Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Arizona

Salero

A ghost town of unknown status in Santa Cruz County, Arizona.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Salero ghost town, Arizona
Photo: USGS (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

State
Arizona
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

The map remembers Salero long after the crowds moved on. Salero is a ghost town in the Santa Rita Mountains of Santa Cruz County, Arizona.

Santa Cruz County holds 13 documented ghost towns, including Alto, Calabasas, Camp Crittenden — Salero keeps them company on the map.

The story of Salero

Arizona's ghost towns are sun-bleached and honest — copper, silver, and gold camps that lived fast and died the moment the ore did.

Salero is a ghost town in the Santa Rita Mountains of Santa Cruz County, Arizona. As one of the best preserved ghost towns remaining in Arizona, Salero is located on private property of the Salero Ranch and is not open to visitors.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Salero is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Salero is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Salero FAQs

Where is Salero located?
Salero is in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Salero in?
Salero sits in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. See our full guide to ghost towns in Santa Cruz County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Salero?
Salero is a ghost town in the Santa Rita Mountains of Santa Cruz County, Arizona. As one of the best preserved ghost towns remaining in Arizona, Salero is located on private property of the Salero Ranch and is not open to visitors.
What remains at Salero today?
The on-the-ground condition of Salero is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Salero?
Here's the honest truth: access to Salero is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Salero, Arizona”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Santa Cruz County

See all 13 ghost towns in Santa Cruz County, Arizona