12 City Tour
Adult $140, Senior $127, Youth $70, Under 13 Free (tax included)
The 12 City Tour is a four-hour, pavement-only Arizona jeep adventure that visits the 12 distinct suburbs of modern Bisbee, Arizona. Each suburb began as a separate city in the Bisbee area, and the tour travels over 30 miles. The 12 City Tour visits Old Bisbee, the Lavender Pit, Lowell, Saginaw, Galena, Briggs, Tintown, Don Luis, San Jose, Naco, Bisbee Junction, Warren, and Bakerville. Major attractions include Old Bisbee and its narrow streets surrounded by historic architecture, the Lavender Pit and its copper mining history, Lowell and its classic automobiles and storefronts, Naco and its legendary fort and border wall, and Warren with the oldest operating multi-functional ballpark designed by Charles Comiskey.
Join us for a deep and comprehensive look at Bisbee, Arizona, and discover why its rich history is far greater than most visitors imagine.
Quick Facts
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Duration: 4 hours
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Tour type: Private, narrated
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Route: Old Bisbee → Lavender Pit overlook → Lowell → Galena → Briggs → Tintown → Don Luis → San Jose → Naco → Bisbee Junction → Warren → Bakerville → Saginaw
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Group: Private tour, up to 4 guests
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Pace: Easy; stop-and-see format with photo breaks
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Pickup: Free within Bisbee; default meeting point at 10 Copper Queen Plaza
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Mobility: Easy step-in access (step stool available also); let us know any needs in advance
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Restrooms: Available near start/end points and as requested along the way
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Weather: We run in all weather except snow and ice; we’ll advise if conditions change
What you’ll see (the 12 Bisbee neighborhoods)
This route links Bisbee’s major boroughs (Old Bisbee, Warren, Lowell, San Jose) and historic smaller neighborhoods long recognized by local guides and references—Galena, Bakerville, Tintown, Briggs, Saginaw, Don Luis, South Bisbee, Bisbee Junction—to tell how miners, families, and merchants shaped the Mule Mountains.
Old Bisbee
Colorful hillside homes, stairways, and landmark architecture near the Copper Queen Mine.
Lavender Pit Overlook
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Safe roadside overlook on the rim (we do not enter the pit)
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Clear explanation of open-pit copper mining and visible rock colors
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Where the Lavender Pit fits into Bisbee’s timeline
Lowell (Erie Street)
Time-capsule storefronts and classic cars along Erie Street; views toward the Lavender Pit and Evergreen Cemetery.
Warren
The first planned community in Arizona history, Warren Ballpark, and early baseball lore along wide, stately avenues.
Naco
Bisbee's border connection and port-of-entry to Mexico, Fort Naco, and the site of the first foriegn aerial bomber in American history.
Bisbee Junction
Another border wall neighborhood that was once the home of the Bisbee Railway station.
Saginaw
The houses picked up and moved from the open pit valley to make room for the blasting of the eventual Lavender Pit.
Galena
The neighborhhod built for the WW2 soldiers who were sent to Bisbee to resue the copper mining since the Bisbee miners were drafted and sent to war.
Briggs
Another community built to house the WW2 soldiers.
Tintown
A town built of homes that were all made with tin roofs and tin walls.
Don Luis
The town built by the Mexican railway workers in 1891 who couldn't promounce "Lewis".
San Jose
The largest Bisbee community that house the Cochise County services complex.
Bakerville
More houses moved from the open pit valley and eventual home of the Srbian mining community.
Pickup, Parking & Meeting Point
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Free pickup at hotels, rentals, and common spots within Bisbee city limits
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Default meeting point: 10 Copper Queen Plaza
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Coming by car? Read our Parking Tips for easy options near downtown
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If you prefer, we can start and end near your lunch or shopping plans
When to Go
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Morning: Cooler temperatures and clear ridge views
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Late Afternoon/Sunset: Softer light; good for photos and possible wildlife sightings
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Tour operates year-round; let us know comfort needs and timing preferences
What to Bring
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Water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes
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Camera or phone for photos
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A light jacket in cooler months
FAQs
What is the 12 City Tour?
The 12 City Tour is Big Jeep Tours’ most comprehensive pavement-only mild tour experience. It’s a private, street-only Jeep tour that covers all 12 suburbs of Bisbee, Arizona, over roughly 30 miles. You’ll see historic neighborhoods, mining landmarks, scenic overlooks, ghost lore, local art, and learn the stories behind it all.
How long is this tour?
Expect about 4 hours total. The exact duration may vary depending on stops, questions, traffic, and how much time you spend photographing.
Do you go off-road?
No, we travel on pavement only over 30 miles and stop several times for photo opportunities.
Do you go into the Lavender Pit?
No. We stop at a safe overlook on the rim for views and explanation.
Where do we meet?
Free pickup within Bisbee city limits or meet at 10 Copper Queen Plaza.
Is it suitable for limited mobility?
Yes. Easy step-in access; let us know any needs when booking.
What if the weather changes?
We monitor conditions and will update you if a schedule change is needed. This is a mild tour that can handle most weather situations with the climate-controlled jeep.