Tombstone - The "Town Too Tough to Die" - Thursday 12/17/2026
Trip Cost: $30
Note: We need at least five participants or we'll have to cancel this trip. Be sure to sign up no later than December 5, 2026.
Tombstone was founded in 1877 by a prospector named Ed Schieffelin. Ed stayed at Camp Huachuca (wa-chu-ka) as part of a scouting expedition against the Chiricahua (chir-i-cow-uh) Apache. During his time there he would venture out into the wilderness “looking for rocks”, all the while ignoring the warning about the native Apache. Soldiers at the camp would tell him, “Ed, the only stone you will find out there will be your tombstone”. He did find his stone near Goose Flats and it was Silver. Remembering the warnings from the soldiers at Camp Huachuca and using his sly sense of humor he named his first mine The Tombstone.
Before long word spread about the Arizona silver strike and soon prospectors, cowboys, homesteaders, lawyers, and speculators flocked to the area in droves. In 1879 a town site was laid out on the nearest level spot to the mines, known at the time as Goose Flats (also spelled Glats), and was appropriately named “Tombstone” after Ed Schieffelin's first mining claim.
This field trip allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rugged charm of Tombstone, where the Old West comes to life. Walk the same streets once walked by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and other legendary figures from the Wild West.
We’ll meet at the Photography Club at 7:15 AM for carpooling, departure at 7:30 AM. Other than Boot Hill Graveyard, all the activities are located in a 4-block area of Tombstone, so wear comfortable walking shoes. It can also get chilly this time of year, so be sure to dress in layers. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $20.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.
Our first stop will be at Boot Hill Graveyard to visit more than 250 graves. Buried are outlaws with their victims, suicides, and hangings, legal and otherwise, along with hardy citizens and refined elements of Tombstone’s first days.
At 10:30 AM we will visit the OK Corral. There, after a short theatre presentation, you will witness the reenactment of the “Gunfight at the OK Corral.” After the gunfight we will view a video about the history of Tombstone narrated by Actor Vincent Price, as he tells Tombstone's story from Geronimo's Apaches to modern times.
Entrance to the Boot Hill Graveyard and the OK Corral Gunfight and Tombstone Historama are included in the field trip fee.
After the Tombstone Historama, you're free to catch a bite to eat at one of Tombstone's restaurants or eateries.
At 1:00 PM, we'll join back up to enjoy the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park Stunt Show, also a pre-paid event.
After the Stunt Show, you're free to walk the streets of Tombstone where you can indulge in unique shopping, delicious dining and other shows and tours on your own.
Some interesting exhibits to view on your own as time allows. Prices may change before our arrival date.
- Birdcage Theatre Self-Guided Tour ($16.50) Approx 30 min
- Wyatts Saloon Theatre -$10
- Wyatt Earp's Oriental Saloon & Theater - $10
- Stagecoach Rides--$15
- Gunfighter Hall of Fame – Free if open
- Tombstone Trolly Tour (20 min) - $15
You're free to stay as long as you wish to enjoy the many experiences of Tombstone.
Danny Valenzuela will be our trip leader. Contact Danny at 602-568-5759 or email at dvsundevil@gmail.com if you have any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event. Please add your trip leader's email and phone number to your contact list so you don't miss out on any important updates.
GVR requires that every person participating in the club's field trips must sign a waiver absolving GVR of any liability. You will be required to sign the waiver at the Photography club before the trip departs if you haven't already done so.
The last date to cancel for a refund is December 10, 2026. If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Co-Chair Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com. We may have people on the wait list to take your place.
If you have to cancel on the day of the trip, please call Danny as soon as you know you cannot make the trip.
NOTICE:
All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
Be sure to have your GVR card with you for each and every field trip. Without it, you won't be allowed to go on the trip. No refunds will be granted for failure to comply with this requirement. To protect GVR and club member benefits, GVR has implemented a new process that requires each field trip participant to come into the club and scan his/her GVR card to confirm eligibility. We no longer have the option of typing in your name or GVR number – only the physical GVR card will do.
We will no longer meet in the parking lot. We will meet in the GVR Photography Club where you will scan your GVR card confirming your eligibility to go on the trip. We’ll also review important/late-breaking information, pair up drivers and riders, provide driving directions, and give participants a chance to visit the restrooms prior to departure. Again, be sure to have your GVR card with you.
In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.