Discover the West in Wickenburg

Discover the West right here in Wickenburg
You'll be amazed at the natural desert beauty and historical attractions Wickenburg has to offer. Spend a leisurely day or a whole weekend exploring one of the oldest towns in Arizona and soaking up that old-fashioned western hospitality.
Pictured: Ranch guests ca. 1950, Collections of Desert Caballeros Western Museum

1.
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
This remarkable museum of western art and frontier history has been identified by the media as "one of the finest small museums in the state, maybe in the nation". (Copley News Service)

2.
Historic Dude Ranches
Wickenburg is home to three unique guest ranches, ranging from a cozy adobe hacienda to a modern ranch resort complete with championship golf course. To view the ranches or to schedule your next dude ranch vacation, visit their web sites:
Flying E Ranch
Kay El Bar
Rancho de los Caballeros

Pictured top: "Main Lodge of the Bar F X Guest Ranch," circa 1925, Collections of Desert Caballeros Western Museum
Bottom: Courtesy of Rancho de los Caballeros Guest Ranch & Resort

3.
Historic Vulture Mine
Discovered by Henry Wickenburg in 1863, the Vulture was one of the earliest and largest gold strikes in Arizona. A self-guided tour of original mine buildings offers you a look at the rugged life of hard rock miners on the desert frontier.

4.
Robson's Arizona Mining World
Nestled among saguaro-studded hills, Robson's is home to thousands of pieces of antique mining equipment and 26 artifact-filled buildings including assay office, blacksmith shop, print shop, barbershop, lodge, and trading post. Robson's Arizona Mining World

5.
Historical Walking Tour
Downtown Wickenburg is proud to include 10 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Self-guided walking tour brochures are available, or guided tours can be arranged through Desert Caballeros Western Museum

6.
Jail Tree
Still alive and thriving in the center of town, this ancient mesquite tree served as the town's first jail. Nineteenth century lawbreakers were "incarcerated" by being chained to the tree in full view of the public, while its green canopy saved the desperados from the burning desert sun.

7.
Fine Art, Antiques, and Western Outfitters
Wickenburg boasts a growing number of galleries, antique shops, and bookstores featuring fine paintings and sculpture, western memorabilia, rare books, and household antiques. For a complete listing see the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce web site.

Be sure to stop in Ben's Saddlery, a historic custom saddle shop where western saddles and tack are made entirely by hand. Ben's is one of the few remaining shops in Arizona practicing this distinctly western art form. Wickenburg also is home to Arizona's largest western wear and ranch supply store, Double D Western World, where you can find everything from art for your walls to hay for your mule.

8.
Hassayampa River Preserve
A literal oasis in the desert, this lush, streamside habitat is home to some of the Sonoran Desert's most spectacular and endangered wildlife including 230 species of birds such as the rare willow flycatcher and the Harris hawk. Larger residents include mule deer, wild peccaries, bobcats, ringtails, and even mountain lions. Hassayampa River Preserve
Pictured: Hassayampa River Preserve by Michael Rigney

9.
BC Jeep Tours
Discover the spectacular beauty of rugged mountains, secluded canyons, and cactus-covered hillsides of the Sonoran Desert wilderness. Expert tour guides tell tales of the region's natural history and desert lore, revealing how a surprising diversity of plants, animals, and people have learned to survive in this land of little rain. BC Jeep Tours
Photo courtesy BC Jeep Tours

10.
Horseback Riding
See the desert from the cowboy's point of view with a sturdy horse beneath you, the endless skies above, and rugged mountain vistas in every direction. Trail rides are available by the hour or day for all levels of experience from beginner to expert at Trails West Horseback Adventures.
Photo courtesy Rancho de los Caballeros

11.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Hundreds of miles of spectacular desert trails surround the town of Wickenburg. Climb to the top of Vulture Peak for astonishing views of the Sonoran landscape, or wade in cool desert streams shaded by towering canyon walls. Trail guide brochures are available at the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce or Robson's Arizona Mining World.

12.
Food and Accommodations
There's so much to do and see in Wickenburg, you'll want to stay a few days. Link to the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce web site for a complete listing of quality lodging and restaurants.