Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile: Full-Day Access to Ash Creek Canyon

Globe•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Full day (up to 24 hours)

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers in average physical condition who can handle hiking 1–3 miles with uneven terrain and short scrambles; not technical but requires mobility.

Overview

Unlock a 24-hour pass into Chrysotile, a rarely opened abandoned mining city in Tonto National Forest. Hike to waterfall-fed swimming holes, tour historic mine structures, and camp where miners once worked—this day pass grants access to a wild and photogenic slice of Arizona.

Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile: Full-Day Access to Ash Creek Canyon

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Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You arrive where pavement thins and the highway gives itself to dust: a cable gate, a tour guide with a map, and a direction to follow the forest road down into Ash Creek Canyon. The morning light strips the desert of its cool gray and the Sonoran plants tilt toward the sun—cholla and saguaros punctuate the scrub, while cottonwoods crowd the creek like an audience waiting for the next scene. For a day, the abandoned structures and braided creekbeds of Chrysotile become yours to roam.

Adventure Photos

Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile: Full-Day Access to Ash Creek Canyon photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring 3+ liters of water per person

Desert heat and canyon scrambling dehydrate you faster than you think—carry extra even if you plan to swim.

Wear closed-toe, grippy shoes

Expect uneven rock, creek crossings, and short scrambles; trail runners or light hikers are best.

Respect mine entrances

You may peek into mine portals but do not enter—guided mine tours happen at 4:00 p.m. and are the only safe option.

Plan for shade and sun

There’s limited shade near parking and canyon rims; sun protection and a lightweight tarp or hat improve comfort.

Local Insights

Wildlife

javelina
greater earless lizard (and other desert lizards)

History

Chrysotile was an active mining community until about 1945; remaining structures and tailings document a century of small-scale oxide and chrysotile-related mineral operations.

Conservation

The site is privately managed within Tonto National Forest; the $100 per-car access fee supports stewardship—pack out all trash and avoid disturbing historic structures to help preserve the area.