New Cornelia Mine Lookout
New Cornelia Mine
A giant open-pit copper mine next to Ajo, closed since 1985. It is about 2.4 km across, and the viewpoint looks down on its terraced walls.
New Cornelia was one of Arizona’s first large open-pit copper mines. It closed in 1985 and left an enormous pit about 2.4 km across and roughly 300 m deep. The walls step down in terraces, and a lake has formed at the bottom. On the south side of town there is a free viewpoint and a small exhibit that explain Ajo’s copper-mining history. It is a good stop on the way to and from the monument. The mine area itself is closed to visitors.
Opening hours
Daytime (viewpoint hours per local notices)
Nearby sights
- Ajo Plaza
- Arch Canyon Trail
- Ajo Mountain Drive
- North Puerto Blanco Drive
- Estes Canyon & Bull Pasture Trail
- Kris Eggle Visitor Center
- Twin Peaks Campground & Desert View Trail
- Victoria Mine Trail