A Self Guided Audio Tour in Tombstone

If you’re planning a trip to Tombstone and want to soak up its Old West charm without the hassle of guided groups or hefty tickets, a self-guided audio tour like this might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, it’s clear that it offers a flexible, affordable way to explore America’s most authentic Wild West town at your own pace.

What we really like about this experience is its cost-effectiveness—at just $9.99 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option that provides a wealth of information. Plus, the unlimited access means you can start, stop, and revisit the tour whenever it suits you, even after your trip. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this tour doesn’t include entrance tickets to some attractions, like the O.K. Corral, which do require separate purchase. This tour is best suited for independent travelers who love history, enjoy walking, and appreciate the freedom to explore on their own.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $9.99, it offers good value for a self-guided experience.
• Flexible Schedule: You can start, stop, and revisit the tour whenever you want.
• Comprehensive Stops: It covers key Tombstone sights, from Allen Street to historical buildings.
• Insightful Commentary: The narration brings stories like the O.K. Corral gunfight to life.
• Offline Access: No worries about losing service—everything is available on the app.
• No On-site Entrance Fees Included: Separate tickets may be needed for certain attractions.

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

This self-guided audio tour aims to bring the story of Tombstone alive through a narrated walk that lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. It’s perfect if you’re someone who prefers walking at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere without feeling rushed or boxed into a group schedule. For travelers unfamiliar with the town, this tour can serve as an excellent introduction, giving you enough context to appreciate the sights while leaving room for spontaneous exploration.

One of the standout features is that it’s delivered via the industry-leading VoiceMap app, which works offline. That’s a real plus, especially in a small town like Tombstone where cell service can sometimes be inconsistent. Once you purchase your ticket for $9.99, you get unlimited access, so you can begin and stop the narration as often as needed. That flexibility is a big advantage for those who like to take photos, chat with locals, or just pause to take in a particularly interesting building.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at the famous Bird Cage Theatre, a site that’s steeped in history and legend. Starting here makes sense because it’s central and iconic, giving you a recognizable starting point. From there, the narration guides you down Allen Street, the heart of Tombstone, bringing stories of its Wild West past to life. We loved the way this walk captures the essence of the town’s lively, sometimes gritty atmosphere.

As you stroll, you’ll pass significant sights like the Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon & Theater, which adds a vivid sense of the old West era, and the Crystal Palace and Cochise County Courthouse, which rose from the ashes of the 1882 fire. The narration provides historical context while you view these buildings, helping you imagine the town back in its heyday. The tour also mentions notable establishments like Four Deuces Saloon, Longhorn Restaurant, and Big Nose Kates Saloon, giving a good sense of the town’s social hub scenes.

Many reviewers find this part of the tour especially engaging. One commented, “Hearing the many stories about how the life during this time period was so different from what we know today,” which highlights how well the narration captures the unique spirit of Tombstone’s past.

It’s worth noting that for the O.K. Corral, the tour only passes by, and entrance to the historic complex requires a separate ticket. This is an important point to remember—if you want to step inside the Corral itself, plan for additional costs. Still, the walk around the exterior and hearing the stories about the gunfight’s quick, 30-second duration adds depth to the experience without the extra expense.

The route also passes by attractions like Tombstone City Park, the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, and the Tombstone Visitor’s Center, all narrated to give you a richer understanding of the town’s heritage. The narration often includes interesting tidbits, such as the location of the world’s largest rose bush at the Rose Tree Museum, which adds a lighter touch to the historical walkthrough.

Real Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, many find this tour to be inexpensive and informative. Elaine H. notes, “It was an inexpensive way to get lots of information about the area. You could start and stop it when you wanted to change the timing or talk to someone on the street or phone and then continue.” That flexibility makes it ideal for a laid-back exploration style.

Another reviewer appreciated hearing the personal stories that bring the wild west to life, saying, “Hearing the many stories about how the life during this time period was so different from what we know today,” which shows how the narration enhances the visual experience.

Some travelers mentioned that since the tour only passes by the attractions, if you want to go inside or see exhibits, you’ll need to pay separately. But as a walking overview, most find it sufficient to get a good sense of the town’s history and ambiance.

Practical Details

The tour starts at the Bird Cage Theatre on Allen Street and ends back at the same spot, making it convenient for planning your day. It’s open all day, with no specific time restrictions, so you can take your time. The per-person price of $9.99 makes it accessible, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. Remember, this isn’t a guided tour with a group—it’s just you, your headphones, and the narration, which means no waiting for others or sticking to a rigid schedule.

Since it’s a self-guided experience, you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones. The app works on iOS and Android devices, and you do need to download it beforehand. The fact that all the maps and guides are available offline is a big advantage, eliminating worries about signal issues.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys history, walking, and exploring at your own pace, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s particularly suited for those who want an affordable, flexible way to learn about Tombstone’s past without the pressure of guided groups or scheduled tours. History buffs who appreciate stories about the Old West and iconic figures like Wyatt Earp will enjoy the narrated stops.

Travelers who prefer a laid-back, self-paced experience and don’t mind paying extra for entrance to certain attractions will find this a good fit. It also works well for independent travelers or couples looking for a casual way to soak in the town’s atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided audio tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to explore Tombstone’s iconic streets and landmarks. It excels at providing insightful commentary and historical context, all delivered through a user-friendly app that you can control at your own speed. While it doesn’t include access to some attractions like the O.K. Corral (which requires a separate fee), it still packs a lot of value in just over an hour of walking.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys DIY experiences, appreciates storytelling, and wants the flexibility to customize your day, this tour will serve you well. Its affordability and offline capabilities make it a particularly attractive option for those who want to avoid the expense and crowds of guided tours but still crave a meaningful connection to Tombstone’s Wild West roots.

Overall, it’s a smart choice for independent explorers looking to maximize their time and budget while gaining a solid overview of this historic town. Just remember to factor in extra tickets if you plan to visit certain sites inside, and you’re all set for a memorable walk through history.

FAQ

Does this tour include entrance tickets to attractions?
No, it only passes by sites like the O.K. Corral, but entrance to the O.K. Corral Historic Complex requires a separate ticket.

How long does the tour last?
It takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on your pace and stops.

Can I use this tour more than once?
Yes, once purchased, you get lifetime access with unlimited use, both before your trip and afterwards.

Is the app easy to use?
Yes, the VoiceMap app works offline, displays directions, and has turn-by-turn GPS, making navigation straightforward.

What does the tour cover?
It includes stops at Allen Street, historic buildings like the Crystal Palace and Cochise County Courthouse, and notable establishments like Big Nose Kates Saloon.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While there’s no specific mention of children or families, it’s suitable for those interested in history and walking tours. Kids who enjoy stories and outdoor exploration should find it engaging.

What if I want to visit inside the buildings?
You will need to purchase separate entrance tickets for attractions like the O.K. Corral or other museums if you want to go inside.

If you’re aiming for an easy, self-paced way to get a good overview of Tombstone’s history and streets, this tour might be just what you need. It’s practical, affordable, and flexible—perfect for independent travelers eager to make the most of their visit.