The Hassayampa River, which runs parallel to Wickenburg, served as an abundant oasis for the Yavapai for centuries. Water wasn’t the only natural bounty this patch of land about 60 miles west of Phoenix had to offer. In 1863, prospector Henry Wickenburg discovered nearly $30 million worth of gold at nearby Vulture Mine. His namesake town persisted through war, drought and a catastrophic flood before being incorporated in 1909. Today, the Old West lives on through dude ranches, down-home dining and historical landmarks.
Photography by Angelina Aragon
3 Things To Do
1 Rancho De Los Caballeros
Open October through May, this newly renovated guest ranch, resort and spa offers equine experiences including horseback riding and barrel racing. A golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, desert-inspired spa treatments and Arizona’s first non-rectangular pool add to the ranch’s appeal.
1551 S. Vulture Mine Rd.
928-684-5484, ranchodeloscaballeros.com
2 Desert Caballeros Museum
Exhibits at this Smithsonian affiliate focus on art and artifacts from Wickenburg’s past and present. The 18th annual Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West, a juried exhibition featuring Western-themed paintings, sculptures and sketches by female artists, is on view through September 3.
21 N. Frontier St.
928-684-2272, westernmuseum.org
3 Antiques & Artisans Emporium
Even the building that houses this two-story treasure trove is an antique. Find collectibles, Southwestern jewelry and accessories, furniture, art, clothing and more in this former hotel built in 1888.
278 E. Wickenburg Way
928-231-9263, wickenburgantiques.com
3 Places To Eat
1 Anita’s Cocina
For nearly four decades, Anita’s has been faithfully serving classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, tamales and burritos as well as specialties like the Super Duper Tostada topped with beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, guacamole and a choice of chicken or beef.
57 N. Valentine St.
928-684-5777, anitascocina.com
2 Cowboy Cookin’
If you’re craving comfort food fit for a weary cattleman, this restaurant has all the usual suspects – steak, burgers and chili, plus unexpectedly elevated eats like Brie and blackberry jam bruschetta and Caprese with fresh burrata and basil.
495 E. Wickenburg Way
928-684-3882, cowboycookin.info
3 La Cabana Saloon
Built in 1946, La Cabana’s rough and ready patina remains. Stop by the dimly lit dive for affordable drinks and snacks, live music, billiards, foosball and a glowing gallery of neon signs.
132 E. Wickenburg Way
928-684-7671
PHOTO OP
Downtown Characters
Renowned sculptor J. Seward Johnson created a series of life-size statues to populate downtown Wickenburg and tell the story of its former inhabitants. A lively vaquero serenades passersby on Wickenburg Way, while an outlaw sits chained to the 200-year-old Jail Tree on Tegner Street.
Overnight Option!
Los Viajeros Inn
The midcentury motifs, muted color palettes, cozy courtyards and shaded pool area at Los Viajeros, which translates to “travelers,” provide the perfect place for tired road trippers to rest their heads.
1000 N. Tegner St.
928-684-7099, losviajerosinn.com
