PHOENIX SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Ten Hours Through the Old West: Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac
A private, full-day sightseeing tour that brings Tombstone’s shootout drama and Boothill’s graveside stories together with a measured visit to the San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson.
Ten Hours Through the Old West: Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac.
Adventure brief
Ten Hours Through the Old West: Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac
This private, 10-hour sightseeing tour threads together two of southern Arizona’s most evocative sites: the raw frontier streets of Tombstone, complete with a staged shootout and a visit to Boothill Cemetery, and the white-walled San Xavier del Bac Mission near Tucson. The itinerary combines living-history moments, cemetery lore and mission architecture into a single, carefully paced day.
Set in the heart of southeastern Arizona, this full-day private tour offers an immersive exploration of two of the region’s most iconic landmarks: Tombstone and the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Starting in the legendary town of Tombstone, visitors walk the same streets where history was written in gun smoke and grit. Tombstone, famously known as the "Town Too Tough to Die," invites you to step back into the 1880s with reenacted shootouts on Allen Street and visits to authentic Old West venues. The centerpiece is Boothill Cemetery, the final resting place of many of Tombstone’s colorful characters, from outlaws to lawmen, whose stories reveal the harsh and sometimes violent reality of frontier life.
After a morning of rich historical engagement, the tour heads south to Tucson to explore the stunning San Xavier del Bac Mission. Known as the "White Dove of the Desert," this Spanish Catholic mission dates back to the late 1700s and stands as one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. Visitors admire intricate frescoes, handcrafted altars, and the serene desert backdrop that underscores the mission’s enduring spiritual presence. A delicious lunch punctuates the trip, allowing travelers to soak in the unique blend of Old West adventure and Southwestern cultural heritage.
What sets this private tour apart is its carefully curated balance between history, architecture, and local culture, all delivered with personal attention. The guides bring stories to life vividly, enriching your understanding of Arizona’s diverse past from Native American roots to the Wild West boomtown era.
Tombstone and San Xavier del Bac are both pillars of the Arizona outdoor recreation area, offering more than just sightseeing: visitors connect with the landscape, the ruggedness of desert terrain, and centuries-old traditions. This experience stands out as a gateway to exploring the American Southwest’s soul, where dusty streets and sacred mission walls tell the tale of resilience and transformation.
For travelers based in nearby Phoenix, this day trip offers an accessible yet captivating escape. Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking an engaging outdoor adventure with a unique educational twist, this tour fulfills those desires with authenticity and depth.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Stops on this private sightseeing route connect Tombstone’s historic core, Boothill Cemetery, a meal, and the San Xavier del Bac Mission near Tucson.
Tombstone — Main Street and Shootout
Walk the famous streets of Tombstone and watch the dramatic, staged shootout that recreates the town’s Old West moments.
Boothill Cemetery
Visit Boothill Cemetery to see historic graves and hear the stories that define Tombstone’s frontier legacy.
Lunch (included allowance)
A stop for lunch is included in the day with an allowance provided up to the stated per-person amount.
San Xavier del Bac Mission, Tucson
Explore the San Xavier del Bac Mission, a significant architectural and cultural site outside Tucson.
This is a full, 10-hour day that covers multiple stops; participants should be prepared for a long day on foot through historic streets and at outdoor sites.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Boothill Cemetery and Tombstone’s Shootout
Walk the same dirt-lined streets where the Old West still performs for visitors: a staged shootout on Tombstone’s main drag and a contemplative stop at Boothill Cemetery that codifies the town’s violent past.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
A stop in Tucson lets you explore San Xavier del Bac, a mission known for its historic Spanish colonial architecture and cultural significance in the region.
A Curated Full-Day Experience
The private format compresses Tombstone’s theatrical moments, a Boothill visit and a mission stop into a single, memorable 10‑hour excursion with a provided lunch allowance.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a long, deliberate day that moves from the performative bustle of Tombstone to the quieter, reverent space of Boothill Cemetery and then on to Tucson’s San Xavier del Bac Mission; lunch is provided as part of the itinerary with an allowance per person, and the private format keeps the pace focused and cohesive.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private tour suits best — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs 10 hours in total.
Visits to Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac Mission, plus lunch with an allowance up to $15 per person.
The tour is listed as suitable for all ages.
This private sightseeing tour is offered by Historic Arizona Tours.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 10 hours.
Which sites are visited on the tour?
The itinerary includes Tombstone (with a staged shootout), Boothill Cemetery, and the San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is included with an allowance provided up to $15 per person.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes; the tour is described as suitable for all ages.
Who operates this private tour?
The tour is operated by Historic Arizona Tours.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:33.402Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.