What is the minimum age?

This tour is for ages 18 and older.

When and where do we meet?

The meeting location and time vary depending on the specific tour you've booked. You will receive all the details, including the exact meeting spot and start time, in your confirmation email. Be sure to check your email before the tour to ensure you have the correct information for your chosen experience. If you have any questions, feel free to call or text us at 520-873-9845.

What kind of ghost hunting equipment will be provided?

We provide an EMF detector, dowsing rods and spirit boxes. Our guides will instruct you on how to use them effectively during the tour.

Is it safe to use ghost hunting equipment?

Yes, the equipment we provide is safe to use. Our guides will give you safety instructions and guidelines for respectful and responsible ghost hunting.

Will I encounter real ghosts on the tour?

While we cannot guarantee paranormal encounters, our tour aims to provide you with an authentic and eerie experience by visiting locations with reported hauntings and allowing you to use ghost hunting equipment.

phoenix

Haunted Jails & Ruff Tails

What happens when a haunted jail becomes an animal rescue? Find out after hours, inside the cells.

Select dates · 7:00 PM · About 2 hours · Ages 18+ · $59 per person

After-hours jail access
Hands-on paranormal investigation
A portion of sales supports animal rescue

Check availability All tours

Guests walking the cell-block corridor of the former First Avenue Jail during the Haunted Jails & Ruff Tails ghost hunt

Your night

Inside the former First Avenue Jail

These are the actual cells, hallways and spaces you'll investigate.

Former jail cells
Confinement. History. Activity.
The cells and cellblock corridors are exactly as they were left. You investigate them after hours, when the building is closed and quiet.
Paranormal investigation
Hands-on. Guided. Real.
EMF detectors, spirit boxes and dowsing rods are provided and explained, then the equipment goes in your hands and your guide reads the results with you.
Now home to M.A.S.H.
A second life.
The same cellblock now houses the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office animal rescue. The animals are on site while you investigate around them.

A portion of ticket sales is donated to M.A.S.H. to support the animals in its care.

See it for yourself

Is this tour right for you?

You'll love this if you enjoy:

Hands-on paranormal investigations
Exploring a former Phoenix jail after hours
Using real ghost-hunting equipment
Haunted history and firsthand accounts
Supporting a local animal rescue

What guests are saying

“So much fun! As Phoenix locals we had never done anything like this. We were able to use fun equipment throughout the tour and even got some ghost activity”
Jessica B. · Google review
“Super fun and educational. I had no idea Phoenix had such a scary past. We got to use Ghost Hunting tools... Definitely spooky when the spirits attempt to respond back to you. I highly recommend.”
Rick F. · Google review
“This was my first ghost hunting tour, and I had an amazing time! ... 10/10 would definitely recommend.”
Tyler B. (July 2026) · Tripadvisor review

Check availability

About this tour

Haunted Jails & Ruff Tails is a 2-hour after-hours ghost hunt for ages 18 and older inside the former First Avenue Jail in downtown Phoenix, now home to M.A.S.H., an animal rescue run by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Guests investigate former cells and hallways with real ghost-hunting equipment, hear the jail's history and reported hauntings, and explore areas rarely open to the public. A portion of ticket sales is donated to the animal rescue. This special tour runs on select dates; check the booking calendar for dates.

Before you go

Good to know

Format: This entire experience takes place indoors inside the former First Avenue Jail.
Pets: M.A.S.H. rescue animals are housed on site. Please consider this before booking if you are uncomfortable around shelter animals or have animal-related allergies.
Equipment: Ghost-hunting equipment is provided and explained before the investigation begins.
Giving back: A portion of every ticket is donated to the M.A.S.H. animal rescue program.
Dates: This specialty tour is offered on select dates. Check the booking calendar for upcoming availability.
Meeting point: Your exact meeting spot and start time are in your confirmation email. Arrive 15 minutes early, parking downtown gets tricky on event nights.
Cancellations: Weather decisions are generally made around 5 PM on tour day, based on current and expected conditions. If we cancel for weather, we offer rescheduling first; if you cannot reschedule, you can receive a refund. Regular cancellations require 24 hours' notice for a refund or credit. No-shows are charged the full price.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you go.

Weather decisions are generally made around 5 PM on tour day, based on current and expected conditions. If we cancel for weather, we offer rescheduling first; if you cannot reschedule, you can receive a refund. Regular cancellations receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours' notice. Operator cancellations for other unforeseen circumstances receive a full refund or credit. Call us to cancel or ask about a cancellation. No-shows are charged the full price.

We kindly request that you arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts, as parking can be a bit tricky, especially during special events. Street parking is usually the best option and can be found near the starting point of most tours. There are also parking garages available, but keep in mind that they can cost up to $40 during special events. Light rail is also a convenient option if you'd prefer to avoid parking altogether. For more detailed parking instructions, please check your booking confirmation email.

Ready to get ghosted?

Haunted Jails & Ruff Tails · advance reservations recommended · meeting details arrive by email.

Book Ruff Tails on FareHarbor Book it privately