Tombstone, Arizona at a glance
Tombstone grew out of the desert after prospector Ed Schieffelin found silver in the hills of southeastern Arizona in the late 1870s. Soldiers had warned him that the only thing he would find out there was his own tombstone, so he gave his claim that name. The town was founded in 1879 and, within a few years, was one of the richest mining camps in the West, with theatres, saloons, newspapers and a reputation for lawlessness.
When the mines flooded and silver prices fell, the boom ended. Tombstone survived as the "Town Too Tough to Die", and today Tombstone, Arizona, is a living Old West town: the historic centre still has its wooden boardwalks and 1880s buildings, and the story of the Earps and the Clantons is told on every corner.
The gunfight at the O.K. Corral
On the afternoon of 26 October 1881, town marshal Virgil Earp, his brothers Wyatt and Morgan and their friend Doc Holliday walked down Fremont Street to disarm a group of cowboys: Ike and Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Claiborne. The shooting lasted about 30 seconds. Billy Clanton and both McLaury brothers were killed, and Virgil and Morgan Earp and Holliday were wounded.
Despite its name, the fight did not take place inside the corral itself but in a narrow lot nearby, next to the photo studio of C. S. Fly. The feud continued for months afterwards with an ambush on Virgil, the murder of Morgan and Wyatt Earp's vendetta ride, and it has been retold in countless books and films ever since.
The O.K. Corral Historic Complex recreates the scene with life-size figures placed where the shooting began, based on a map drawn by Wyatt Earp. Admission includes the corral, C. S. Fly's photo gallery, the Historama film and the Tombstone Epitaph Museum, where the newspaper's original 1881 report is on show.
What to see in Tombstone
The historic centre is compact. You can see the main sights on foot in half a day.
Reenactments at the O.K. Corral
As of October 2026, the gunfight is reenacted daily at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, with extra shows on busy days. The complex is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Allen Street
The main street of the old town, lined with boardwalks, saloons, shops and costumed actors. Stagecoach rides start here, and several groups stage their own street shows.
Boothill Graveyard
The old cemetery at the northern edge of town, entered through a gift shop on Highway 80. Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers are buried here, and many grave markers carry dark-humoured epitaphs.
Bird Cage Theatre
Opened in 1881 as a theatre, saloon, gambling hall and brothel, it closed later that decade. Inside, the original stage, the curtained boxes and bullet holes in the walls have survived.
Tombstone Courthouse
The 1882 county courthouse is now a state historic park and museum about the town and its trials. From October to May it opens daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Saloons and mine tours
End the day in one of the historic saloons on Allen Street, or join a guided tour into the old Goodenough silver mine below town.
Tombstone and southern Arizona tours
Day trips to Tombstone and Bisbee, Old West experiences and desert tours from Tucson and Phoenix, with live prices and availability.
Day trip from Tucson
Tombstone is about 70 miles (115 km) southeast of Tucson. The drive takes around 1.25 to 1.5 hours.
The route
Take I-10 east to Benson, then Highway 80 south through open grassland to Tombstone. The road continues to Bisbee, about 24 miles (38 km) further south.
Timing
Leave Tucson by 9 am to reach the 11 am show, walk Allen Street, see Boothill and the Bird Cage, and drive on to Bisbee in the afternoon.
From Phoenix
Add about two hours each way to Tucson. It is possible as a long day trip, but more relaxed with a night in Tucson.
14-day road trip →Without a car
Guided day tours from Tucson and Phoenix combine Tombstone with Bisbee or the desert. Compare them in the tour list above.
Tips for visiting Tombstone
- Best season: October to April. Summers are hot, and storms are common from July to mid-September. See our best time to visit Arizona guide.
- Time zone: Tombstone follows Arizona time, without daylight saving.
- Separate tickets: the O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, Boothill and the courthouse are run separately, so budget for several admissions. The courthouse costs $7 for adults as of 2026.
- Busy days: weekends bring crowds, and the town is at its fullest during Helldorado Days, the festival held every October.
- Combine it: spend another day in Tucson for Saguaro National Park, or head north to Sedona and the Grand Canyon on a longer Arizona road trip.
More of Arizona
From the Sonoran Desert to the canyons of the north.
Saguaro National Park
Forests of giant cacti on both sides of Tucson, with scenic drives and short trails.
Hot air balloon rides
Float over the desert at sunrise near Phoenix or above the red rocks of Sedona.
Sedona
Hikes, jeep trails and viewpoints in red rock country.
Grand Canyon tours
South Rim, West Rim and flights compared.
Tombstone, Arizona: frequently asked questions
When are the gunfight shows at the O.K. Corral?
As of October 2026, daily at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, with extra shows when tickets sell out. The schedule can change, so check on the day.
Did the gunfight really happen at the O.K. Corral?
Not exactly. It took place on 26 October 1881 in a narrow lot near the corral's back entrance on Fremont Street, next to C. S. Fly's photo studio.
How far is Tombstone from Tucson?
About 70 miles (115 km), or 1.25 to 1.5 hours by car via I-10 and Highway 80 through Benson.
Is Tombstone worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy Western history and a bit of theatre. It is touristy, but the buildings, Boothill and the Bird Cage Theatre are genuine, and it pairs well with Bisbee for a full day.
How much time do you need in Tombstone?
Half a day covers the O.K. Corral show, Allen Street, Boothill and the Bird Cage Theatre. Stay a full day to add the courthouse museum and a mine tour, or Bisbee.