Lavender Pit Bisbee
A massive, colorful open-pit copper mine offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Arizona's mining history. Free to visit!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light for photos
Lavender Pit Bisbee
Best Time
Softer light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A massive, colorful open-pit copper mine offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Arizona's mining history. Free to visit!
"The size, colors, and views are breathtaking. Absolutely free!"
📸 Photo Cutouts Available
Utilize the fence cutouts for clear, fence-free photos of the pit. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking is available right off the highway. Watch your speed on entry. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast, Colorful Excavation
Viewing area
A massive open-pit copper mine showcasing vibrant layers of earth and minerals. Truly breathtaking in scale and color.
Unique Photo Opportunities
Viewing area fencing
Specially designed cutouts in the fence allow for clear, unobstructed photos of the pit.
Historical Mining Insights
Viewing area
Learn about Bisbee's rich mining history and the transition to open-pit mining.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Lavender Pit
Accessing the Lavender Pit for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Cutouts Available
Utilize the fence cutouts for clear, fence-free photos of the pit. +1 :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking is available right off the highway. Watch your speed on entry. +1 :car:
💰 Free to Visit
Enjoy the impressive views and learn about mining history at no cost. :moneywithwings:
💡 Informative Signage
Read about the mine's history and human industry's impact. :bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Cutouts Available
Utilize the fence cutouts for clear, fence-free photos of the pit. +1 :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking is available right off the highway. Watch your speed on entry. +1 :car:
💰 Free to Visit
Enjoy the impressive views and learn about mining history at no cost. :moneywithwings:
💡 Informative Signage
Read about the mine's history and human industry's impact. :bulb:
💎 Turquoise Byproduct
Discover how turquoise and other minerals were byproducts of copper mining here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and vibrant colors of the Lavender Pit, often describing it as breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The free admission and convenient access with ample parking are major pluses. Some minor drawbacks include the condition of the parking lot, but the photo-friendly fence cutouts are a well-appreciated feature that enhances the viewing experience.
"I only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because their parking lot/driveway is garbage. It could be a really nice place to visit if they fixed the pavement. I like how they made slots in the fencing so that you can stick your phone through to keep the linkage out of your shots. Very cool!"
Anthony Maiden
"This is less than five minutes outside of Bisbee. I highly recommend it. It is absolutely free, no wait the size, the colors and the views are breathtaking."
Lou Ann Godwin
"This is a cool stop. There’s ample parking. The fence surrounding the lavender pit has cutouts so that you can take photos. It is a very interesting site. There’s also 2 memorials in the parking area."
Nelida Safrit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lavender Pit is located just outside of Bisbee, Arizona, easily accessible right off the highway. There's ample parking available at the viewing area. +1
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the viewing area for visitors. +1
Yes, the Lavender Pit is a roadside attraction with direct highway access and a dedicated parking lot.
The Lavender Pit is situated on the outskirts of Bisbee, making it a convenient stop on your way to or from the town.
The drive is generally straightforward, but be mindful of your speed and angle when entering the parking area due to the entrance height.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Lavender Pit is completely free! It's an outdoor visitor center of sorts.
As an outdoor attraction, the Lavender Pit is accessible at any time. However, for the best viewing and photography, consider visiting during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Lavender Pit. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
No, visitors cannot go into the mine itself. The viewing area provides a safe and accessible way to observe the pit.
While there are mine tours available in Bisbee, the Lavender Pit itself is primarily a viewing attraction with informational signage.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The viewing area has special cutouts in the fence designed to help you get clear shots without fence linkages. +1
Expect breathtaking views of a massive, colorful open-pit copper mine, showcasing layers of earth and minerals.
Yes, drone footage can offer a unique perspective of the vast scale and colorful patterns of the Lavender Pit.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and more vibrant colors, ideal for photography.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but be mindful of other visitors and use the provided photo cutouts.
🎫 ⛏️ Mining History & Geology
The Lavender Pit was primarily an open-pit copper mine.
It was named after Harrison Lavender, a VP at the Phelps-Dodge Mining Corporation.
Besides copper, turquoise and other minerals like azurite and malachite were byproducts of the mining process.
The Lavender Pit closed down in the 1970s.
It represents a significant shift in mining techniques and showcases the immense scale of human industry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While direct interaction with the pit is limited to viewing, the cutouts in the fence are a fun feature for kids to experiment with taking photos. It's a great opportunity to teach them about the earth's layers and the history of resource extraction in a visually engaging way. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as it's an outdoor stop.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Art lovers will appreciate the natural artistry of the exposed geological layers. The pit's unique color palette, influenced by copper, turquoise, and other minerals, creates a mesmerizing visual tapestry. Some local artists even incorporate turquoise sourced from the Lavender Pit into their jewelry, showcasing the site's connection to the art community.
+1🚗 Road Trippers
Its location just outside Bisbee makes it a perfect addition to any itinerary exploring this historic mining town. You can easily combine a visit to the pit with a tour of the Copper Queen Mine or a stroll through Bisbee's unique streets. It's a great way to break up a long drive and experience a piece of Arizona's rich mining heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Spectacle of the Lavender Pit
+2This massive excavation is a testament to human industry and the transformative power of mining. While the pit itself is no longer accessible for exploration, the designated viewing area offers a profound sense of awe. Visitors often remark on how the sheer size of the pit makes them feel small, prompting reflection on humanity's impact on the Earth.
For geology enthusiasts and photographers, the Lavender Pit is a unique site. The distinct mineral veins and the sheer magnitude of the excavation provide a fascinating glimpse into the geological processes and the history of resource extraction in the region.
+1Experiencing the Lavender Pit: Practical Tips
Beyond the visual spectacle, the Lavender Pit serves as an informal outdoor museum. Informative signage details the history of the mine, its operations, and its significance to Bisbee's development. This context enriches the visit, transforming a simple scenic overlook into an educational stop. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to learn about the mining heritage of this historic Arizona town.
It's important to note that while the pit is free to visit, the surrounding area might have some minor access considerations, such as the entrance height to the parking lot. However, these are minor points compared to the overall ease of access and the impressive views offered. The pit's proximity to Bisbee also makes it a perfect quick stop before or after exploring the charming town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit