Downtown Phoenix has a second voice. This Central Phoenix Screamix Ghost Tour mixes spooky stories with hands-on ghost-hunting gear as you walk between some of the city’s oldest downtown landmarks.

I love the fact that the experience isn’t just listen-and-hope. You get to use tools like the EMF detector and spirit box during the walk, and the guides I’ve seen assigned here (Ryan and Jimbo) keep you involved so the group doesn’t feel like a passive line.

One thing to consider: it’s still a night-time walking tour. You’ll want good shoes, a moderate fitness level, and you should plan around the good-weather requirement.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Hands-on ghost hunting: you use an EMF detector, spirit box, and dowsing rods during stops
• Small group size: capped at 20 people for a more controlled, personal vibe
• Downtown landmarks with real stories: hotels, theaters, courts, and older buildings tied to Phoenix lore
• Interactive pace: short stops with enough time to try equipment and ask questions
• A guide who talks back: engagement is encouraged, and named guides like Ryan and Jimbo lead the fun
• Built for solo and family-friendly fun: the walk is set up to keep solo folks comfortable and the tone works for families

Starting at Chase Tower: How the Screamix Walk Really Feels

The tour begins at Chase Tower, 241 N Central Ave, and you end right back where you started. The format is straightforward: you meet your guide, get set up, then move through downtown at a pace that feels energetic but not rushed.

What makes this tour work is the balance between story time and action time. You don’t just hear a tale and move on. You also get tools in your hands and prompts on what to look for, which turns the whole night into a shared hunt.

Since the tour runs about 2 hours, it’s a good length for visitors who want something memorable without committing to a half-day. And because the group tops out at 20, it tends to feel like a real circle of people instead of a long parade.

Price and Value for $45: What You’re Paying For

At $45 per person for about 2 hours, I think the value is strongest when you care about two things: Phoenix downtown history and doing something during the ghost part.

Here’s what you’re effectively buying:

• an in-person English guide
• use of EMF detector, spirit box, and dowsing rods
• an organized walk through seven themed stops
• and admission ticket free at each location

That equipment matters. Many ghost tours sell the idea of ghost hunting but keep it mostly theatrical. This one gives you gear, and you get chances to use it, which is why people come away talking about the activity at each stop rather than just the stories.

Also, you’ll usually book around a week-ish ahead (about 8 days in advance on average). If your schedule is tight, I’d reserve early just to avoid missing your preferred night.

Hotel San Carlos: The Check-In That Never Ended

Your first stop is Hotel San Carlos, one of the most haunted hotels tied to Phoenix lore. The hook here is the story of a woman who checked in but never checked out—a premise that makes the whole location feel tense right from the start.

This is the kind of stop where the guide’s job is to set the emotional atmosphere without turning the night into pure jump-scare nonsense. You’ll get the background, then you’ll connect it to the ghost-hunting side so you’re not just imagining things on your own.

Why this matters for you: starting with a well-known haunted setting helps you calibrate. After stop one, you know the tone, the pacing, and what kind of answers the guide is looking for from the group.

Westward Ho and the Lady in Red: Political Past Meets Ghost Tale

Next up is Westward Ho, tied to famous politicians who stayed there—and to the haunting story of the Lady in Red. This stop works because it doesn’t treat ghosts like random folklore. It links the eerie legends to places where real people lived, worked, and made decisions.

I like this kind of pairing: history gives the story weight, and the ghost angle gives the history extra spice. You’ll walk, hear the background, and then shift into the ghost-hunting mindset again.

Possible drawback: because this is a walking tour with multiple stops, each location only gets about 20 minutes (for this one). If you love taking your time inside buildings or want long Q&A, you might wish there were more downtime. Still, the fast format keeps energy up and usually prevents boredom.

A. E. England Building: A Car Dealership Past and a Boy Who Stayed

The tour continues to the A. E. England Building, which has an unusual past as a car dealership and repair shop. The ghost story here centers on a young boy who’s described as the resident spirit.

This stop is a great example of why the Screamix format works. You’re not only hearing a spooky narrative. You’re seeing how Phoenix’s growth shaped everyday businesses—and then watching how the legends layered onto those spaces.

If you’re the type of person who likes when the tour feels specific instead of generic, you’ll probably appreciate the details here. The building’s identity is different from a church or a theater, so the tone shifts in a way that keeps the night from feeling repetitive.

234 N Central Ave Security Building: Prohibition, Bootleggers, and Whispery Halls

At 234 N Central Ave, you’ll learn about the Security Building, described as a Prohibition-era hot spot for bootleggers and scandal. The story then lands on the present-day feel of the place: even now, the halls seem to echo with whispers from Phoenix’s haunted past.

Prohibition stories are already dramatic, but this stop makes it more than a history lecture. You’re walking in a downtown corridor with real architectural history, then pairing it with the idea that something lingers behind.

This is also a good stop for the ghost-hunting tools, because the setting naturally supports the mood. If you like mystery mixed with atmosphere, this one tends to click fast.

