Step beneath the surface of Chrysotile, Arizona, on a 3-hour guided Underground Mine Exploration Tour inside the historic Eldorado and Victory Mines. These are the tunnels where chrysotile ore was once hauled out by rail to fuel Arizona's mining boom. You'll walk roughly 1.5 miles along former railcar access levels, navigating uneven ground, rail tracks, and occasional standing water as you explore the cool, dark tunnels.
Along the way, your guide points out ore shoots, rail lines, side passages leading to mined-out rooms, veins of chrysotile running through the rock, and artifacts left over from the mining days. You'll hear detailed stories about the miners' work, wages, and daily life, and gain a realistic sense of the conditions they faced underground. The tour also includes an off-road vehicle ride through the rugged canyon country to the mine entrance.
This tour is designed for adventurous guests who are comfortable in confined spaces, able to walk up to 2 miles, and able to climb in and out of an off-road vehicle. If you prefer open views and staying mostly above ground, our Chrysotile Lost Mining City Off-Roading Tour may be a better fit.
Location Tour begins on Highway 60 East between Globe and Show Low, at Mile Marker 283 (Wilds of Arizona - Ash Creek Canyon).
Tour Times Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Duration Approximately 3 hours.
What to Expect Guided Underground Experience: Follow your guide into the Eldorado and Victory Mines along established railcar access levels, covering roughly 1.5 miles on foot. Cool, Dark Tunnels: Feel the temperature drop as you step inside and explore a true underground environment—uneven rock, rail tracks, and occasional standing water rather than a polished museum walkway. Mining Sights & Geology: See ore shoots, old rail lines, side passages leading to mined-out rooms, and veins of chrysotile weaving through the rock. Artifacts of Mining Life: Watch for traces of the miners' days, including dynamite boxes, mine cars, and mineral deposits formed by seeping water—and the occasional bat overhead. Miner Stories: Hear detailed stories about the miners' work, wages, and daily life beneath Chrysotile. Off-Road Canyon Ride: Travel to and from the mine entrance by off-road vehicle through Ash Creek Canyon.
What to Bring Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes: Good traction is a must on uneven rock, rail tracks, and damp sections. Long Pants: Recommended for walking through the tunnels. Light Jacket or Layer: The mine stays cool compared to the desert outside. Water & Snack: A small backpack with water and a snack works well.
Comfort in Confined Spaces: You should be comfortable in the dark and in tight spaces, and able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain.
What's Included An approximately 3-hour guided underground mine tour of the Eldorado and Victory Mines. An experienced guide. Headlamps and a safety briefing. Off-road vehicle transportation to the mine entrance. Bottled water Free parking at the meeting location.
