Scenic Day Trip from Tempe: Exploring Arizona's Historic Copper Mining Towns of Superior, Miami, and Globe
Born in 1927 in the now-ghost town of Chrysotile, Arizona, my father instilled in me a deep fascination for the state's old mining communities—places frozen in time with rich histories of boom and bust. This personal connection inspired a nostalgic day trip from Tempe to the copper mining towns of Superior, Miami, and Globe. Though they've seen brighter days, these towns hold hope for revival. Arizona once led global copper production, employing thousands of miners, fostering thriving families, vibrant high school football games, bustling stores, and lively downtown social scenes. My parents recalled driving from Gilbert to Miami along old Route 60 in the 1940s and 1950s for dances—true hubs of activity. This Google driving map outlines our route and directions for the day.
The landscape shifted dramatically in the late 1970s and 1980s as copper prices fell, costs rose, and jobs vanished, leading to the inevitable bust. Families departed, businesses closed, but old-timers remained. Today, renewed interest sparks potential for reinvention beyond mining.
We began with breakfast at Back East Bagels, a Tempe favorite at the northwest corner of McClintock Drive and Southern Avenue. New Yorkers rave about its authentic bagels—the best in Arizona. With flavors like onion, egg, and plain, we enjoyed hearty breakfast bagels topped with egg and cheese for a satisfying start.
From Tempe, we drove east on US 60 (Superstition Freeway). Beyond the city, the highway splits amid stunning scenery: Superstition Mountains, desert flora, and the vast Tonto National Forest. In about 30 minutes, we reached Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.
Founded in the 1920s by Col. William Boyce Thompson to preserve plant resources, this 323-acre site is Arizona's largest and oldest botanical garden. Wander paths showcasing global desert plants, mountain vistas, wildlife, a creek-spanning bridge, specialty gardens, and towering trees. Highlights include the glasshouse, hummingbird habitat, barrel cactus display, Australian eucalyptus, and shady palm groves. Check their event calendar and seasonal plant sales.
Five minutes east on US 60 lies Superior, nestled at the Pinal Mountains' base and once a major copper producer. Mining has slowed, but the town charms with early-1900s buildings, tin-ceilinged boutiques, antique shops, and the anticipated Magma Hotel reopening. Stroll the quaint downtown, historic company housing, and neighborhoods to envision its bustling past. Recommended eats: De Marco’s Italian Restaurant and Los Hermanos Restaurant.
East on US 60, climb through the Pinal Mountains via tunnel and breathtaking scenery along the 1986-designated Gila-Pinal Scenic Road—a must-see. Twenty minutes from Superior, arrive in Miami, founded in 1909 by the Miami Land and Improvement Company for miners' families. Mining scars mark the land, but the downtown blends restored gems with reimagining potentials. Antique shops thrive on Main Street, and Guayo’s El Rey Café serves homemade Mexican classics like red chile burritos, enchiladas, rice, beans, and salsa—a must-try. Visit Bullion Plaza Museum for mining and cultural insights.
Seven miles farther east on US 60, discover Globe, Gila County's seat, laid out in 1876 for silver and copper seekers. Marvel at historic structures like the National Register-listed Holy Angels Church (1916) with copper doors and stained glass; neoclassical Valley National Bank (1909); Gila County Courthouse (1906); Butler Building (1901); Elks Building (1910); and Arizona Eastern Railroad Depot (1916). Now housing offices, coffee shops, boutiques, and antiques, downtown warrants a leisurely walk.
The return to Tempe offered spectacular sunset views over dramatic mountains, capping our hour-long drive perfectly.
