Tombstone Travel Forum

This will be our first time to Arizona. We are planning a couple days at the Grand Canyon, then a day or two at Tombstone.

Besides the gunfight, what are some "must see's" or is there a recommended place to stay. will one night/2 days be enough for Tombstone, or should we plan on more time.

Help....... any information will be appreciated.

PA Sue,

My wife and I lived in Arizona for 7 years (in Tucson), and I'd have to say that one day (and perhaps no night) is plenty for Tombstone. It is not that big--pretty much one main street, and the "gunfight" is in a fenced off area to ensure paying admission. However, there are interesting things in the area. For example, one of the most pristine cave systems in the U.S. was opened for tours there a few years back. See the link below: http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html

I agree - either a night or a day but not really both. We stayed at the Best Western on the edge of town - close enough to walk in for the evening though. Even better I would suggest staying in Bisbee for two nights and making Tombstone an easy day trip from there.
Julie

Do you realise hoe far apart the Grand Canyon and Tombstone are?
Tombstone is NO big deal and really not worth the looooog drive! I would stop in Flagstaff, Sedona, explore/relax and visit Oak Creek canyon,Montezuma's Castle etcThey are all along the way to/from the grand Canyon

We will actually be staying in Mesa, so I figure Sedona/Grand Canyon is 3-5 hours north, then Tombstone is about 2 miles from Mesa (east) correct? yes, I know it's far but my husband REALLY wants to go to Tombstone. His late mother went about 5 years ago and talked about it alot, so he wants to see it too. I just didn't know if there was anything else around the area.

You are in the outskirts of Pheonix! Is there anything else? Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, even Fountain Hills was kind of cool. After the Grand Canyon, traveling between, go to Sedona and Flagstaff. Arizona is a great state.

I live in Queen Creek which is fairly close to Mesa. The Apache Trail drive through the Superstition Mountains is a wonderful day trip. Excellent scenery. I recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Look up Tombstone-it has a web site-it is way past Tucson!!!!!That's more than 2 miles from Mesa!!!!!!!You can go to Mexico for the day once you are that far soouth!

yes Nogales is fun shopping and bargaining!

sorry.......... meant to write 2 hours not 2 miles. knew it was that far, but like I said before, it's a must do for my husband! the other sites, mountains, museums, etc will be my pleasures!

so do your must see, evidently the reason for your visit, but yes many other things for you to do besides that, your trip to the canyon will leave open many of the above suggestions, around Pheonix many more, and tuscon itself is quite nice.

I've been to Tombstone a few times because other people I'm with want to see it and I always enjoyed it. Go to the saloons, the courthouse, boothill and the main street. Its not Virginia City or Bodie but its fun for a day. As someone else suggested also go to Bisbee and take the mine tour, very interesting.

According to Mapquest, Tombstone is 185 miles and three hours from Mesa.

I think a half day in Tombstone will be *plenty*.

A couple of days in Tucson would be well spent. Be sure to see Mission San Xavier del Bac just outside of Tucson on the Tohono Odom reservation. It's one of the top sights in the state.

Enjoy Arizona!

check out my Arizona travel pages. We did a week long tour and managed to see many amazing and varied places. Glad we called in at Tombstone but we missed the shoot out so you need to plan your times carefully if it's a must see on your list.

KQ