Arizona Gold Mine Jeep Adventure
Arizona Gold Mine Adventure - Authentic 1880's Gold Mine & So Much More!
The Arizona Gold Mine Adventure departs from Carefree Sundial and heads eight miles North into Upper Sonoran Desert of Tonto National Forest. Smooth Pavement ends and off-road begins five minutes later as we slow crawl through Rackensack Canyon before ascending transition to Mountain Chaparral vegetation zone with absolutely breathtaking views up to 4500 foot elevation. The short ride to summit can be a bit dusty & bouncy but is exhilarating fun with entertaining narration and educational photo stops along trail prior to arrival at Mountain Top Studio/Gift Shop. Here you will enjoy complimentary refreshments with free time to relax on patio while taking in jaw dropping vistas or try your hand at Steer Head Roping and Horseshoes before continuation of tour. You now proceed down to the Gold Mine and are rewarded with historic tableau of 1800's artifacts excavated from the Ft. Worth Gold Mine site. This mine was part of the Historic Rackensack Mines which were instrumental in the founding of Cave Creek, Arizona. You will interact with your knowledgeable guide to learn about Old-Timers hard-rock Gold Mining methods and then with adrenalin pumping, you enter mine to experience their excitement first hand as you follow same vein of Gold that Old Rackensack chased in 1880. This exciting Old West Adventure is a true to life historical snapshot of how Arizona was really settled and one you will never forget.
Old Rackensack
Photo is purported to be Edward G Cave, better known as "Old Rackensack", who came to Arizona as a deserter from the Confederate Army in 1870 and was the colorful prospector for which the surrounding canyon is named. He discovered many of the area mines which he subsequently sold to miners who worked them. Old Rackensack was a philosophical sojourner who often penned eloquent letters to area newspapers detailing his many adventures. The publication of his witty exploits made him somewhat of a roguish celebrity during the era.
Historic Patented "Ft. Worth" Gold Mine
This mine is part of Historic Rackensack Mines which were instrumental in the founding of Cave Creek, Arizona.
Fully Narrated Tour by Professional Guide
Our expert guides share their love of Arizona with a wealth of knowledge. They will narrate each phase of the tour and are always happy to answer your questions.