Chlorida, Arizona

Overview

Welcome, brave souls, to Chlorida, Arizona – a desert ghost town where silver once screamed from the earth and legends linger like the dust devils in the Cerbat Mountains! This ain't just any old ghost town; Chlorida is Arizona's FIRST incorporated mining town, a gritty relic of the Wild West that's now an artistic enigma, just 20 miles from Kingman. Founded back in 1862, this place was a rip-roaring boomtown, but when the silver dried up, Chlorida didn't just die – it got weirder, and way more interesting. Today, it's a magnet for offbeat explorers like us, a place where rusted history, quirky art, and tales of lost treasure collide under the vast desert sky. From its silver-crazed peak to its hauntingly beautiful decay and modern artistic revival, Chlorida is a must-see for anyone looking to scratch beneath the surface of the everyday.

Top Attractions (Where History & Art Collide!)

Ghost Town Exploration

Wander through Chlorida's historic heart. Discover rusted mining relics, weathered wooden buildings, and the atmospheric old town cemetery. Feel the past!

Roy Purcell's Rock Murals

A psychedelic desert masterpiece! Hike about 2 miles to witness these incredible, sprawling murals painted onto the granite cliffs by artist Roy Purcell in 1967. Truly unique.

Historic Post Office

Still slinging mail since 1862! This is one of Arizona's oldest continuously operating post offices. Step inside and feel the history (and maybe send a postcard!).

Wild West Gunfights

Catch the "High Noon" spirit with monthly gunfight reenactments by local enthusiasts. Expect loud bangs and plenty of Old West theatrics!

Town Murals & Artful Decay

Beyond Purcell's rocks, discover colorful murals adorning old walls and buildings throughout Chlorida, adding an artistic layer to its historic decay.

Unique Stories & Facts (Digging Deeper into Chlorida!)

• Silver Tsunami: Founded in 1862 in the rugged Cerbat Mountains, Chlorida hit its peak in the 1920s with 2,000 residents. The legendary Tennessee Mine alone hauled out $1.5 million in silver – a king's ransom back then!
• Donkey Express: Before trucks and vans, local legend says mail in these rugged parts was sometimes delivered by trusty donkeys! Now that's some real old-school grit.
• From Boom to Bust, FAST: When the silver dried up in the 1930s, Chlorida's population nosedived to just 250 souls. Mines slammed shut, leaving behind the evocative ruins you see today.
• Mysterious Mountain Glow: Keep an eye on the hills at night! Local tales whisper of mysterious lanterns glowing in the darkness, possibly linked to stories of lost treasure. Spooky!
• Art from the Ashes: Just when you thought it was all ghosts and tumbleweeds, artist Roy Purcell slapped some serious color onto the scene with his epic rock murals in 1967, sparking an artistic revival.

Best Travel Seasons (When to Chase Ghosts & Glory!)

Popular Activities (Get Your Wild West On!)

• Ghost Town Prowling: Wander the historic streets, explore the old cemetery, and imagine life during the silver boom. Rusted relics and weathered buildings tell silent stories.
• Art Hike to Purcell's Murals: Take the 2-mile trek into the hills to witness Roy Purcell's incredible rock paintings. It's a journey into art and nature.
• Catch a Gunfight: Experience the Wild West come alive with Chlorida's monthly gunfight reenactments. Pure, unadulterated frontier fun!
• Old Miners' Day Mayhem: If you're around for Old Miners' Day (October 11, 2025), expect shootouts, parades, quirky contests, and a whole lot of community spirit.
• Photography Goldmine: Chlorida is a photographer's dream. From decaying structures and vintage signs to the stark desert landscapes and vibrant murals, every angle is a shot.

Famous Buffets Nearby (Slim Pickin's, Partner!)

This is rustic, real-deal Arizona, not a Vegas smorgasbord! You won't find sprawling buffets in Chlorida. Head to Kingman (20 miles) for a wider range of diner fare and classic American restaurants if you're looking to fill your belly after a day of exploring.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

Hit the Historical Jackpot Instead! No casinos in Chlorida or its immediate vicinity. The real gamble here is whether you'll stumble upon a piece of forgotten history or capture the perfect ghost town photo. For slots and tables, you'll need to venture much further afield.

Oddities Nearby (Chlorida's Quirky Charm - No Pics Needed!)

Haunted Tourism Nearby (Whispers of the Wild West)

• Ghost Town Vibes: The entire town of Chlorida, with its historic cemetery and decaying buildings, carries a palpable sense of its past. Some visitors report feeling watched or hearing unexplained noises.
• Mysterious Lanterns in the Hills: Local lore speaks of unexplained lights or "lanterns" seen glowing in the surrounding mountains, often tied to tales of lost miners or hidden treasure. Keep your eyes peeled after dark!
• Tennessee Mine Tales: While the mine itself isn't open for haunted tours, the sheer history and stories of hardship and fortune associated with such a productive silver mine lend themselves to ghostly speculation.

