Rediscovering Ruby: Exploring the Arizona Ghost Town's Forgotten Charms | Closing Soon!

Join us on a journey to Ruby, Arizona, a ghost town frozen in time. Explore its abandoned buildings, hear stories of its past, and uncover the remnants of a once-thriving mining community. Don't miss this town before it is gone.
Ruby, Arizona, nestled in the rugged landscape of the Santa Cruz Valley, holds a storied past as a thriving mining town turned ghost town. Founded in the late 19th century, Ruby experienced a brief but prosperous period fueled by silver and lead mining. At its peak, the town boasted a population of over 1,200 residents, along with schools, stores, and other amenities typical of a bustling community. However, as the mines began to decline in the early 20th century, Ruby's fortunes waned, leading to its eventual abandonment.
Today, Ruby stands as a well-preserved relic of Arizona's mining history, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. The town's weathered buildings, crumbling structures, and abandoned artifacts evoke a sense of nostalgia and intrigue, inviting exploration and contemplation of a bygone era. Among the most notable landmarks is the historic Ruby Jail, a sturdy adobe structure that served as the town's law enforcement headquarters during its heyday.
Visitors to Ruby can wander through the remnants of old homes, peer into abandoned mine shafts, and imagine life in this once-thriving community. Interpretive signs provide insights into Ruby's history and the lives of its former residents, while guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the town's significance. The surrounding landscape, with its desert vistas and rugged terrain, adds to the mystique of Ruby, providing a scenic backdrop for exploration and discovery.
Despite its remote location and status as a ghost town, Ruby continues to capture the imagination of adventurers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike. Its poignant blend of history, mystery, and natural beauty makes it a compelling destination for those seeking to uncover the secrets of Arizona's past. Whether wandering its dusty streets or marveling at its scenic surroundings, visitors to Ruby are sure to be transported back in time to an era of boom and bust in the American West.
VIDEO FILMED: 04/07/2024
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⚪ • Exploring VULTURE CITY...
⚪ • Historical Comparison ...
⚪ • ARTISTRY Meets HAUNTIN...
⚪ • The Lonely Lost Sectio...
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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

[@charlieredeemed]

I grew up in Globe/Miami and even worked in Douglas, Ajo and Nogales, Arizona with Homeland Security and the Border Patrol on Operation Copper Cactus, while I was in the Army. I've been all over Arizona and never heard of Ruby...Wow! God Bless and stay safe, from Tempe, Arizona🙏🏼✝️🫡

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, wow! How curious! If you're into these kind of towns, I hope you get an opportunity to visit. We're crushed about the idea of it's closure.

[@bonniepawlowske9080]

My dad was a rockhound, and we visited Ruby in the late 60s. I remember the schoolhouse, store, and old buildings. Fun times! Thanks for bringing back some great memories ❤

[@CactusAtlas]

Anytime! Thanks for sharing! 😄

[@davehargreaves6861]

Hey, Glenn! Next time you find yourself out in Avra Valley (near the Titan Missile Interpretive site) you guys should stay at our place.. It's a 'Glampground' geared towards Overlanders, and ADV motorcycle people.. Be happy to host you and Amy!

[@CactusAtlas]

Appreciate the offer! We'll definitely keep the offer in mind if we're back that way. 😄👍

[@user-vk7sn1ge5r]

Cara você tem muita coragem de rodar por um lugar desses sozinho kkkkkk boa sorte Cactus 😊

[@CactusAtlas]

😂 Neither of us are too terribly worried. Brave might be a bit too extreme. 😅

[@scotts3938]

Thanks for the fascinating history. I always try to imagine the people being there 100 years ago.

[@brigittebeltran6701]

Thank you for a wonderful tour. I've never been...but my daughter and hubby have camped there and loved it. Back in the 50's my step-dad Jose and his boss Bob Lennon surveyed the land...Thanks so much! 👍

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh neat! Kinda regret not camping there or having visited earlier than we did. 😔

[@ENJIMEEREBAY]

Thank you for another awesome production. I look forward to the next.

