Shrine Above the Clouds
Perched high above Old Bisbee on the ridge of the Mule Mountains, the Bisbee Shrine (also known as the Bisbee Cross) is a profound site of folk art, spirituality, and local history. It remains a must-see destination for those seeking the town’s legendary “spirit” and panoramic views.
The ascent is a high-intensity “stairway to the sky.” You’ll navigate a mix of historic concrete steps, rocky switchbacks, and narrow dirt paths that gain elevation with efficient, leg-burning speed.
Upon reaching the shrine, you’ll find a stone-and-masonry monument adorned with altars, photos, and mementos left by locals and travelers. It functions as a living communal journal of loss, celebration, and mountain mysticism.
The ridge is dotted with unique statues, including an angel playing a saxophone, a Madonna figure, and memorials to local figures like “Wonder Woman” Judy.
The summit provides a “satellite-view” of the entire region. You can trace the entire curve of Brewery Gulch, the industrial terraces of the Lavender Pit, and on clear days, the jagged peaks of the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico.
The main shrine was built in May 1980 by local resident Adolfo Vasquez. According to local lore, Adolfo promised God he would build a monument if his failing eyesight was spared. When his vision recovered, he spent years hauling materials up the steep slopes to construct the initial crosses. Over the decades, the site has evolved into an ecumenical sanctuary where locals and visitors leave offerings, memorials, and art.
The site is a kaleidoscopic collection of religious and personal artifacts including multiple wooden and metal crosses, including the original structures by Vasquez.
Once at the shrine, you can follow the ridge line to the “B” on Chihuahua Hill and descend the other side for a fabulous loop back into town. The hike is roughly 1.6 to 2 miles round trip.
Know Before You Go:
- The Trailhead Coordinate: The primary access point starts at the top of OK Street. Look for the worn dirt path that begins where the historic residential pavement ends.
- The “Mule Mountain” Grade: This is a short but extremely steep climb. You will gain several hundred feet of elevation in less than half a mile. Wear shoes with aggressive traction to handle the loose limestone “scree” on the descent.
- The Hydration Mandate: Because of the intense gradient and zero shade, your biological cooling system will be under stress. Carry water even for this short trip, and time your hike for the early morning or the golden hour to avoid the midday heat.
- The Shrine Etiquette: This is a sacred space for many Bisbee residents. Feel free to leave a small, non-perishable token or spend time in quiet reflection, but do not remove or disturb existing offerings or memorials.
- The Night-Hiking Factor: Many locals hike up for sunset. If you plan to watch the town lights flicker on, ensure you have a headlamp or flashlight; the steep, rocky descent is significantly more hazardous in the dark.
Pro Tip: Look for the large white “B” painted on the rocks near the shrine. It’s a local landmark visible from almost anywhere in Old Bisbee, but standing next to it gives you a true sense of the mountain’s scale.