave County Arizona founded in 1870. Once started, operations continued until 1912. The journey was tough just…
Mines of the Oatman district; Up Gold Road Gulch, showing the surface relations of the Gold Road mine, right to left the following are identified; Gold Road Mill, No. 1 shaft, and No. 3 shaft. All the rock included in the view is the Gold Road latite. The generally easterly dip of the flows is distinctly shown. Mohave County, Arizona. 1921.

Oatman Arizona – Mohave County Ghost Town

Oatman Arizona is a small community with a rich history located in Black Mountains in Mohave County, Arizona. Located near Bullhead City, the town of…
Northern end of Tip Top, circa 1888. Visible are the stamp mill (1), assay office (2), brewery (3), beer hall (4), restaurant (5), saloon (6), hotel (7), and mine workings (8).

Tip Top Arizona

Founded in 1876, Tip Top Arizona is a old Silver Mining town and ghost town located in Yavapai County, Arizona. The town site is located…
A very early view of Vulture City, in the late 1870s. From a George H. Rothrock stereo view, no. 145, “Arizona Scenery” series.

Vulture City Arizona

Vulture City Arizona is a ghost town and popular mining camp which is located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The town was located in the Sonoran…

Arizona Birds

A list of articles from Destination4x4 from our Resources, Birds category which may be found in the great state of Arizona.

Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) - Photo by James L Rathbun

Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)

A member of the cuckoo family, the long legged Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is an icon of the desert southwest in part to the artistic…
Raven ( Corvus corax ) sitting on a coral fence at the Grand Canyon Western Ranch.

Raven ( Corvus corax )

The Raven ( Corvus corax ) is one of eight subspecies of Ravens distributed throughout the world. Also known as western or northern raven, this large black…
A Stellar's Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri ) stealing peanuts in Big Bear, California

Stellars Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri )

The Stellars Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri ) is a common character found in the forests of the western half of the United States. The bird…

Arizona Mammals

Black Tailed Jackrabbit enjoying the shade of a Joshua Tree

Black Tailed Jackrabbit ( Lepus californicus )

Black Tailed Jackrabbit enjoying the shade of a Joshua Tree. The Black Tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) commonly known as the American Desert Hare makes its…
Coyote (Canis latrans) enduring a snow storm in Joshua Tree National Park - Photo by James L Rathbun

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Coyote (Canis latrans) enduring a snow storm in Joshua Tree National Park - Photo by James L Rathbun A symbol of the American Southwest, the…
Two well fed mustangs near Cold Creek, Nevada

Mustang (Equus ferus caballus)

A lone mustang is the symbol of wild, power and freedom Left behind by Spanish explorers and settlers, the Mustang ( Equus ferus caballus )…
A solitary Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) found near Golbin Valley, Utah - Photo by James L Rathbun

Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana )

Commonly known as an antelope, the Pronghorn is an even toed or hoofed mammal found in the plains of the western United States of America.
Wild Burrow photographed in Beatty, Nevada - Photo by James L Rathbun

Wild Burrow ( Equus africanus asinus )

Scattered across the south west scattered small populations of Wild Burrow ( Equus africanus asinus ) thrive in the harsh landscape. The burrow is also…

Arizona Reptiles

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos), also known as the "horny toad", is a common North American reptile and found throughout…
California Desert Tortoise emerging from a hiding place...

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

One of  the more unique and quite frankly cool animals found in the Mojave Desert is the Desert Tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ).  My family…
Juvenile Speckled Rattle Snake found in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada - Photo by James L Rathbun

Speckled Rattlesnake ( Crotalus mitchellii )

The Speckled Rattlesnake is fairly common pit viper found in southern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona and south-western Utah and down the Pacific coast into…
Western Fence Lizard - Photo by James L Rathbun

Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis )

The Western Fence Lizard ( Sceloporus occidentalis ) is perhaps one of the most common lizards in the desert southwest and is also known as…
A male Zebra-Tailed Lizard ( Callisaurus draconoides )

Zebra Tailed Lizard ( Callisaurus draconoides )

The Zebra-Tailed Lizard is a medium sized lizard which features a long black and white striped tail and commonly found in California, Arizona and Nevada.…

Arizona Wild Flowers

Arizona Thistle (Cirsium arizonicum) - Photo by James L Rathbun

Arizona Thistle ( Cirsium arizonicum )

Arizona Thistle ( Cirsium arizonicum ) is a member of the sunflower family and common across the south west. The thistle has a two year…
The California Poppy the state flower of California.

California Poppy ( Eschscholzia californica )

The California Poppy the state flower of California. As the name implies, the California Poppy is that state flower of California. However, this little flower…
Chicalote (Argemone munita)

Chicalote (Argemone munita)

Chicalote (Argemone munita) A species of prickly poppy, Chicalote (Argemone munita) is also known as the flatbud prickly poppy. A native of California, the Chicalote…
Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata)

Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata)

Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata) Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata), also known as Coyote Gourd, is a flowering plant common in the desert southwest and known to…
Desert Marigolds located off the Old Mojave Road.

Desert Marigolds (Baileya multiradiata)

Desert Marigolds photographed near the Old Mojave Road. Desert Marigolds (Baileya multiradiata) are an abundant and well distributed flower across the desert south west. The…
Desert Primrose photographed in Anza Burego, CA

Desert Primrose (Oenothera deltoides)

Desert Primrose photographed in Anza Burego, CA The Desert Primrose ( Oenothera deltoides ) is a small bush-like flowering planet with delicate white flowers.  The primrose ranges…
Fremont's Phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) photographed in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Fremont’s Phacelia (Phacelia fremontii)

Fremont's Phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) is a small delicate looking flowering plant commonly commonly found in the southwestern United States including Nevada, Arizona and California. The…
Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) The Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a perennial herb and orange wildflower which is commonly found in Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona. This…
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)

The Giant Red Indian Paintbrush or Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is a wildflower and perennial which is quite common in the western United States, including…
Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia )

Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia )

Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia ) A member of the sunflower family, the Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia ) boasts a delicate lavender flower in the harsh…
Notch-leaved phacelia - Photo by James L Rathbun

Notch-leaved phacelia ( phacelia crenulata )

Notch-leaved phacelia ( phacelia crenulata ) is a lovely little purple wild flower which grows across the desert southwest from California to Texas. The plant…
Owl's Clover

Owl’s Clover (Castilleja exserta)

Owls Clover (Castilleja exserta) is a small flowering plant which can grow about 1 foot tall.   The Owl's Clover is a native plant to…
Penstemon palmeri flower - Photo by James L Rathbun

Palmers Penstemon ( penstemon palmeri )

In the spring on 2020 I was photographing along the Morning Star Mine Road, we happened upon Palmers Penstemon ( penstemon palmeri ). This species…
Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus) Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus) is a fairly common vibrant purple wild flower and is common in much of Western North America…
Photographed in the White Moundtains, Phlox diffusa is a small white flowering plant which prefers alpine and sub-alpine environments.

Spreading Phlox ( Phlox diffusa )

Spreading Phlox ( Phlox diffusa ) is a perennial shrub with small needle like leaves.  This is a small white flowering plant prefers alpine, sub-alpine…
Western Wallflower (Erysimum capitatium)

Western Wallflower (Erysimum capitatium)

A member of the mustard family, the Western Wallflower ( Erysimum capitatium ) is a brightly colored yellow flower which is quite common across the…

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