Jerome

Jerome is one of many old mining towns that erupted during the heyday at the turn of the 20th century. As mining ran out, so did most of the population in these dying towns. Yet the locals wanted to keep this boom town alive. So not only can you see the remnants of the past in museums and the restored ghost town, you can spend a day here discovering some of the history of mining in the old west. Better yet, combine Jerome with some of the other attractions nearby.

Perched on a mountainside, looking out over the valley below and distant mountains are the former mining town of Jerome. Abandoned and left to become a ghost town, Jerome has found new life through tourism. The twisting road that winds through the town is now a mix of rustic and restored buildings that have been turned into small shops and converted into restaurants. The town has been updated enough to make it enjoyable for tourists but still maintains some of the Old West characters. The drive to Jerome, up a paved road of switchbacks, is also part of the attraction of this day trip. You can make a full-day outing by driving to Sedona, then up to Jerome, and over the mountain behind Jerome to the historic town of Prescott, before returning to Phoenix.

Distance from Phoenix: 100 miles

Travel time: 1 hour 30 min
Location: Yavapai County, Arizona, United States
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5