Dog Rack? We think they are hunting for a T. North of Black Canyon. Kathy Alexander.
Chloride – A Ghost Town and Then Some
Haunted Red Garter Bed & Bakery
Joseph City & the Jackrabbit Trading Post
Museum Club’s Unearthly Guests
You Know You’re in Arizona When …
Bedrock City at Valle, Arizona, Kathy Weiser-Alexander.
Bedrock City
Yaba-Daba-Doo! The Flintstones still exist in Valle, Arizona! Though in this age of high-tech video animation and Jurassic Park dinosaurs that threaten to consume you, the children might not be awe-inspired by this roadside attraction. Still, for those who grew up with the Flintstones or love a “vintage” roadside attraction, here it is!
Built in 1972 on the flat, arid plains south of the Grand Canyon, don’t worry about the dinosaurs eating you here – heck, they don’t even move. In the “Theme Park,” you will find friendly and brightly painted statues of your favorite Flintstones characters, along with a man-made volcano, Flintstone mobiles, and brightly colored Bedrock buildings, including the homes of Fred and Barney.
Kids can take a stone age train ride through the park. While you’re there, be sure to slide down the tail of the giant Brontosaur, just like Fred used to do during the intro to the Flintstones episodes.
Fred’s Diner.
Bedrock also provides one of the many Grand Canyon area trading posts with all manner of souvenirs; you can spend the night in their campground or satisfy your hunger at Fred’s Diner, including items such as Bronto Burgers and Gravelberry Pie. If for no other reason, stop for Bedrock’s 5-cent coffee, which they’ve served at the same price since day one.
Bedrock City is located halfway between the Grand Canyon and Williams, Arizona, at the junction of AZ 64 and US 180 in Valle.
Contact Information:
Bedrock Arizona
101 S Hwy 180
Williams, Arizona 86046
928-635-2600
Chloride – A Ghost Town and Then Some
Chloride, Arizona Rock Murals
Chloride, Arizona, has a rich mining history beginning in the 1860s. Today, it is the oldest inhabited mining town in the state of Arizona, still home to about 300 full-time residents. Between 1900 and 1920, some 75 mines were in operation in the area. Officially a ghost town, Chloride sports a couple of quirky attractions in addition to its historic buildings and rich mining past.
During the counterculture period of the 1960s, a band of hippies led by Roy Purcell made their home in the hills just east of Chloride. During their stay, Roy painted what is now known as the “Chloride Murals”- 2,000 square feet of rock paintings on the boulders and cliff faces of the Cerbat Mountains. Over the years, this now famous artist has returned to redo them several times. In this same area, there is also a scattering of ancient petroglyphs.
Inside the town, Chloride also boasts numerous yard art displays. As the kind lady at the tourism office told us, these range from “yard art” to “yard junk.” Unable to have gardens in the desert heat, Chloride’s residents have resorted to artistic and trashy decorations.
Yard Art in Chloride, Arizona, by Kathy Alexander.
Chloride is an interesting drive through ghost town buildings from the past hippy murals from the 1960s to the eccentric yard art of today.
To reach Chloride, travel northwest on US 93 for approximately 20 miles from Kingman, Arizona. The turnoff to Chloride is well-marked between mile markers 52 and 53. Then, travel east three miles on a paved road.
To see the murals, take Tennessee Avenue, Chloride’s main road, past the post office, and then follow the signs. This unpaved road generally requires a high-clearance vehicle. With a four-wheel drive, you can continue up a steep and rocky clearance where more mining remains can be seen. See our full story on Chloride HERE.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated May 2025.
Also See:
Arizona – The Grand Canyon State
Offbeat Roadside Attractions, Trivia, & More
See Sources.