Private Tombstone Arizona and San Xavier Mission Day Trip
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore historic Tombstone, Arizona
- Visit the iconic Boot Hill Cemetery
- Discover the San Xavier del Bac Mission
- Learn about the Wild West history
- Enjoy scenic desert landscapes
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Phoenix
- Guided tour of Tombstone, Arizona
- Visit to San Xavier del Bac Mission
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Our first stop as we head into the wild west is the White Dove of The Desert; one of the Southwest’s best preserved missions at San Xavier del Bac. Founded in 1692, the San Xavier Mission is still in operation and allows guests to marvel at the ornate craftsmanship showcasing both Spanish and Native influences. Original frescoes and statuary are still on display within the mission for guests to admire as well.
We’ll head further south into the “Town too Tough to Die”. Tombstone was home to the true men and women of the West. Outlaws, businessmen, miners, and cattlemen flocked to the area in the late 1870s for their chance to strike it rich. The most famous lawman of Tombstone and the entire West was Wyatt Earp! Wyatt and his brothers originally came to Tombstone as entrepreneurs; however, with the increasing unrest, they needed to protect their investment in the mining industry and became lawmen. During the tour, guests will be able to stand on the very ground Wyatt Earp stood during the shootout at the OK Corral! While in Tombstone, you’ll have a chance to visit both sides of this “colorful” town. The original gathering spots for outlaws and gunmen who strolled into town were Big Nose Kate’s Saloon and the Bird Cage Theatre. The Bird Cage Theatre, which had the reputation as “the wickedest nightspot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast,” was a saloon, gambling parlor, and theatre show that provided entertainment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 8 years to anyone brave enough to enter. For those men and women who were “overly brave” and fell afoul of the law, they had to make a visit to the Tombstone Courthouse. Included in your tour will be the entrance to the museum at the Tombstone Courthouse, which pays homage to the brave souls who did their best to keep the peace in this rough and tumble town. True to the reputation of the Wild West, gunfights and stand-offs were a weekly occurrence.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was a 30-second shootout between lawmen and members of a loosely organized group of outlaws called the Cowboys that took place at about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 1881
Historic destination for Southern & Mexican fare, live country music & Wild West reenactments.
For those souls unfortunate enough to be on the losing end of those gun battles, they were buried at the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery. The cemetery aptly got its name from those who died with their boots on and were buried as such.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; pricing varies based on group size.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly.
- Tour duration is approximately 12 hours; ensure you have the time available.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a camera to capture the scenic desert landscapes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
Good to know
- Fold up wheelchairs/strollers are permitted
- No glass in vehicle allowed
- Service animals require proper documentation
- FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Any tours booked after 7:00PM Arizona time the night before the tour date might not be confirmed. You will likely have to meet at another hotel for pick up. Our office will contact you prior to 6:00am on the tour date.
- Adults must have an ID or Passport, as we will be traveling through a border checkpoint.
Traveler reviews
Tombstone-Fascinating, fun experience
To be frank, it's a a long drive from Scottsdale to Tombstone. But once you get there the history is fascinating, the true facts are enlightening and everything and everybody in Tombstone is a delight. We really appreciated our driver, Tracy, who was so nice, so accommodating and an excellent driver. It was a fun, relaxing day trip.
Tombstone was special
Nate was an excellent driver/guide who adapted the day to our needs. We saw the Boneyard, tombstone bisbee and Lowell His knowledge in particular of the Native American Indians was terrific 5 stars to Nate
Unforgettable
Had a fantastic day out with Nate our tour guide, we were driven around in the most comfortable of cars....this is the way to make memories to last a lifetime! He kept us thoroughly entertained and enlightened our our long drive there and back. We were picked up at 6 45am and then driven first to Saint Xavier, a stunning American South Western church. We had 90 minutes to take in the stunning architecture and explore the museum. Then we hit the road to drive to Tombstone and as a Brit I loved seeing the iconic place names on our drive. We arrived and was taken first to the Old Courthouse, the entrance fee was included in our private tour cost. This was one of the highlights of the tour, really gave us a sense of the history of Tomstone. Next Nate recommended Big Nose Kate's Saloon for lunch as he was not wrong. Great food, great atmostphere and great prices, loved it. We then had some free time before one of the gunfighter shows so we went on a stagecoach ride, great value at $8 each. Did some shopping and then headed to the show, we did the comedy one, would have liked to have done both shows, our only regret of the day. I think as it was quiet tourist wise, the show frequency times were reduced? We then drove off to Boot Hill, the cost also included in our tour fee. Very historic and goosebump making, real history in front of your eyes. Nate was a credit to the Detours company and we were so happy that we had him as our guide. Ask for Nate! We arrived back in Phoenix at 7.pm and can honestly say that the previous 12 hours were some of the best we have ever had and worth every penny of the cost of our private tour. Thank you Detours!
Australian in Arizona
Was an amazing tour. Tour Guide Mark was excellent and offered amazing commentary not just of Tombstone but of Arizona and the southern parts particularly. Anybody with an interest in the history of the west should definately take this tour
Professional and knowledgeable
Great communication and on time pickup from our hotel. Dan had answers for all of our questions about the scenery and could name all the mountains and plants/trees along the way. San Xavier Mission is a must see as well as tombstone. Will definitely use Detours again next time we are in AZ!