Chloride

Tucked into Mohave County, Arizona, Chloride holds a notable distinction: it is regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in the state. Its roots trace back to its days as a mining camp, and that history still shapes the character of the place visitors find today.

Despite its ghost-town label, Chloride remains a living community — a census-designated place with a recorded population of 229 as of the 2020 census. What travelers encounter is less an abandoned ruin and more a small, quiet settlement where the past lingers alongside a handful of present-day residents. The ZIP Code 86431 confirms it still functions as an addressed, recognized locality.

For anyone drawn to historic Arizona communities, Chloride offers a glimpse into the state's mining-era past without the complete desolation typical of true ghost towns. Visiting is straightforward, and the modest scale means a few hours is generally enough to take in the setting and soak up the atmosphere.