Ghost Town

La Paz

La Paz County, AZ

Coordinate verified

Colorado River gold-rush town founded in 1862 after Pauline Weaver’s placer discovery; it briefly was among the largest settlements in the new Arizona Territory and served as Yuma County seat from 1864 to 1870. Steamboat traffic faded when the river shifted course, and the place was deserted by 1875—later namesake of La Paz County. Today scant stone foundations and a historical marker mark a historical pin more than a ruin park.

Field facts

RegionLa Paz County, AZ
Coordinates33.6792, -114.4263
ARPAArtifacts & structures are protected by federal law (ARPA) — take only photos, leave every relic in place.
CountyLa Paz (namesake)
Founded1862
Abandonedby 1875
Also known asYavapai: Wi:hela
Civil WarLa Paz Incident (1863), westernmost Civil War confrontation

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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.