Out Wickenburg Way

Looking for an escape from the ordinary? Only a short drive outside Phoenix city limits will take you to Wickenburg, a quaint, friendly town that still embodies the tough spirit of the American cowboy.  One of the oldest towns in Arizona, settled in 1863, Wickenburg oozes old-fashioned western hospitality.

Nestled in the foothills of the Vulture Mountains, Wickenburg with only a little more than 7,000 residents has a charm all its’ own.  All you need is to dig out your bola tie (it was invented here, after all) and saddle up for a great family vacation.

I’ve been here several times either on my way to Prescott or for their many rodeos.  Here are my top 5 attractions for an unforgettable visit to Wickenburg.

1.  Visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.
Showcasing the best in Western and Southwestern art, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum (map) has been named “one of the finest small museums in the state, maybe in the nation.”  My favorite is the Cowgirl Up exhibit featuring female artists that focus on the cowgirl way of life.  They are hosting a sale of this great artwork March 25 – May 8, 2011.  Be sure to giddy up!

2.  Hike the Hassayampa River Preserve.
For almost 100 miles the Hassayampa River Preserve (map) meanders through the desert underground, leaving only pockets of water in the form of puddles and streams.  Hiking trails take you around the preserve area.  This oasis is home to some of the Sonoran Desert’s most spectacular and endangered wildlife including 230 species of birds. Larger residents include mule deer, wild peccaries, bobcats, ringtails, and even mountain lions.

3.  Take a jeep tour.
BC Jeep Tours allow you to discover the spectacular beauty of rugged mountains, secluded canyons, and cactus-covered hillsides. Expert tour guides tell tales of the region’s natural history and desert lore. Tours start at $60 per person with a two-person minimum. One of the most unique tours is of the historic Vulture Mine where some miners struck gold, copper and silver. Of course when the mines dried up so did the town and now Vulture City is a famous Ghost Town that also will spice up your tour.

4.  Capture the real West and stay at a local dude ranch.
Wickenburg is home to three unique guest ranches, ranging from a cozy adobe hacienda to a modern ranch resort complete with championship golf course.

1. Flying E Ranch (map) offers activities that can include horseback riding, golf, tennis, swimming, nature walks, and more. Located 4 miles west of Wickenburg, near the famous Vulture Peak rock formation and home of historic Vulture Gold Mine. A minimum stay of 2 nights November through December and 3 nights January through April. Rates average $170 per person per night including meals and ranch activities.
2. More like a B&B than a traditional dude ranch, Rancho de los Caballeros (map) offers full resort amenities including spa treatments and a golf course.  Celebrating its 64^th season, Rancho de los Caballeros is a haven for a romantic getaway or for a family gathering.  Southwest inspired suites are decorated with cozy Mexican furnishings, Saltillo tile, Kiva fireplaces and spacious patios with panoramic views of the more than 100 miles of surrounding desert.  There are a variety of affordable packages for any size group.
3. Kay El Bar (map), a historic guest ranch in the heart of the desert offers an all-inclusive vacation experience to individuals or families.  Everything is included with three meals per day, lodging and the best horseback riding anywhere.  You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and you’ll love the cowboy cookouts complete with smores.

The Desert Caballeros Museum features the best in Western art.

5.  Take a Historic Walking Tour through downtown Wickenburg.
Proud of their 10 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, grab a brochure and take a self-guided walking tour or arrange for a guided tour through the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.

For an even more in depth tour of Wickenburg’s past, join Hassayampa Heather on a walking tour of Wickenburg Legends and Ghosts. Colorful characters lead you on lantern lit tours lasting approximately 90 minutes.  Tours start at $15 per person/$25 per couple. Tours depart just outside the historic Santa Fe train depot which houses the Chamber of Commerce (map).

Whether you’re looking for a quick jaunt to rummage for antiques or a long weekend to find your inner cowboy/cowgirl, Wickenburg is a friendly town that offers plenty to see and do of all things Western.

Photos from flickr – western museum park