Tombstone Arizona

January 16, 2021

Looking for a nice day trip out of Phoenix or Tucson, Arizona? Then try Tombstone, Az. Yup, THAT Tombstone. The movie Tombstone starring Val Kilmer, Kurt Russell, and Bill Paxton was partially shot in the area. It's mega easy to get to Tombstone. Take the I10 south to Benson and pick up I80 North. Google Maps suggests that it takes about 3.5 hours from Phoenix, but if you drive super slow and stop a lot, I guess it does. It took us 3 hours 20 minutes leaving from Buckeye, AZ and stopping for potty and coffee.

The town of Tombstone is actually "real". There is a school district and everything. The old timey western part of the town is a strip of "downtown" and a few blocks to both sides. Less than 1500 people live in Tombstone today. Tombstone does nestle between Benson and Bisbee, with Benson being the nearest town with modern amenities like chain grocery stores and "brand name" gas stations.

So, what can you do in Tombstone? Well, shucks! Fun day trippin stuff! Most of the shops on the strip are curio shops. You can buy nifty hats, chaps, jewelry, t-shirts, touristy stuff that says you've been to Tombstone. There are coffee shops and bakeries, taco places and a steak house, Mexican restaurants and the like.

There are also two places that does "shoot outs". There are three shows a day and are super fun to watch. One has more comedy than the other. You can also ride on a horse pulled stagecoach. The stagecoach tour is mega nice. It's a slow Euler Circuit around the town. The driver gives you a history of the town and points out where all the action took place.

There is also a trolley tour. The people that run the trolley tour also do a ghost tour that starts at 6pm.

After touring Tombstone, I totally suggest a lovely horseback ride. The perfect spot is Ponyland Trail Rides. It's located on 643 W. Louis St. (520) 409-7611. They have 1.5 hour, 2 hour, and a sunset ride. The horses are soooooooo lovely and amazing. We took a relaxing 1.5 hour mosey thru a wash and the near back country. The trail is nice and easy. The horses are lovable and sweet. There is no cantering or galloping, the horses just ... stroll. It's the perfect end to a perfect day out.