[@CactusAtlas]

Our pleasure! Thank you!

[@WillySmith-sd4em]

Thanks for the tour, it was great. Love the drone shots. Its funny, i was born in 1952 and my dad in 1919 and mom in 1923. Its hard to comprehend that 1930 was almost a 100 years ago. When i was a kid the civil war was a 100 years ago. Time is a funny thing.

[@CactusAtlas]

I hear you. So many times, I feel like I was just in college, but then I realize how many years it has been. 😅

[@WillySmith-sd4em]

@CactusAtlas ones perspective of time is always changing as the years go by too. Keep up the good work!

[@brigittebeltran6701]

💯

[@votrolacres8526]

“Almost world famous”? You need to ask people where they are watching from…maybe you are world famous! Another great explore, I do enjoy a ghost town. I hope it doesn’t close, I would love to explore that in person. Happy trails! 🇨🇦

[@CactusAtlas]

😂 It's mainly just a funny phrase we started as a joke. But KZbin does provide some data and we definitely do have viewers from around the globe. 😊 We hope Ruby doesn't close either but there are definitely challenges to keeping it running (like water and electricity on top of what we mentioned in the video).

[@susanasalinas4273]

Rediscovering Ruby is great. The buildings are certainly eye-opening. Thanks for letting me tag along. Hi Amy. Take care everyone.

[@CactusAtlas]

The buildings are amazing. I really hope they will continue to care for them if the town will be closed to the public. 😢

[@shirleyrichards2514]

Thanks for sharing the video, I do enjoy you narrativing about Ruby. So interesting. ❤ thanks

[@CactusAtlas]

Our pleasure!

[@rockweeks5697]

Excellent video of Ruby. Iwas born, raised and stll live in Tucson. I used to hunt that area around Ruby back in the sixties when I was in High School and I visited Ruby then for the first of many visits. At that time there were a large number of Hippies that lived a number of the homes in Ruby. That was a very interesting visit! At that time a Mining Company owned it and no watchman was present. Ruby has had more than a few owners over the years and was closed to the public for quite some time. The last time I visited Ruby was in 2016 when my wife and I spent a whole day there. We both enjoy all the Ghost Towns that exist in Arizona. Back in 1982 we wondered all over Southern Arizona following the directions in the book Ghost Towns of Southern Arizona in our '78 CJ5 Jeep. Most of those sites are noe closed off to the public due to vandalism so I'm really glad I got to see them and experience them when I did. At 73 my wife and I still enjoy finding and exploring many of yhe old mining sites and Ghost Towns that are still accessible. Now we travel the back roads in our "new" '01 Jeep TJ Wrangler! And to end, we both enjoy all your videos so keep up the good work, watch your six and take care.

[@CactusAtlas]

I've read about the people living there. It sounds like Ruby has had many lifetimes in its time. I just hope that it gets to see more days in the future as well. Thanks for commenting, and here's to more explorations! 😄👍

[@susanasalinas4273]

Such natural beauty. Seeing Dlim n Glenn bouncing around was funny. Great scenery too. Hi Amy.

[@CactusAtlas]

😂 I enjoy watching that too. Hello! 👋

[@diannemc3179]

Great vid!!! Well done. Lived here in Az 🌵for 50 yrs. Never been there. I am going in go check out that 96 ranch. That was another good vid👍🏻🌵

[@donaldpruett852]

I love your back country adventures. I've had many of them myself. One of my favorite off road drives is El Oso Rd. that traverses the Tonto National Forest from Hy 87 just North of the Saguaro Lake turn-off to the East. The majestic 4-peaks mountain range is clearly silhouetted against the Arizona skyline to the East. This road passes over that range to the North of the peaks and down the other side of the mountain to Tonto Basin and Lake Roosevelt. It's a good 4+ hour drive over some really rough road. 4 Wheel drive is recommended. Extremely scenic with stream crossings and glen's full of trees. At the summit are ponderosa pine trees and, yes, they are in Maricopa County and snowed on in the winter. Maricopa County in on the Western face of the mountain range and Gila County in on the East face of these mountains. Another good ride you might consider is the old mining town of Helvetia. A few miles East of Green Valley off Hwy 19 from Tucson to Nogales. Take White House Rd, East out of Green Valley to Helvetia Rd. Left to the mining town site. It was the filming location for the 1967 Paul Newman movie, "HOMBRE". Keep up your good work as long as you can.

