Higgins Hill
Higgins Hill: Bisbee's Scenic Overlook
Mule Pass Tunnel: A Gateway to Bisbee's Past
Journey through history in Arizona's longest highway tunnel, offering scenic views and a glimpse into Bisbee's mining past.
The Mule Pass Tunnel, located just north of Bisbee, Arizona, is a 1,400-foot-long highway tunnel that cuts through the Mule Mountains. Completed in 1958, it significantly improved travel to Bisbee by bypassing the dangerous switchbacks of the old highway. Today, it stands as a reminder of the region's mining history and engineering ingenuity.
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A brief summary to Mule Pass Tunnel
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
1400-1524 AZ-80, Bisbee, Arizona, 85603, US
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Getting There
Driving
The Mule Pass Tunnel is located on AZ-80, just north of Bisbee. From Bisbee, head north on AZ-80. The tunnel is approximately a 5-10 minute drive from the center of town. There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can pull over safely on the roadside to view the tunnel. Be cautious of traffic when pulling over. There are no tolls to access the tunnel.
Public Transport
Limited public transportation options are available. The closest bus service is from Sierra Vista to Bisbee. From the Bisbee bus stop, a taxi or rideshare service is needed to reach the Mule Pass Tunnel, which is about 5 miles from the town center. Taxi/Rideshare estimate from Bisbee to the tunnel is approximately $15-$25.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
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Take a moment to appreciate the views of the surrounding landscape from the pull-off areas near the tunnel.
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Be cautious of traffic when pulling over to view the tunnel or take photos.
Discover more about Mule Pass Tunnel
The Mule Pass Tunnel, situated on AZ-80 near Bisbee, Arizona, is more than just a passage; it's a journey through time. Before its construction, the only route through the Mule Mountains was a treacherous road known as 'The Old Divide,' notorious for its deadly switchbacks. In December 1958, the Mule Pass Tunnel was opened, marking the completion of a 23-month project that cost $2 million (approximately $17.2 million today).
Cutting 10 minutes off the drive into Bisbee, the tunnel quickly became a vital artery for the town. The 1,400-foot-long tunnel is considered Arizona's longest highway tunnel. The construction itself was a feat, requiring 1,100 tons of steel and 15,000 cubic yards of concrete.
As travelers pass through the tunnel, many report a sense of entering an earlier era of Bisbee, a phenomenon that has earned it the nickname 'The Time Tunnel'. The tunnel has also captured the attention of Hollywood, appearing in the film 'Cannonball Run II'. While at the tunnel, take in the views of Tombstone Canyon and the San Pedro Valley. Also, near the tunnel is a marker that mistakenly identifies the location as the Continental Divide.
Today, the Mule Pass Tunnel continues to serve as a reminder of Bisbee's rich mining heritage and the ingenuity required to overcome the challenges of the mountainous terrain.
A brief summary to Mule Pass Tunnel
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