Ten Hours Through the Old West: Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac

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.

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Ten Hours Through the Old West: Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Phoenix
Operator
Historic Arizona Tours
Category
Sightseeing Tour

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.

  1. 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.

  2. Boothill Cemetery

    Visit Boothill Cemetery to see historic graves and hear the stories that define Tombstone’s frontier legacy.

  3. Lunch (included allowance)

    A stop for lunch is included in the day with an allowance provided up to the stated per-person amount.

  4. 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

THE HISTORY

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.

THE ARCHITECTURE

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.

THE DAY

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.

1
History BuffsAn ideal match: the itinerary centers on Tombstone’s Old West narrative, Boothill Cemetery and the historic mission stop.
2
Families with childrenAppropriate for families: the tour is listed as suitable for all ages and combines theatrical moments with quieter historical sites.
3
Day-trippers based in PhoenixA single-day excursion that consolidates key southern Arizona sights into a private, 10-hour outing.
4
PhotographersGood opportunities for heritage and architectural photography at Tombstone and at San Xavier del Bac during a compact, all-day route.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The tour runs 10 hours in total.

What’s included

Visits to Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac Mission, plus lunch with an allowance up to $15 per person.

Age suitability

The tour is listed as suitable for all ages.

Operator

This private sightseeing tour is offered by Historic Arizona Tours.

Booking Notice

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.

Ten Hours Through the Old West: Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery and San Xavier del Bac