THE COURTLAND GLEESON TURQUOISE TOUR GALLERY

$275 Full Day Tour

$155 Half Day Tour

The Courtland Gleeson Ghost Town is the only pay-per-dig site in the State of Arizona where individual turquoise mining is possible or allowed. 

There are multiple mine sites and over 400 acres of exclusive mining rights. Some sites will produce botryoidal nuggets while others have bright blue veins and green turquoise.  The mine shafts are not open to the public but there is an abundance of turquoise in the tailings from which many gem grade pieces are still extracted.  

Access to the mining locations requires hiking approximately 4 miles and round trip with a moderate elevation grade. The location is approximately one mile above sea level so some physical exertion will be required.    Each tour participant will be outfitted with a day pack, two liters of water, trail snacks and a gallon size bag within which to collect specimens.

Because this area was a favorite mining site for native Americans long prior to Coronado's search for the Seven Cities of Cibola in the 16th century, you will see places where they mined and probably lived.  Along the way to the mine, you will see the mortars where the native Americans ground their acorns and wild grains. You might even find prehistoric pottery, stone hammers and arrowheads.  (Since these items are protected under both federal and state law, it is illegal to remove such items)

Along the way, your tour guide will provide you with the history of the area and information relating to the present-day challenges of preventing the loss of this site to commercial exploitation and desecration.  Along the way, you will also see the remains of miners' shacks and evidence of the equipment used to sort and measure the turquoise.

There are two tours.

Including hiking the full day mining expedition tour will consume approximately five hours; the half day mining expedition tour will consume 3 hours. 

Full day tour participants will, upon their return to the Courtland Reception Center, be treated to a sandwich, fruit and vegetable platter and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. 

On the return trip to Bisbee, the tour will stop at the historic Gleeson Jail and Museum.

This tour is by special reservation which is preferably made at least two weeks in advance of the requested date.  Although less than 4 reservations can be requested, the tour may be cancelled if less than a total of four reservations are made prior to the tour date. 

The tour commences at 7:00 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early so we can check you in.) Tour participants will meet at the Grassy Park in old town Bisbee where they will be transported to and from the tour sites. Approximate total time including transportation is 8 hours.  

Tour participants will be outfitted with hiking sticks, day packs, two liters of water and snacks. Hiking shoes and long pants are required. Long sleeve shirts, sunscreen and gloves are recommended.  This does not require mountain climbing equipment or technical climbing expertise, but some uneven ground and/or loose rock may be encountered.

Click on the picture to learn more about the tour and view photographs and videos taken by our team and tour participants.  

Click below to book your tour.

Please review the following statement of prohibited conduct / release of liability that each tour / hike participant agrees to as a condition of participation in this tour / hike. A separate waiver and release of liability form will be required by the site owner.