Mystery and rumors surround the Lost Ranch Ruins in Phoenix, Arizona. What was this building? Who built it? Why is it in the middle of nowhere? And…what happened to it? Take this creepy hike at South Mountain Preserve and see if you can solve the mystery.

Lost Ranch Ruins Trail begins at the South Mountain Chandler/19th Ave trailhead.

E Root/AllTrails Your adventure starts on Pyramid Trail with a pleasant stroll through the desert.

After passing Bursera Trail, you’ll turn off to Lost Ranch Ruins Trail.

Laura Gifford/AllTrails The path dips down into a sandy wash and is easy to lose. Watch the opposite bank for the trail to pick up again. Once you come out of the wash, you’ll continue on a dirt road.

Follow the dirt road to the Lost Ranch Ruins.

Donald MacDiarmid/AllTrails You’re now far from the road, and the only sound you’re likely to hear is the wind whipping through the canyon.

There are a few solid theories about what this building once was.

Emily Walters/AllTrails Some think the Civilian Conservation Corps built it under President Roosevelt. The Corps did do many projects at South Mountain between 1933 and 1940; however, they kept meticulous records of their work, but records for this building have not been found.

One rumor is that this was a speakeasy during prohibition.

Janelle Evans/AllTrails There are plenty of places for criminally-minded entrepreneurs to hide out in the surrounding canyon.

A more likely scenario is that this ruin was once a mining camp used to house miners who worked in the nearby mines.

Scott Henry/AllTrails Based on the slump block construction, it was probably constructed in the 1950s. Whatever the Lost Ranch was, it is now only a foundation and a spectacular fireplace.

Moving past the ruins to continue on the trail, you’ll take a steep descent.

T Bambam/AllTrails Bring along your hiking poles to help you keep your balance on the loose rock.

When you reach the top, you are greeted with a spectacular view.

Marianne Vaughn/AllTrails

Unfortunately, there are still more questions about the Lost Ranch Ruins. Head out on Lost Ranch Ruins Trail and find your own answers.

E Root/AllTrails

Your adventure starts on Pyramid Trail with a pleasant stroll through the desert.

Laura Gifford/AllTrails

The path dips down into a sandy wash and is easy to lose. Watch the opposite bank for the trail to pick up again. Once you come out of the wash, you’ll continue on a dirt road.

Donald MacDiarmid/AllTrails

You’re now far from the road, and the only sound you’re likely to hear is the wind whipping through the canyon.

Emily Walters/AllTrails

Some think the Civilian Conservation Corps built it under President Roosevelt. The Corps did do many projects at South Mountain between 1933 and 1940; however, they kept meticulous records of their work, but records for this building have not been found.

Janelle Evans/AllTrails

There are plenty of places for criminally-minded entrepreneurs to hide out in the surrounding canyon.

Scott Henry/AllTrails

Based on the slump block construction, it was probably constructed in the 1950s. Whatever the Lost Ranch was, it is now only a foundation and a spectacular fireplace.

T Bambam/AllTrails

Bring along your hiking poles to help you keep your balance on the loose rock.

Marianne Vaughn/AllTrails

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Lost Ranch Ruins Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85045, USA