BISBEE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Tombstone Canyon Loop: Along the Mule Path from Grassy Park to Lavender Pit Vistas
A 2.5-hour extended Mule Path hike out of old-town Bisbee that threads Zacatecas Canyon, passes miners' shacks and three open mineshafts, and finishes with sweeping views of the Lavender Pit Mine.
Tombstone Canyon Loop: Along the Mule Path from Grassy Park to Lavender Pit Vistas.
This is an extended version of Bisbee’s Mule Path that begins at the Grassy Park in front of the Bisbee Mineralogical Museum and climbs farther up Zacatecas Canyon into the lower foothills of the Mule Mountains. Along the way hikers encounter former miners’ shacks, three open mineshafts and grand overlooks of the Lavender Pit Mine and Old Town Bisbee; the return down Tombstone Canyon Road is punctuated by stories of the town’s layered past.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An extended Mule Path into Zacatecas Canyon
The loop extends the familiar Mule Path, beginning at Grassy Park and working upward through Zacatecas Canyon and into the Mule Mountains’ foothills — a compact alpine feel above town.
Remnants of mining life and open shafts
Along the trail you’ll pass what used to be miners’ shacks and encounter three open mineshafts, tangible reminders of Bisbee’s industrial past that frame the hike’s narrative.
Lavender Pit Mine and Old Town panoramas
The route delivers commanding views over the Lavender Pit Mine and sweeping sightlines back toward Old Town Bisbee — the hike’s visual payoff and a photographer’s reward.
What the day feels like
What the loop actually feels like
Over roughly two and a half hours the trail moves from a leafy town park into a canyon ascent and then into the foothills, alternating close-in historical artifacts — shacks and open shafts — with wide-open mining vistas; the final descent down Tombstone Canyon Road is accompanied by local history and stories that reframe Bisbee beyond its postcard ghost-town image.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this hike
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Hiking shoes and long pants are recommended; bring a camera to capture Lavender Pit and Old Town views.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where is the meeting point for the Tombstone Canyon Loop?
The hike meets at the Grassy Park in old town Bisbee, in front of the Bisbee Mineralogical Museum.
How long does the hike take?
The loop is a 2.5-hour outing.
What will we see on the trail?
Expect to pass former miners’ shacks, encounter three open mineshafts, and enjoy grand vistas of the Lavender Pit Mine and Old Town Bisbee.
Is any special gear required?
Hiking shoes and long pants are recommended; a camera is suggested for the overlooks.
Is the hike suitable for children or less-experienced hikers?
The outing is presented as suitable for all ages, but guardians should supervise children near open mineshafts and be prepared for roughly 2.5 hours on trail.