[@CactusAtlas]

We're definitely trying to keep going. Appreciate hearing that at this time. 😊 Keep up those recommendations too because I'm loving the sound of what you described!

[@scotchkit]

Yay🎉. I am 1:12 so glad to have found you. I can't wait to watch more. I'm from Tucson. Been here 24 years. And my alternate home has been Alaska. I've even driven the ALCAN highway from AZ with 2 dogs and 2 cars while camping. The stories I have!

[@CactusAtlas]

I can only imagine those stories! And Alaska! Talk about totally different climates! How cool!😄

[@richardbeee]

As usual, a perfect blend of facts and history. Great photo! Like you, we enjoyed ourselves down there. A lot has changed in 40 years. Adobe is only good as long as the roof stays in place. Once that's gone, it starts melting. It was cheap to make. Sand, water, straw or weeds, and usually 2 or more feet. You could literally make it on site. If you look you can see where the roof was partially blown off, the bricks have been melted. I always loved that area. Right across the border, somewhere around there was the old lost "Planchas de Plata" lost mine. Plates of silver! Some weighing up to 70 lbs. I can only imagine stubbing my toe on one of them while looking for a place to relieve myself in the night. Absolutely full of old history! Thanks for the memories.

[@CactusAtlas]

Too many times we've seen the melting adobe bricks where roofs are missing. It's heartbreaking. But 70 lb silver?? Wowza! 😯😯

[@richardbeee]

@@CactusAtlas Arivaca is cool also. But it's not a true ghost. Lost treasure around there.

[@kathietee291]

Hello again from Tomball, Texas! I enjoyed this video, as I also love visiting ghost towns. I’m hoping they don’t close Ruby down before I’m able to visit Arizona again! As mentioned already, I also had a chuckle at the extra vibrato in Glenn’s voice as he traversed the bumpy road into town!

[@CactusAtlas]

🤣🤣 Just a plus of bumpy roads. We're hoping they don't close it down either. Would be a shame not to share the history. 😟

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That's a really cool town. It's too bad it might close. Can you imagine just owning a town? Even a ghost town?

[@CactusAtlas]

I can't imagine it all. Seems like it's a lot of work judging from what Brent Underwood experiences at Cerro Gordo or what the caretaker at Ruby said she deals with. 😵‍💫

[@jessiemarie3147]

I love this area, great camping, middle of nowhere which I like.

[@CactusAtlas]

It really is! Beautiful landscape there. 😊

[@jeffchandler3390]

Fyi, what you're referring to as plaster on the outside walls is actually stucco. I've lived in AZ most of my life and known about Ruby for many years, but I've never been there. So I'm enjoying your tour.

[@CactusAtlas]

Glad to bring Ruby to you, and thanks for the info! 👍

[@jeffchandler3390]

@@CactusAtlas you have a new subscriber.

[@cowboygeologist7772]

What an ultra cool video. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@Hystatic517]

24k subscribers now! so glad your channel is growing and I wish you the best, great vid and keep up the awesome work!

[@CactusAtlas]

Man, thanks so much!! It's been a journey since we first started. Not always terrific but definitely fun. 😅

[@Rfk1966]

Be sure to stop at the bar in Arivaca. Friendly place and a source of local knowledge

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks. We'll probably be going one more time before they close just for fun. 👍

[@t-bone9403]

Gitanos, oldest bar in Arizona

[@joesmith1922]

Thanks for a really interesting video. Keep 'em coming...and please be careful!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks, will do! 😄

[@ericsimpson1176]

I got to go to Ruby about 12 years ago,great place

[@CactusAtlas]

It really is. So many old ghost towns are slowly disappearing and this one is such a gem.