Monroe Street Abbey and Phoenix Municipal Court: Church Ruins to a Morgue Past

Two of the darker stops come back-to-back.

First, you visit Monroe Street Abbey, tied to the former First Baptist Church. It was once a stunning 1929 landmark, then it became a haunting ruin after a massive fire. The legend is that the echoes of the congregation still linger among the ashes.

Then you move to the Phoenix Municipal Court, where the dark history includes a time when it was used as a morgue, and the spirits are said to linger behind.

These stops are heavy in tone, so I’d treat them like the emotional center of the night. The benefit for you is pacing: after the earlier building stories, the tour naturally shifts into something more intense before the final stop.

One practical consideration: these are ruins and historic spaces, so you’ll want to keep your eyes on your footing. It’s a nighttime walk, and uneven sidewalk edges are the real jump scare risk.

Orpheum Theater Finale: Why This Stop Gets the Biggest Reaction

The tour wraps at Orpheum Theater, where the focus is the theater’s rich history and the resident ghosts tied to the landmark.

If you’re wondering which stop tends to land the hardest, this is it. The Orpheum is iconic for a reason, and the idea of theater spirits fits perfectly with how ghost stories feel when you’re standing in a place built for drama.

This ending also matters because the tour format often builds momentum. By the time you reach the Orpheum, you’re already primed for the ghost-hunting portion, and you’ve learned what kinds of responses to expect from the guide and the group.

If you enjoy a finale with atmosphere plus interaction, this is a strong closer.

The Ghost-Hunting Gear: EMF, Spirit Box, Dowsing Rods, and the iPad Boost

The “Screamix” part isn’t vague. You’re given equipment and encouraged to use it during the walk, including:

• EMF detector
• spirit box
• dowsing rods

I like that the night doesn’t assume you already know how the tools work. The experience is structured so you can try them without feeling left behind. People also talk about being surprised when dowsing rods move on their own, which tells me the tour is set up to create real participation.

There’s also mention of an iPad with photos that supports the storytelling. That helps when you’re learning about buildings you’re standing next to but can’t fully visualize from street level. It’s one of those small add-ons that makes the stories easier to follow.

If you’re a skeptic, you’ll probably still enjoy the experience because the fun is partly in the process. If you’re a believer, you’ll like that the activity is hands-on enough to keep you engaged.

The Guides: Ryan, Jimbo, and a Different Kind of Group Energy

This tour is family-owned, and it shows in how responsive it feels. You also get an in-person English guide, and communication tends to be personal (including responding via text).

On the ground, the tour tone seems built around keeping people involved. Guides like Ryan and Jimbo are known for mixing Phoenix history with ghost hunting so you get both the story and the activity.

You can also feel the difference between a guide who talks at you and one who manages group energy. Here, engagement is encouraged, and that makes it work well for solo visitors, since the format keeps you included rather than isolated.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great match for you if:

• you want a downtown Phoenix ghost tour with real movement and short, clear stops
• you like interacting with gear like EMF detectors and spirit boxes
• you’re traveling solo and want an organized way to connect with the group
• you like history, but you also want the night to feel playful rather than stiff

It may be less perfect for you if:

• you hate walking at night and need lots of indoor time
• you want long stays at each site with deep lectures
• you prefer quiet, low-energy tours over interactive hunts

For most people, the sweet spot is: curious, willing to walk, and open to a guided mix of lore and equipment use.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Ghost Hunt Night

A walking tour is only fun when you don’t have to fight your own discomfort.

I’d plan for:

• sturdy shoes since sidewalks and downtown streets can vary
• a light layer if night air feels cooler after a warm day
• staying aware of crosswalks and uneven pavement

Also note the experience is described as requiring moderate physical fitness and good weather. If weather looks poor, you’ll likely be offered a different date or a refund, so keep an eye on conditions.

If you’re coming with service needs, service animals are allowed, and the starting area is near public transportation, which makes it easier to plan around.

Should You Book the Central Phoenix Screamix Ghost Tour?

Yes—if you want an entertaining downtown night that blends Phoenix stories with actual ghost-hunting activity. For $45, you’re not just paying for a route. You’re paying for a guided hunt with gear, plus free admission-type access to the stop locations.

Skip it only if you’re not into walking, or if you want long, slow exploration at each stop. Otherwise, this tour hits a strong mix: interactive, historically rooted, and friendly enough that solo visitors and families can usually enjoy the experience without feeling left out.

FAQ

How long is the Central Phoenix Screamix Ghost Tour?

It lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

What does the tour cost?

The price is $45.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Chase Tower, 241 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA, and ends back at the meeting point.

What ghost-finding equipment is included?

You get an EMF detector, a spirit box, and dowsing rods.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

There’s a maximum of 20 travelers.

Are service animals allowed, and is it near public transportation?

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation.

What should I know about fitness and weather?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness, and it depends on good weather.

Do I need tickets or admission fees for the stops?

Admission is listed as free at the stops included in the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience may also be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather or if a minimum number of travelers isn’t met.