Lavender Pit: A Scar on the Land with a Colorful Past

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Witness Bisbee's mining legacy at the Lavender Pit, a historic open-pit copper mine offering a glimpse into the town's industrial past.

The Lavender Pit is a former open-pit copper mine that stands as a stark reminder of Bisbee's mining history. Named after Harrison M. Lavender, it offers visitors a glimpse into the town's industrial past and the impact of copper mining on the landscape. The viewing overlook provides information about the pit's history, geology, and the mining operations that once thrived here.

A brief summary to Lavender Pit

Bisbee, Arizona, 85603, US

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit the Lavender Pit overlook for panoramic views and informative signage about the mine's history and geology.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Queen Mine Tour for an immersive underground mining experience.
Explore the historic town of Bisbee, known for its art scene, unique shops, and colorful architecture.

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Getting There

Driving

From the center of Bisbee, head south on AZ-80. Continue on AZ-80 until you see signs for the Lavender Pit overlook. Turn into the designated parking area. Parking is free and readily available.
Public Transport

The Bisbee Bus provides service within Bisbee. Check the local bus schedule for the most up-to-date route information to the Lavender Pit area. A one-way fare is approximately $1. From the bus stop, follow the signs to the Lavender Pit overlook.
Walking

From downtown Bisbee, the Lavender Pit is approximately a 1.5-mile walk. Head south on AZ-80, following the road as it winds around the mountain. Be prepared for some uphill walking. Look for the designated viewing area and parking lot on your left.

Discover more about Lavender Pit

The Lavender Pit, located near Bisbee, Arizona, is a testament to the region's rich mining history. The pit is named after Harrison M. Lavender, who, as Vice-President and General Manager of Phelps Dodge Corporation, spearheaded the plan to extract copper from the area's low-grade rock. Open from 1950 to 1974, the Lavender Pit produced over 600,000 tons of copper, significantly contributing to Bisbee's economy. The mining activity also yielded byproducts like gold, silver, and the highly sought-after Bisbee Blue turquoise. The pit's creation led to the relocation of communities like Jiggerville, Upper Lowell, and Johnson Addition, and the rerouting of Highway 80. Today, the Lavender Pit serves as a tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the scale of the mining operations and their impact on the environment. From the viewing platforms, one can observe the pit's vast dimensions and the colorful layers of rock, a visual representation of the area's geological history. Interpretive signage details the history of the pit, the mining processes, and the legacy of Harrison M. Lavender.