Jerome Ghost Town Tour: Haunted Arizona Adventure Transportation

Jerome Ghost Town Tour: Your Complete Guide to Arizona's Haunted Hill

Perched precariously on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is Arizona's most famous ghost town — though with a few hundred year-round residents, it's more accurately described as a "living ghost town." Once home to thousands of copper miners, this former boomtown now draws visitors with its history, arts scene, quirky shops, and yes, reported hauntings. A Jerome day trip from Phoenix is one of Arizona's most unique adventures.

The short answer: a Jerome day is priced by the hour, with free hours on long days. An 8-hour trip on the Luxury SUV (6 seats, $125/hr) bills 7 hours: $875 before tax, about $146 per person. A 12-hour Jerome-plus-Sedona day on the Executive Sprinter (14 seats, $145/hr) bills 10 hours: $1,450, about $104 per person. Book it as our Jerome and Prescott tour.

Understanding Jerome

The Basics

• Location: 100 miles north of Phoenix, near Prescott
• Elevation: 5,066 feet (Cleopatra Hill)
• Population: a few hundred year-round residents
• Founded: 1876 (copper mining town)
• Nickname: "The Largest Ghost Town in America"

The History

Jerome boomed during the copper mining era:

• 1876: First claims staked
• 1880s-1950s: Active mining operations
• Peak population: many thousands of residents
• 1953: Mines closed
• Population dropped to a few dozen
• 1967: Designated a National Historic Landmark
• Today: Artists' colony and tourist destination

The Ghost Stories

Jerome is famous for its alleged hauntings:

• Jerome Grand Hotel (former hospital)
• The Connor Hotel
• The Sliding Jail (moved by ground shifting from mine blasting)
• Various Main Street buildings
• Ghost tours operate in the evenings

Getting to Jerome

The Route Options

From Phoenix via I-17 (Faster):

• Distance: 100 miles
• Route: I-17 to Cordes Junction → AZ-69 to Prescott Valley → AZ-89A to Jerome
• Pros: Faster, less winding
• Cons: Less scenic

From Phoenix via I-17 and AZ-260 (Scenic):

• Distance: about 110 miles
• Route: I-17 to Camp Verde → AZ-260 to Cottonwood → AZ-89A up the hill to Jerome
• Pros: Verde Valley views, wine country on the way
• Cons: Longer, more curves

Why Professional Transportation?

The Roads:
AZ-89A between Cottonwood and Jerome (or Prescott and Jerome) is famously winding with:

• Hairpin turns
• Steep grades
• Dramatic drop-offs
• No guardrails in places

The Experience:
You want to look at the views, not focus on driving. Let us handle the curves while you enjoy the scenery.

Wine Tasting:
Jerome has wine tasting rooms. A designated driver is essential.

Jerome Day Trip Transportation, Priced by the Hour

Rates are hourly. 7+ hours earns 1 free hour, 12+ hours earns 2, 15+ hours earns 3. 8% tax applies. Checkout shows exactly what is charged today and when any balance is due. Tip is optional — 10/15/20% presets at checkout. It is never added automatically. Luggage and gear fit confirmed separately.

Classic Jerome Adventure — 8 hours

Vehicle: Luxury SUV or Executive Sprinter
Best For: Couples, small groups

Includes:

• Phoenix pickup
• Scenic route to Jerome
• 4+ hours in Jerome
• Return transportation

Jerome + Sedona Combination — 12 hours

Vehicle: Executive Sprinter or Limo Party Sprinter (16 Pax)
Best For: Those wanting the full experience

Includes:

• Full-day exploration
• Jerome exploration
• Scenic AZ-89A drive through Oak Creek Canyon
• Sedona time — see our Sedona red rocks tour
• Flexible itinerary

Haunted Jerome Night Tour — 10 hours (bills 9)

Vehicle: Luxury SUV
Best For: Ghost enthusiasts, the paranormal-curious

Cost: 9 × $125 = $1,125 before tax

Includes:

• Late afternoon departure
• Sunset arrival in Jerome
• Time for dinner
• Evening ghost tour (separate ticket)
• Late-night return

Sample Jerome Day Trip Itineraries

The History Lover's Day

Vehicle: Luxury SUV (couple from Scottsdale)

Timeline:

