Take a walk to the ruins of the historic Grand Central Mill with Friends of the San Pedro River docent Merle Kilpatrick. During the Tombstone silver boom, this stamp mill operated 24 hours a day, processing the ore brought in from Tombstone by wagons. Learn about the mining history of the area and take a three-mile round trip walk to the mill site. This walk follows an uneven dirt and gravel trail.

There is limited shade, and it will be hot on sunny days. Please realistically assess your ability to do this walk. Wear a hat, sun protection, appropriate clothing, and sturdy shoes. Bring water and snacks.

This tour meets at the Fairbank Townsite, which is along Highway 82, 10.0 miles east of the Highway 82/90 intersection in Whetstone. The entrance to the parking area is on the north side of the highway about 0.5 mile east of the San Pedro River bridge. The tour will meet near the Schoolhouse Museum just inside the Townsite. Park in the outer lot and use the fenced trail to walk to the schoolhouse. “Fairbank AZ” is directly searchable in Google Maps.

For more information, call (520) 508-4445 or email fspr@sanpedroriver.org. Hosted by the Friends of the San Pedro River.