[@robertlyman9789]

Amazing how cool temps were in adobe homes

[@CactusAtlas]

It's always so surprising to feel the difference in temp when walking inside. 😅

[@timothylinn]

I know Glenn has an interest in mining and mining history. I just listened to an award winning podcast called The Richest Hill about the history of Butte's mining history (and the Superfund site that it became). It's very good. If he hasn't already listened to it, the podcast might make interesting listening while he's in route to his various adventures.

[@CactusAtlas]

Very cool! Appreciate the recommendation! 😊👍

[@ritajennings334]

Hi, Glen. I’ll be going there tomorrow with friends. Thank you for the Video or else I wouldn’t know this place. Ruby will be closing June 3rd.

[@CactusAtlas]

Yup. We're hoping the owners change their minds. Hope you have a fantastic visit! 😄👍

[@ritajennings334]

@@CactusAtlas the good part, I can take my dog, Tia

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

Hail! from Golden Valley Az.....we enjoy your adventures! Our golden poppies are just starting to bloom....Hence....our namesake....keep it 'tween the ditches!"

[@CactusAtlas]

Those poppies are a welcome sight come spring. Love them coloring the hills. 👍

[@miketrusky476]

Use to go fishing near there as a kid, Grandad always wnted to buy the mine, said "One day they will find a lot of wealth there". Back in 1956we kids use to play there, Mexicans who didnt speak english ran some cows. Always wondered what happened there left the state years ago to workbon other mines.

[@gstiles7]

WOW, this was quite the hidden gem! The fact that it's mainly a dirt road and you must make an appointment, I would think, is why this place isn't as well known unless you're really into ghost towns. When you tapped on those walls, I hoped some critter would come out for a jump scare. 😂

[@CactusAtlas]

🤣 I can see it in my mind. That would have been hilarious!

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

I use to own a Victorian house built in 1882 and it was wired for electricity when it was built....Leadville Colorado.....Silver Capital of Colo

[@dieseldirtdude]

servel refrigerators are popular in backcountry operations, they run on propane

[@CactusAtlas]

That's what I saw when I was trying to date that fridge. I had no idea prior to editing! 😄

[@freedomforever1962]

😂 Oh look..... looks like my school room. 😊... happy memories.

[@bobc8649]

Please spend some time in Chochise County while you’re in the area. The actual Geronimo surrender site among many others.

[@CactusAtlas]

We've spent time in the past in Cochise County and plan to return many more times. The Geronimo surrender site has been something we've thought about for a while. 👍

[@happyhotspring3501]

Believe it or no, that old Servel refrigerator used Kerosene, natural gas or LPG. They were the best you could get if you did not have readily available electricity or stored winter ice.

[@baronessbooks9909]

Great job and somehow you have good sponsors commercials.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! We don't get to choose commercials unfortunately. 🙃

[@freedomforever1962]

​@@CactusAtlas The commercials are cool 🙌🏼......

[@stevenrafters7817]

Those old refrigerators ran off propane

[@CactusAtlas]

I was reading about that while editing! I couldn't quite find a matching model to date it but seems like some people really seek them out! 😯

[@stevenrafters7817]

They are popular with people who collect them. There were several models and they also buy parts. I grew up in Arizona and have seen many. I actually used one on a remote ranch I worked on

[@rjkeenan8955]

Tailings are the left over materials (rock) from a mining operation.

[@aarondrake9972]

Great video...but how did you not go down by the lake

[@CactusAtlas]

We have a terrible habit of overplanning and creating an unrealistic schedule so Glenn often feels rushed when filming. More often than not we're filming two videos in a day. 😅

[@audreyallsbrook7692]

My great grandparents are buried in Ruby

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, wow! Thanks for sharing!