• 8:00 AM: Pickup from Scottsdale
• 10:15 AM: Arrive Jerome (via the Prescott route)
• 10:30 AM: Coffee and pastry at The Haunted Hamburger (yes, really)
• 11:00 AM: Jerome State Historic Park (Douglas Mansion)
• 12:30 PM: Explore Main Street shops
• 1:30 PM: Lunch at the Asylum Restaurant (Jerome Grand Hotel)
• 3:00 PM: Gold King Mine Ghost Town (just outside Jerome)
• 4:30 PM: Wine tasting at Jerome wineries
• 5:30 PM: Depart Jerome
• 7:45 PM: Return to Scottsdale

Cost: 12 hours requested, 10 billed (two free): $1,250 before tax

The Full Experience

Vehicle: Executive Sprinter (8 friends)

Timeline:

• 7:00 AM: Pickup circuit (Phoenix area)
• 9:30 AM: Arrive Jerome
• 10:00 AM: Jerome walking tour (self-guided or local guide)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch with views
• 1:30 PM: Scenic drive to Sedona via 89A
• 2:30 PM: Explore Sedona (2 hours)
• 4:30 PM: Scenic return via Oak Creek Canyon
• 7:00 PM: Return to Phoenix

Cost: 12 hours requested, 10 billed: $1,450 before tax — about $181 per person split eight ways, or about $104 each with all 14 seats filled

What to Do in Jerome

Historical Attractions

Jerome State Historic Park

• Located in the Douglas Mansion
• Copper mining history exhibits
• Town history and photographs
• Stunning valley views

Gold King Mine & Ghost Town

• Just outside Jerome
• Antique machinery, vehicles
• Actual ghost town ruins
• Great for photographers

The Sliding Jail

• Slid downhill after mine blasting shifted the ground
• Historic landmark
• Photo opportunity

Ghost & Paranormal

Jerome Grand Hotel

• Formerly the United Verde Hospital
• Alleged hotspot for paranormal activity
• Ghost tours available
• Asylum Restaurant on premises

Ghost Tours:

• Several operators offer evening tours
• 1-2 hour walking tours
• History meets hauntings

Shopping & Art

Main Street Galleries:

• Working artists' studios
• Local and Native American art
• Unique jewelry and crafts

Quirky Shops:

• Haunted-themed merchandise
• Antiques and collectibles
• Local crafts

Wine Tasting

Jerome has a small but growing wine scene:

• Caduceus Cellars
• Jerome Winery
• Cellar 433

Want more wine? Pair Jerome with the Verde Valley tasting rooms in Cottonwood on our Verde Valley wine country tour.

Dining

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May)

• Weather: Mild, 60s-70s
• Crowds: Moderate
• Best For: Comfortable exploring

Summer (June-August)

• Weather: Warm but not Phoenix-hot (80s)
• Crowds: Heavy (tourists + day-trippers)
• Best For: Cooler escape

Fall (September-November)

• Weather: Perfect (60s-70s)
• Crowds: Moderate
• Best For: Fall colors, ideal weather

Winter (December-February)

• Weather: Cold (40s-50s), occasional snow
• Crowds: Light
• Best For: Fewer crowds, atmospheric

Jerome Day Trip FAQ

Q: Is Jerome really haunted?
A: That's for you to decide. The town's history — mining accidents, hospital deaths — provides plenty of stories. Several TV shows have investigated.

Q: How much time do I need in Jerome?
A: 3-4 hours covers the highlights. A full day allows deeper exploration.

Q: Can I combine Jerome with Sedona?
A: Absolutely — it's a popular combination. The drive between them is stunning, and the 12-hour day earns two free hours.

Q: Is the drive to Jerome difficult?
A: AZ-89A has significant curves and elevation change. Our drivers are experienced with these roads.

Q: Are there restrooms and food in Jerome?
A: Yes, multiple restaurants and public facilities.

Q: What's the cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation terms depend on your date and booking; read the cancellation policy before you book. One free date change at 72+ hours. See our policies page.

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Experience Arizona's largest ghost town without navigating mountain curves yourself. Ready to book the date? Call our reservations team at (623) 986-6339, text (623) 986-6339, email reservations@scottsdalesprinters.com, or get a quote. Checkout shows exactly what is charged today and when any balance is due. Cancellation terms depend on your date and booking; read the cancellation policy before you book.