Local Events & Festivals (Where Chlorida Comes Alive!)

• Monthly Gunfight Reenactments: Get your fill of Wild West action! Local groups stage thrilling (and LOUD) gunfights, typically once a month. Check local schedules!
• Old Miners' Day (October 11, 2025): This is THE event in Chlorida! Celebrate the town's rich mining heritage with parades, shootouts, live music, craft vendors, and all sorts of oddball fun. Don't miss it!

Lodging Options (Desert Dreams & Roadside Respite)

Chlorida's Own Charm

Look for unique local stays! Small, characterful inns or B&Bs sometimes pop up, offering a true taste of Chlorida. (Availability varies).

Kingman Motels (20 miles)

Nearby Kingman offers a wide range of familiar chain motels and budget-friendly options for a comfortable night's sleep.

RV Parks & Desert Camping

Several RV parks are in the Kingman area. For the truly adventurous, BLM land nearby might offer primitive desert camping experiences.

Dining (Grub in the Ghost Town & Beyond)

Chlorida Cookin' (If You Find It!)

Dining options directly IN Chlorida can be limited and rustic (think a local saloon or small cafe, if open). It's part of the adventure!

Kingman's Kitchens (20 miles)

Head to nearby Kingman for a wider array of classic American diners, steakhouses, and fast-food options to refuel.

Travel Tips (Surviving the Silver State of Mind!)

• What to Pack: Water, water, and MORE WATER! This is the desert, folks. Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sturdy closed-toe shoes for exploring rocky terrain are non-negotiable.
• Safety First: Watch out for old mine shafts if you're hiking off-trail (stick to marked paths around town). Respect private property – not all ruins are open for exploring. Desert critters like snakes and scorpions are around, so be aware.
• Road Conditions: Main roads to Chlorida are paved, but exploring side tracks or heading to Purcell's murals might involve dirt roads. Check conditions, especially after rain.
• Services are Limited: Gas up and grab supplies in Kingman before heading to Chlorida. Amenities in town are minimal, which is part of its charm!
• Embrace the Dust & Decay: This is a living ghost town. Things are old, rusty, and wonderfully imperfect. That's the point!

Nearby Destinations Within 30 Miles (More Desert Adventures!)

• Kingman (20 miles): Your hub for supplies and more Route 66 history. Check out the Arizona Route 66 Museum and Mohave Museum of History and Arts.
• Cerbat Mountains: Chlorida is nestled within these rugged mountains, offering scenic drives and potential for more remote exploration (for experienced desert adventurers).
• Hualapai Mountain Park (Approx. 30-35 miles from Chlorida, via Kingman): A bit further, but offers higher elevation, pine forests, and cooler temps if you need a break from the desert heat.

Recommended Duration of Stay

Half-Day to Full Day Trip: Perfect for exploring the main historic area, seeing the murals (if you hike), and soaking in the ghost town atmosphere. Many visit as a day trip from Kingman or as a stop on a larger Arizona adventure.

Target Travelers (Who Should Heed Chlorida's Call?)

• History Buffs & Old West Aficionados: If tales of silver booms, gritty miners, and frontier life get your heart pounding, Chlorida is your huckleberry.
• Adventure Seekers & Urban Explorers (Respectfully!): Those who love discovering forgotten places and the beauty in decay will find Chlorida captivating.
• Offbeat Travelers & Quirky Roadtrippers: If "normal" is boring, Chlorida's blend of history, art, and ghost town grit is a perfect detour.
• Artists & Photographers: The textures, the light, the stories etched in the landscape – it's an endless source of inspiration.

Keywords for SEO (Get Found, Get Ghostly!)

Chlorida Arizona, Arizona ghost town, oldest mining town AZ, Roy Purcell murals, Cerbat Mountains, Kingman AZ day trip, silver mining history Arizona, offbeat Arizona, Chlorida AZ attractions, Old Miners Day Chlorida.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Chlorida's Silver Soul: Echoes of a Boomtown, Rebirth of an Art Town" - Your audio deep dive into Arizona's past!

Suggested Podcast/Blog Topics

• "Chlorida, AZ: More Than Just a Ghost Town - An Artistic Awakening"
• "The Silver Veins of the Cerbats: Unearthing Chlorida's Mining Heyday"
• "Roy Purcell's Murals: A Psychedelic Journey into the Arizona Desert"
• "Legends of Chlorida: Lost Treasures, Ghostly Lanterns, and Donkey Mail"
• "Surviving and Thriving: A Modern Explorer's Guide to Historic Chlorida"