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Jerome, Arizona: Straddle a 1900-Foot-Deep Hole

A concrete-lined shaft, thoughtfully illuminated and topped by a glass ceiling, allows visitors to look down between their feet into the abyss. It's an overlooked highlight of the Audrey head frame at Jerome State Historic Park.

Jerome State Historic Park

Address:
55 Douglas Mansion Rd, Jerome, AZ
Directions:
From Hwy 89A at the east edge of town, turn at the Jerome State Historic Park sign and follow the road to the park. The head frame will be on the right, at the park entrance.
Hours:
Daily 8-5. Gated after hours. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
928-634-1066
Admission:
Free.
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Straddle a 1900-Foot-Deep Hole

The Jerome visitor's center has a lot of historic relics and a large mineral gallery. The friendly staff can direct you to the hole, but be careful. You might get a little woozy looking down that 1,900-foot-deep shaft!

[Jessi, 07/25/2014]

Special view of Audrey Shaft.

Audrey Headframe Park

The Audrey head frame is said to be the largest and oldest wooden mining structure in Arizona. Standing on the ground next to the head frame is a metal miners cage, once used to lower men into the mine. It now begs to be the background for a photo op.

But for us the most interesting attraction in the park is the Audrey Shaft. Sadly, it became obvious while we were there how easily visitors can overlook the shaft. We watched several groups come in, examine the artifacts, and begin to leave until we directed their attention to it. Beneath the Audrey head frame is a small metal shack with a glass floor. It sits atop the old Audrey Shaft, which descends into the earth 1900 feet, 650 feet deeper than the Empire State Building is tall! Subtle lighting inside the concrete-lined shaft allows the adventurous to stand on the glass floor and peer down -- as in way, way down -- into the abyss. Kind of like a mini Grand Canyon Skywalk.

[Gary Epperson, 10/16/2012]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Sliding JailSliding Jail, Jerome, AZ - < 1 mi.
Gold King Mine Museum - Old West JunkyardGold King Mine Museum - Old West Junkyard, Jerome, AZ - 1 mi.
Copper State Monument: Map of PenniesCopper State Monument: Map of Pennies, Clarkdale, AZ - 3 mi.
In the region:
Mystery Christmas Tree, Cordes Junction, AZ - 37 mi.

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