Big Jeep Tours proudly showcases the diverse landscapes and historic charm of Bisbee, Arizona, with 12 unique suburbs and a thrilling offroad trail in its repertoire. Each suburb offers a distinct flavor of Bisbee's rich heritage and natural beauty, ensuring that visitors can choose a tour tailored to their interests. Whether you're eager to delve into the mining history, explore natural scenery, or simply soak up the local culture, our tours are designed to cater to the experiences you're most passionate about.
OLD BISBEE
Nestled in the mountainous terrain of southeastern Arizona, Old Bisbee offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its rich history and stunning historic architecture. Established in 1877, Bisbee rapidly grew around its prosperous copper mines, becoming the second largest city west of the Mississippi, bustling with 25,000 inhabitants. Today, Old Bisbee retains its vintage charm through well-preserved buildings and winding streets that narrate stories of yesteryear. This historic section of Bisbee, full of architectural gems and tales of its grand past, continues to enchant visitors and history enthusiasts alike, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the essence of a bygone era.
OPEN MINE PITS
In Bisbee, Arizona, the landscape tells a story of transformation and industry, especially where the three open pits sit side by side—monuments to the intense period of open pit mining that took place from 1950 to 1975. These vast excavations now occupy the areas that were once bustling suburbs: Johnson Addition, Mason Addition, Jiggerville, and Lowell. As you travel along State Route 80, which skirts the edges of these massive pits, you can witness the scale of mining operations that reshaped the land and community of Bisbee. This dramatic alteration of the landscape serves as a vivid reminder of the region's rich mining heritage.
LOWELL
Lowell, AZ, is a unique glimpse into Bisbee's past, known for its classic autos and vintage storefronts brought to life by entrepreneur Jay Allen. Originally founded by Frank Hanchett from Lowell, Massachusetts, the town's residential area was eventually relocated to make way for the expanding open-pit copper mines. Our tour guide has a personal connection to Lowell, his family settling in the area back in 1913, offering an authentic and heartfelt perspective of this historic corner of Bisbee. Explore the charm and nostalgia of Lowell on your next Big Jeep Tour!
GALENA
Galena, AZ, a quaint suburb of Bisbee, boasts a unique historical tapestry woven during the era of World War II. The houses here were initially built for soldiers who played a crucial role in sustaining the mining operations that were vital for the war effort. These homes stand as a testament to a pivotal time in history. Named after the natural mineral form of lead, "galena," this area is also known for the Campbell Mine, which at 3,334 feet, is the deepest in the region. Our tour guide, a native of Galena, brings these stories to life, offering a personal glimpse into the community's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its past.
BRIGGS & TINTOWN
Briggs and Tintown are two of the unique suburbs of Bisbee, Arizona, each with its own distinctive character and history. Briggs, named after Charles Briggs, echoes the early days of Bisbee's development and retains a charming old-world atmosphere. Tintown, true to its name, once featured homes constructed entirely with tin roofs and tin walls, reflecting the resourceful spirit of its early inhabitants. Today, Tintown is also known for the famous Eco Oasis, a vibrant green space that contrasts with its historically metallic infrastructure, offering visitors a glimpse into the community's innovative transformation into a sustainable living area.
DON LUIS
Don Luis, AZ, is a captivating historical neighborhood in the heart of Bisbee, steeped in the rich heritage of the Mexican railway workers who played a pivotal role in constructing James Douglas’s first rail system. Named affectionately after Lewis Williams, the project supervisor, the area came to be known as Don Luis because the workers found "Luis" easier to pronounce than "Lewis." The homes in Don Luis stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and craftsmanship of those early railway workers, offering a unique glimpse into an essential chapter of Bisbee's past.
SAN JOSE
San Jose, Arizona, established in 1951, is the newest suburb of Bisbee and carries a rich post-war history. Originally developed to provide housing for soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Huachuca, San Jose has since grown into a vibrant community. It now hosts the Cochise County Administration Complex, serving as a key governmental hub in the region. This suburb blends its historical roots with modern developments, making it a unique and integral part of the Bisbee area.
NACO
Naco, Arizona, a small border town rich in history and cultural exchange, stands uniquely marked by significant historical events. It is home to Fort Naco, the last remaining border fort built in the United States, which served as a vital defense post during the Mexican Revolution. The town's Port of Entry is a bustling gateway, facilitating cross-border movement and fostering connections between the U.S. and Mexico. Naco is also notably recognized for being the site of the first aerial bombardment on U.S. soil by a foreign entity in 1929, a singular event that adds to its historical significance. Furthermore, the presence of the border wall in Naco is a physical reminder of the ongoing dialogue about border security and immigration. This blend of historical landmarks and contemporary issues makes Naco a fascinating destination for visitors and historians alike.
BISBEE JUNCTION
Bisbee Junction is a historic spot that used to be home to the Bisbee rail station. Now, it houses the Bisbee Airport and has traces of the old Douglas railway. This area is a great place to see how Bisbee has changed over time, from trains to planes. Visitors can explore and learn about its rich transportation history.
WARREN
Warren, Arizona, is a special part of Bisbee with a rich history. It was the first planned community in Arizona, designed with pretty streets and charming bungalow homes. This area is also known for a big event in history called the Bisbee Deportation, which was a major labor strike in 1917. Warren's layout follows the "City Beautiful" design, making it pleasant and organized with lots of green spaces and tree-lined streets. It's a beautiful place that shows a unique piece of Arizona's history.
BAKERVILLE
Bakerville, AZ, is a small neighborhood near Bisbee that has a rich history as a Serbian mining community. Many of the people who lived here worked in the nearby copper mines. When the mining company expanded the open-pit mine, several homes from Bakerville were moved to make way for the work. Today, it stands as a reminder of the hardworking miners and their families who helped build the area.
SAGINAW
Saginaw, AZ is a unique neighborhood with a fascinating history. The houses here were originally moved from areas that became open pits, and interestingly, the water pipes were installed in the attics to make these homes easier to move. Located just across the road from Dump #7, Saginaw combines practical ingenuity with a rich historical backdrop, making it a distinct part of the local landscape.
JUNIPER FLATS
Juniper Flats is a mountaintop offroad adventure spot sitting at an elevation of 7,005 feet. It's a perfect place to catch sight of local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Come explore the rugged trails and take in the beauty of nature from high above. It's a great spot for anyone looking to experience the thrill of the outdoors and the serenity of the mountains.