[@user-vk7sn1ge5r]

Parece aqui com o nordeste do Brasil 😊

[@RoadTrekker866]

Wonderhussy was there three years ago.

[@JayDeeBerryman]

When will the new in depth video on the murders be released?

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, gosh. Still a work in progress sadly. Our more in depth history style videos take a bit longer due to the research involved which has to be squeezed in between other filming, editing, and well... life. 😅 Still have intentions to do a video on the subject though! 👍

[@JodyM2]

Circa '88 I went into a Cave on the other side of the Freeway near madera Canyon all the way down to the water. Check it out

[@CactusAtlas]

Cave of the Bells? Or a different cave? 🙂

[@JodyM2]

@@CactusAtlas I believe so, the guys I went with probably did not know what it was called

[@robertlyman9789]

Looked like a possible adit behind shaft area

[@CactusAtlas]

Could be! Didn't really notice at the time.

[@johnfalkenstine8377]

Border vigilantism is a huge problem in this area. I have found them by Sasabe as well. Invariably, they're nutcases. I always carry water in my truck for assistance.

[@CactusAtlas]

Yeah, from what we heard, the vigilantism and trespassing is enough of a problem that an old ghost town has to be closed to the public for safety (or at least, so we gathered). I guess I'm just bitter since only one of us got to visit Ruby before closing. 😔 I just hope that the town will still be looked after by someone and the buildings not allowed to be destroyed. Kudos for that water though! 👍😊

[@bosch3540]

Think I'll pass on the composting toilet. Otherwise, theres always one.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Several years ago when my wife and I lived in Green Valley we went “exploring” one day. We began our journey on the I-19 end and wound up in Arivaca many hours later. Did I mention we were in our bone stock MINI Cooper… Yes we we’re approached by an illegal just past Peña Blanca Lake, most of southern Arizona is a hotbed of illegal activity so be careful when wandering the backcountry.

[@user-vk7sn1ge5r]

Ei cara nesas cabanas moravam pessoas?

[@CactusAtlas]

People indeed lived in this town once. 🙂

[@oldworldmusic]

What's up with the owner , there closing it down to the public in July 2024 forever , even posted hostile stuff about what they'll do to tresspassers , not sound friendly at all , and they get grants from the state , taxpayers flipping the bill for work on private property , they have a go fund me on there page , founds like a free loader , the road thru there is not private , did he lose his non profit status ? why are there negative outcomes on the work that was done , use of modern materials is not restoration , did that get the owner in trouble ? Sound like a real mess is about to unfold . can someone who knows the story fill us in on this ?

[@CactusAtlas]

We relayed what was told to us in this video. They have had issues with vigilantes with firearms trespassing onto the property - neither of which the owners wish on their land. The caretaker has been taking care of it but I imagine it becomes a question of safety at some point.

[@oldworldmusic]

@@CactusAtlas I , I have many great idea's on how to deal with that . I had problems like this in Christmas Valley Oregon , cause it was way out in the middle of knowhere . fake semi automatice gun fir thru loud pa speakers once every 30 min .

[@robertlyman9789]

See any new comers?

[@RivhardDavenport]

NOBODY FOUND ANYTHING!!!!

[@MissAstorDancer]

Loving your content so much, as I always do, Glenn! But I've gotta say something to you that is really bothering me. It's a bit personal, so I hope you won't be offended and will take it in the spirit its given, which is LOVE and CONCERN. OK? So, I am really worried about that spot on your cheek. There. I said it. ❤‍🩹❣

[@CactusAtlas]

With love and respect, I'm glad you said it. I've been after Glenn for a while now about it. 😢

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@CactusAtlas Am I the only one who has mentioned it? I have wanted to mention it for a while now. Maybe now that I've put it out there, others will chime in and say........GLENN, go to a dermatologist right away!!!! We all love you and NEED you!!! Thanks, Amy, for the reply! I know you are also concerned, obviously.