Gold King Mine & Ghost Hunting Photography

UPDATE: JANUARY 2026

We travel here each year on our photography/ghost hunting tours.

Don Robertson has a well-known legacy that will never be forgotten in this town. When we arrived and saw his picture, we were in awe. It was as if Old Don was standing next to us, grouchy but with a smile and excited that we were there to experience our art’s creation and to show the world what a great artist he was.

We read some reviews from people who could not appreciate a location like this. As a group of photographers, we were boiling with excitement. We saw vibrant colors, composition, and photo opportunities galore! We spent half a day here, and that was the short version.

We could have stayed from sunrise to sunset to do this exactly right. We were excited about collecting past images and thrilled about the old cars and trucks we were about to add to our portfolio. We highly suggest this photography spot for all photographers. It is one of the top places to photograph in Arizona.

Article is not AI generated. We traveled here showing Pamela Goodyer and her camera.

Gold King Mine, Jerome, Arizona

Jerome, Arizona, was founded in the 16th century and was home to various Native American tribes. In the late 1800s, the area became popular for copper mining, attracting Spanish explorers and Anglo-American settlers. This led to conflicts with indigenous peoples and changes to the landscape. Despite setbacks such as fires and falling copper prices, the town thrived thanks to entrepreneur William A. Clark’s efforts. Today, Jerome is known for its thriving art scene and tourism, but it still carries a rich mining history.

GOLD KING MINE PHOTOGRAPHY

When we traveled to the Gold King mine, we spent 1/2 a day photographing there. The Gold King Mine offers many photography opportunities. Bring your tripod, circular polarizing filters, and wide-angle lens. There aren’t any moving waters here—just a plethora of colorful subject matter. There is no wildlife there, either.

Address: 1000 Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331

Phone: 928-634-0053

Email: info@goldkingmineghosttown.com

Fees below

GHOST HUNTING CAMERA GEAR & SETTINGS

Although this is a daytime shoot, you can do ghost-hunting information at night. This is a very haunted town!

WHEN TO GO

If you are ghost hunting at Gold King Mine, any time is fine, but traditionally, the best results are documented after 9 p.m., as they are not open at night. We like to go just before Halloween. We do more photography during daylight hours than ghost hunting. This is an excellent photography location with vibrant colors, textures and history.

DAYTIME PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS

When shooting during the day at the Gold King Mine, be mindful of the harsh sunlight. Consider using a lens hood to minimize lens flare and keep the colors vibrant. The ample sunlight provides excellent lighting for capturing the vibrant colors and textures of the surroundings. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to get the unique details of this historic location.

Look for interesting compositions and details, such as weathered wood, rusty machinery, and other artifacts that tell the story of the Gold King Mine. Don’t forget to take wide shots to get the expansive views and rugged terrain surrounding the mine.

Lastly, be respectful of the property and any signage indicating restricted areas. Always prioritize safety and follow any guidelines the Gold King Mine staff or owners provide.

WHAT TO BRING

A tripod, camera, circular polarizing filters, and extra memory cards are essential for taking photos. These items help ensure stability, control reflections, and provide ample space for storing high-quality images.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING

Please bring your organic bug repellent and a sturdy pair of hiking boots suitable for any terrain you may encounter on your hike. Also, it is recommended that you bring a backpack, long pants, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection to protect yourself from the elements.

Here is some nontoxic CBD Sunscreen.

Don’t let the propaganda fool you. Most sunscreens contain cancer-causing and endocrine-disrupting chemicals that wreak havoc on your health.

HOW TO GET THERE

Address for GPS: 1000 Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331 – GET DIRECTIONS

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY:

This is not too far from Sedona, Arizona. We photographed Sedona for three days, then went to Jerome and photographed for two more. You can photograph the town in the day and the haunted hotels at night.

JEROME STATE HISTORIC PARK 2026

Entrance Fees: Adult (14+): $10.00, Youth (7–13): $5.00, Child (0–6): FREE

Park and Facility Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily. Museum/Park Store 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily

Explore Other beautiful Arizona State Parks nearby

Verde River Greenway State Natural Area at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. 9 miles away.

Discover the history at Fort Verde State Historic Park. 23 miles away.

Hike through red rock formations at Red Rock State Park, 26 miles away.

Cool off in the natural water slides at Slide Rock State Park, 34 miles away.

Step back in time and tour the Riordan Mansion at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 75 miles away.

VERDE CANYON RAILROAD

Experience a unique journey through 110 years of history on the Verde Canyon Railroad Tour in Jerome, Arizona. Relax and unwind with modern comforts and views during this 4-hour, 20-mile excursion. Step back in time aboard our refurbished train cars and take in the beauty of Jerome’s landscape while sipping on a drink. Discover the magic of Jerome Tours and add this must-do activity to your list of things to do in Arizona.

WHAT ELSE TO DO IN JEROME

Jerome, Arizona, has endless offerings for travelers seeking a unique and captivating destination. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this former mining town at the Jerome Arizona Museum or explore the eerie depths of the Jerome Arizona Mine. Savor the taste of local wines at the renowned Jerome Arizona winery, and indulging in their wine-tasting experiences is a must.

ghost hunting and the paranormal smaller

The key to successful paranormal photography lies not only in the equipment but also in the photographer’s mindset. When venturing into spaces where negative energy or unexplained phenomena may reside, it’s essential to maintain a sense of calm and positivity. The camera becomes an extension of your awareness, and what the eye cannot see but the camera can.

Gold King Mine & Ghost Town

Address: 1000 Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331

Phone: 928-634-0053

Email:info@goldkingmineghosttown.com

Open every day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving & Christmas!

Monday – 9 to 5
Tuesday – CLOSED
Wednesday – 9 to 5
Thursday – 9 to 5
Friday – 9 to 5
Saturday – 9 to 5
Sunday – 9 to 5

Admission

Ages 5 & Under – FREE
Ages 6 to 12 – $7
Ages 13 to 79 – $12
Ages 80 & up – FREE

Pricing for Gemstone or Gold panning:

Pan for Gemstones – $12
Pan for Gold – $18

HOTELS

The Ghost City Inn – See Full details and images at our Jerome, Arizona Ghost Hunting Photography Page.

Stay nowhere but here! 541 Main Street (HWY 89A), Jerome, AZ 86331 • Toll-Free (888) 634-4678 • EMail • Reservations

From the front veranda, you will witness the surrounding splendor of old Jerome, the Verde Valley nearly 2000 vertical feet below, and the views of the terraced red rocks of Sedona. At night, these magnificent views melt away to be replaced by a lush tapestry of stars that one can only see when the “big city lights” are far, far away. Then, watch the sunrise over the Verde Valley as you sip a cup of freshly brewed coffee or simply lounge in your luxurious bed until breakfast is served.