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Bisbee Downtown Tour - 90 Minutes

Large historic Copper Queen Library and Post Office building with arched windows and balconies in Bisbee.

Explore the Old Bisbee Historic District

See iconic downtown Bisbee landmarks up close on a relaxing, 90-minute Bisbee history tour. Perfectly structured for day-trippers, seniors, and families with kids, this mild excursion provides a comprehensive overview of how copper mines built our historic town. Relax in a comfortable Jeep as we navigate the unique main street shopping district, historic municipal architecture, and vibrant local art spaces that make our mountain town an eclectic Southwest destination.

$50 - Adult | $45 - Senior | $25 Youth | Under 13 - Free
Mild Travel | Private Tour | 90 Minutes

Meet Travis - Owner and 4th-Generation Local Guide

Travis Bishop wearing bucket hat smiling in selfie with gray Big Jeep Tours vehicle in background.

​Who is Travis?

"I’m a fourth-generation Bisbee native, born here in 1966. My great-grandfather 'GG' arrived in 1913 and worked the Lowell Mine, planting our family roots deep in this beloved town. After high school, college, and raising my family in Phoenix, I came home in 2015. Now I lead tours, sharing Bisbee’s rich history, hoping every visitor falls in love with my hometown as I have."

"I'm a 4th-generation Bisbee native who was born in Bisbee in 1966. My great-grandfather 'GG' arrived in 1913 and worked in the Lowell Mine. I graduated from Bisbee High School in 1984, went to college at N.A.U., and raised a family in Phoenix. I moved back to Bisbee in 2015, and I lead tours to share the remarkable history of my hometown, Bisbee, Arizona - because I think Bisbee needs more attention."

Itinerary at a Glance

Old Bisbee

Your Bisbee Downtown Tour winds through historic Old Bisbee’s steep streets lined with colorful miners’ homes, the town’s first jail, the iconic Lyric Theater, and the grand Pythian Castle, then dives into Brewery Gulch’s notorious red-light district with its scary stairs and lively bar scene anchored by Arizona’s oldest bar. Your guide, Travis, first watched 'Jaws' and 'Star Wars' in the Lyric.

 

Your tour continues up School Hill’s charming residential lanes before reaching the Quality Hill overlook with its panoramic valley view, then ascends to High Road’s stunning 150-mile vistas stretching deep into Mexico.

 

You'll descend to Quality Hill and learn about Travis' first kiss, admire the Catholic school, St. Patrick Church, and the county courthouse. You will finish your tour along vibrant Main Street and the shopping district, ending in the dramatic historic architecture.

Additional Helpful Notes About the Tour

What Do I Need To Bring on Tour?

  • Sun Protection

    • Bisbee is a little closer to the sun at around 5500 ft elevation for our tours. Hats are encouraged along with sunscreen and sunglasses.​

  • Layered Clothing​

    • ​Although average temperatures are generally mild, wind and different tour start and ending times could be chilly.​

  • Insect Repellent

    • Bisbee has No-See-Ums, especially during the monsoon season. Bring along a strong insect repellent or stay covered up.​

  • Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes

    • There is minimal walking of a few yards on some tours, with plenty of photo stops. Unfortunately, Harvester Ants call Bisbee home and pack a painful sting. Closed-toe shoes are a great idea.

  • Guest-choice Pickup​

    • We go to you - you can choose your pickup location during online booking.​

Booking In Advance

Cutoff: 1 Hour

Know Before You Go

Minimum age of participants is: Any

Maximum age of participants is: Any

Big jeep tours vehicle parked in front of the Carrick Hotel.

Pickup, Parking & Meeting Point

We Meet You Where It's Convenient

​Getting to your Jeep Tour is straightforward and stress-free. We offer a central meeting location in Old Bisbee, with free guest-choice pickup available within Bisbee city limits when arranged in advance.

Our Default Meeting Location is at 10 Copper Queen Plaza

This easy-to-find downtown location is our default meeting point and works well for guests driving in who want to park and walk to the default location.

If you're staying in town or prefer that Travis pick you up, we offer free pickup at any Bisbee city-limit location. Your pickup location could be a parking lot, restaurant, shop, hotel, or Airbnb.

  • Free and paid public parking is available near the meeting point

  • Please arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a relaxed start

  • Comfortable step-in access makes boarding easy for all guests

FAQS

Are tours private?

Yes! Every tour is 100% private - just you, your group, and Travis.

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How long is the BISBEE DOWNTOWN TOUR?

90 minutes with plenty of photo stops.

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What makes this tour different from the others?

This one stays right in the heart of Old Bisbee - the narrow winding streets, the impossible hillside neighborhoods, and the Victorian architecture that still feels alive. It’s the perfect “get to know Bisbee” experience without heading out to the mines or Lavender Pit (we save those for our longer tours).

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Will we hear any good stories?

Oh yes. Expect tales of rowdy mining days, local legends, and the eccentric artists who turned a ghost-town-in-the-making into one of Arizona’s quirkiest creative havens. Travis doesn’t just drive - he brings the town to life.

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Are kids welcome?

Yes - children under 13 ride free and usually love it.​

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What happens if it rains or the weather turns?

Rain and cold is no problem - the Jeep is enclosed and comfortable. We only cancel for snow or dangerous ice, which is rare. You’ll be notified as early as possible.

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Is this the best tour for first-timers? 

Hands down. It’s our most popular introduction to Bisbee. You’ll leave with a real feel for the town’s history, character, and hidden personality -  plus insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore afterward.

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Can I customize the tour at all?

We’re pretty flexible. Let us know in advance if you have special interests (photography, architecture, ghost stories, etc.) and Travis will tailor the storytelling and stops where possible.

Testimonial

Tour guide Travis was born and raised in Bisbee, and he is happy to share his hometown with his clients! Riding in a very comfortable Jeep, Travis will take you through both residential and business districts and share the fascinating history of the town. This tour is definitely worth your time and $!

Concrete covered rock stairs with rusty metal railing and old bed frame in front of red building in the red light district historic district.
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