About Phoenix Ghosts: Why We're The Best

Why We’re The Best

At Phoenix Ghosts, we delve deep into the desert’s most chilling stories, making us the best for uncovering the haunted history hidden beneath the sun-soaked surface. Our tours go beyond just spooky tales—we reveal the real tragedies and strange events that have left their mark on the city. With each step, you'll be guided by local experts who know the secrets of the Valley’s restless spirits. We offer more than ghost stories; we provide an experience rooted in the authentic, eerie history of Phoenix. When it comes to the otherworldly, no one else brings the city's haunting past to life like we do.
A tour guide holding a lantern

ROBERT CARTAGENA

Five Stars

SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND VERY INTERESTING. WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

02.14.25

Rachel Macias

Five Stars

We had such a great time learning about Phoenix history and the ghost stories that go along with it. Thomas was a wonderful guide and kept us interest...

02.08.25

Kathy Burghart

Five Stars

Guide was knowledgeable and personable. Tour was very interesting. Only suggestion for improvement would be to take tour group into the actual haunted...

02.06.25

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Who Is This Tour For?

The Phoenix Ghosts tour is for all walks of life. For those fascinated by the unearthly, this tour offers the perfect chance to explore the city’s haunted history, while tourists can enjoy the rich historical background and spooky atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if you feel a chill down your spine by the end—skeptics often leave with a new appreciation for the unknown. No matter your starting point, our tour will intrigue, thrill, and open your eyes to the ghostly side of Phoenix you never knew existed.
US Ghost Adventures Tour Guide

Guidelines

Remain calm.

Ghosts don’t hurt people. Poltergeists do, but hopefully we won’t meet any of them.

Be polite.

These spirits were all once living people. Please be polite if you're graced with their presence.

Do not provoke the spirits.

Being a ghost is hard enough, please don’t make it any harder.

Stay together.

Much as being the ghost of a cultural luminary might seem cool, we want to keep all our guests in the realm of the living, try to stay with us.

Watch your step.

To help us meet our above stated goal, please mind your step.

Our Founder

 

The founder of US Ghost Adventures developed a profound respect for history and storytelling through his military service and worldwide travels. These experiences shaped his belief in the importance of preserving the past and honoring the stories of those who came before us. At US Ghost Adventures, we’re committed to more than just sharing ghost stories—we strive to keep history alive and its legacy intact.

 

We proudly support the Phoenix Zoo and a variety of other charitable organizations. Our tours provide a unique way to explore the rich history and culture that continues to shape Phoenix today.

 

Real History | Real Hauntings

 

Phoenix’s haunted history is deeply intertwined with the real events that shaped the city. The original inhabitants, the Hohokam—meaning “those who have gone”—left behind an eerie legacy, their mysterious disappearance still haunting the desert. The Spanish flu swept through Phoenix in 1918, claiming many lives, especially children, whose spirits are said to still linger in the city’s oldest corners. Mining colonies brought with them danger and death, leaving a trail of tragedy that echoes to this day. Even the name “Phoenix” itself speaks of rebirth, a city rising from the ashes, but some souls never truly left. Our tour uncovers these dark chapters, revealing the haunting stories behind Phoenix’s past.

 

Exclusive Stories and Locations

 

Our extended tour takes you even deeper into the city’s haunted history, offering exclusive stories and locations you won’t experience on the standard route.

 

  • Orpheum Theater: A majestic venue with a chilling side. This iconic theater is home to not one, but four different ghosts, each with their own eerie claim to the space. From mysterious apparitions to unexplained sounds, this is a must-see stop for true paranormal enthusiasts.

 

  • Santa Fe Freight Depot: Infamous for Winnie Ruth Judd, who boarded a train here with some truly unsavory luggage. The spirits tied to her dark deeds are said to still haunt the depot’s halls.

 

  • The Ice House: Once a storage facility for chilling evidence of mafia murders, this building holds its own gruesome secrets. Many believe the Ice House itself is haunted by the victims of its sinister past, leaving a cold, unsettling presence within its walls.

 

Best Local Guides

 

At Phoenix Ghosts, we pride ourselves on having the best local guides who know the city’s haunted history inside and out. Our guides are not only passionate about sharing spine-chilling tales, but they’re also experts in the real events that shaped Phoenix’s spectral landscape. With their deep knowledge of both the city’s history and its ghostly residents, our guides bring each story to life, creating an immersive experience you won’t forget. They know the secrets hidden beneath the desert and the tales that most people never hear, making your tour with us authentic, engaging, and truly haunting.

 

Why is Phoenix so Haunted?

 

Phoenix’s haunted history is rooted in a mix of ancient traditions, tragic events, and hidden secrets. Long before the city rose from the desert, the Hohokam people mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a haunting legacy that still lingers. The deadly Spanish flu swept through Phoenix in 1918, taking many lives, especially children whose spirits are said to remain. The city’s rich mining history brought danger and death to early settlers, leaving restless souls behind. Add to this the underground tunnels beneath Phoenix, hiding stories untold, and the name itself—Phoenix, a city rising from the ashes of tragedy. These layers of history create a landscape where the past is never far away, and the spirits of those who came before still roam.

 

Some of Our Favorite Locations

 

Here are some of our favorite haunted locations on the Phoenix Ghosts tour:

 

  • St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Basilica: A stunning piece of Phoenix history, but with a dark side—floating apparitions have been spotted, adding to the eerie atmosphere of this sacred site.

 

  • Hanny’s: This once-bustling department store now holds a spooky secret—a creepy doll collection hidden away in the basement. Some say the dolls move when no one is watching, making this spot a truly chilling stop on the tour.

 

  • Hotel San Carlos: Famous for its ghostly history, this historic hotel sits atop an underground river, rumored to have claimed lives. Guests have reported ghostly encounters and mysterious happenings in this iconic, haunted landmark.

 

Interactive Experiences

 

We believe in making your tour a fully immersive experience. Our skilled guides don’t just tell stories—they’ll lead you through the city’s most haunted locations while engaging you with the spooky history that lies beneath the surface. Want to get even closer to the other side? For an additional fee, you can rent an EMF detector and search for ghostly energy as we explore. If you want to take a piece of the experience home, we offer a fun plushie ghost souvenir, a perfect reminder of your haunted adventure in the desert!

 

Featured In

 

We’ve captured national attention, earning features in prominent media outlets such as USA Today, Inside Edition, and MTV. Our dedication to uncovering the real, eerie history of Phoenix has made our tours a must-see for locals and visitors alike. These features highlight the unique blend of chilling stories and historical accuracy that make our tours stand out. When you join us, you’re not just experiencing Phoenix’s haunted past—you’re part of a journey recognized by major media for its authenticity and spine-tingling encounters. Discover what makes us the most talked-about ghost tour in the Valley of the Sun!

 

Photos and Experiences

 

Feel free to take as many photos as you want during our Phoenix Ghosts tour! But don’t be surprised if your snapshots reveal something chilling. Guests have captured strange phenomena, from mysterious lights to shadowy figures, hidden within their photos. The spirits of Phoenix may be more than willing to pose for the camera! Unlike other tours, we encourage you to document your experience—but beware, you might get more than you bargained for when reviewing your pictures. Keep an eye on your lens, as the desert spirits aren’t shy about making their presence known!

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