Courtland Turquoise Mine (Full day Avalon Mine)
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Enjoy hands on turquoise collecting in a historically rich desert landscape
Discover ancient Native American mining areas along scenic hiking routes
Learn about turquoise geology history and preservation efforts from guides
Explore remote mine tailings known for colorful gem quality specimens
Turquoise Mining Heritage Trail Offers Historic Desert Exploration Near Grassy Creek Regional Park
A remarkable outdoor adventure invites visitors to explore an authentic turquoise mining landscape while discovering the fascinating history of the region. Beginning near Grassy Creek Regional Park, this guided experience leads participants through striking desert terrain where colorful turquoise fragments can still be found among historic surface tailings. The journey offers a rare opportunity to connect with the area's geological heritage while searching for gemstone-quality specimens in a truly memorable setting.
The trail rewards hikers with sweeping desert vistas, higher elevation viewpoints, and an immersive journey through landscapes shaped by centuries of human activity. Along the route, guests encounter ancient grinding sites and long-established pathways that reflect the traditions, culture, and enduring relationship Indigenous communities maintained with the land. Every step reveals another chapter in the story of this remarkable mining region.
As the adventure continues into historic mining areas, visitors discover remnants of early settler life, including weathered structures, mining equipment, and hand tools that illustrate the methods once used to extract turquoise. Experienced guides share engaging stories about the area's cultural significance, mining history, geological formations, and the ongoing preservation efforts dedicated to protecting this important historic landscape for future generations.
The experience includes transportation, essential equipment, and professional guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing from beginning to end. An interpretive stop at a nearby historic site enriches the journey before guests continue through the mining trail and return with a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and remarkable history surrounding Grassy Creek Regional Park and the turquoise mining landscape.
Turquoise Mining Heritage Trail Offers Historic Desert Exploration Near Grassy Creek Regional Park
A remarkable outdoor adventure invites visitors to explore an authentic turquoise mining landscape while discovering the fascinating history of the region. Beginning near Grassy Creek Regional Park, this guided experience leads participants through striking desert terrain where colorful turquoise fragments can still be found among historic surface tailings. The journey offers a rare opportunity to connect with the area's geological heritage while searching for gemstone-quality specimens in a truly memorable setting.
The trail rewards hikers with sweeping desert vistas, higher elevation viewpoints, and an immersive journey through landscapes shaped by centuries of human activity. Along the route, guests encounter ancient grinding sites and long-established pathways that reflect the traditions, culture, and enduring relationship Indigenous communities maintained with the land. Every step reveals another chapter in the story of this remarkable mining region.
As the adventure continues into historic mining areas, visitors discover remnants of early settler life, including weathered structures, mining equipment, and hand tools that illustrate the methods once used to extract turquoise. Experienced guides share engaging stories about the area's cultural significance, mining history, geological formations, and the ongoing preservation efforts dedicated to protecting this important historic landscape for future generations.
The experience includes transportation, essential equipment, and professional guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing from beginning to end. An interpretive stop at a nearby historic site enriches the journey before guests continue through the mining trail and return with a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and remarkable history surrounding Grassy Creek Regional Park and the turquoise mining landscape.
- Round trip transportation
- Hiking sticks
- Day pack
- Two liters of drinking water
- Trail snacks to maintain energy
- Hand excavation tools
- Collection bags
- Experienced guide
- Hiking shoes and long pants
- Long sleeve shirts, sunscreen and gloves
- Gratuities
$ 291.5
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Activity Provider: Trails and Tales of Cochise County
Customer Reviews
I have literally spent half my life in the west New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and now Arizona. I’ve been to some of the most amazing ghost towns and mines that you could ever imagine. About once a week I go the back way over to Pearce, I have spent more time in the old mine buildings mine shafts, exploring, hoping and trying to preserve many of these sites as they are so few as time marches on. Today I was fortunate enough to stop at the museum and visit with the lovely and charming Morgan ,she extremely informative, amazingly passionate ,and her dedication of preserving this great place was obvious in our brief visit today. I recommend everyone to come and see this amazing place ,to see what’s left of the original West untouched unscathed with the exception of time and tide . It made my day. 😊
I couldn’t be happier! Mike, the owner, answered all my questions through text before today. He was patient with my inquiries and extremely helpful! Morgan was our guide on the tour and her knowledge about the area made the afternoon so much better! I highly recommend going on this tour!
Courtland Ghost Town exceeded our expectations. This experience was something we had been researching for quite some time, and after discovering the Courtland Ghost Town's instagram page, we had reached out to Michael, who organized a full day hike to two of the mines on the property. Our goal was to collect a piece of turquoise that we could turn into jewelry. We both had some skepticism before the hike as we were concerned with the typical challenges that desert hiking entails, but Michael did an amazing job making sure we both felt comfortable, safe, and most importantly, hydrated throughout the day making the adventure enjoyable from start to finish. We particularly appreciated the lunch portion of the experience as Michael carried a FEAST on his back, up a mountain, in high desert temperatures, to deliver a meal more sophisticated than any 5 star restaurant east of Tucson. The visitor center, with showers and plumbing, was also appreciated when returning back from the hike. Michael takes great care of his guests and the land, his passion for preserving the town's history and educating the public is inspiring. The property itself is rich with history. It was fascinating to learn about and see the ruins of what was once a successful mining town. When exploring, you will see many artifacts left behind that have not been touched by humans for close to 100 years. Courtland is 100% authentic and not staged like a commercial ghost town. We were able to find some turquoise to bring back with us to turn into pendants, in addition Michael referred us to a local lapidist who is now designing our necklaces using the turquoise we mined. We couldn't be more satisfied with the process, from learning the history, hiking to the mines, and picking up pieces of blue, all to turn our treasures into something wearable. If you are ever traveling to Arizona, I highly recommend you make the effort to visit Courtland Ghost Town.