Mystery Castle, Mohave County Travel Guide

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Explore the whimsical Mystery Castle in Phoenix: a unique desert landmark built from dreams and salvaged treasures. A testament to a father's love.

Nestled in the foothills of South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona, Mystery Castle is an eccentric and whimsical three-story structure built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter. Constructed from found materials and local stone, the 18-room castle is a testament to a father's love and a unique piece of Arizona history.

A brief summary to Mystery Castle

800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, South Mountain Village, Arizona, 85042, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mystery Castle.

Check the Mystery Castle website or call ahead to confirm tour availability, as tours are seasonal and subject to change.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the castle is uneven and involves some walking.
Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as the desert climate can be very dry.
Keep an eye out for the artistic petroglyphs carved into the walls.

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Explore Mystery Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mystery Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From downtown Phoenix, head south on 7th Street. Continue for approximately two miles south of Baseline Road until you reach a roundabout. Take the roundabout to turn east (left) onto Mineral Road. Follow Mineral Road to the end; it dead-ends at the Mystery Castle parking lot. Parking is free.
Public Transport

Valley Metro Bus provides service in the Phoenix area. Check the Valley Metro website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules to determine the best option from your starting location. From the bus stop, you may need to walk or take a short ride-share to reach the Mystery Castle. A single ride on Valley Metro Bus costs $2.
Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Phoenix. Request a ride to 800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042. The fare from downtown Phoenix typically ranges from $15 to $25, depending on demand and traffic.

Discover more about Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle, a quirky and captivating landmark in Phoenix, Arizona, stands as a testament to one man's devotion and resourcefulness. Built by Boyce Luther Gulley in the 1930s and 1940s, the castle is located in the foothills of South Mountain Park. Gulley, after learning he had tuberculosis, moved from Seattle to Phoenix and began constructing the необычный structure for his daughter, Mary Lou, using salvaged materials, native stone, and a touch of folk art.The castle boasts 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces, complete with a chapel and even a dungeon. Gulley melded organic architecture and folk art, drawing inspiration from the Sonoran Desert and Indigenous cultures. The structure is made from a combination of mortar, cement, calcium, and even goat milk. Electricity and plumbing weren't added until 1992.After Boyce Gulley's death in 1945, Mary Lou and her mother, Frances, moved into the castle. To make a living, Mary Lou and her mother began offering tours of the home in 1948. The castle gained national attention after being featured in Life Magazine. Mary Lou resided in the castle until her death in 2010. The Mystery Castle has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride.**Note:** Tours have been temporarily suspended, and the fate of the castle is currently unknown.