Cities

Wickenburg

About an hour north of Phoenix, riding, roping and art come together in the high-desert community of Wickenburg.

In 1863, when Prussian immigrant Henry Wickenburg found gold in Arizona's high desert near the Hassayampa River, little did he know that his namesake community would thrive well into the 21st century. Today, Wickenburg—located some 60 miles northwest of Phoenix, as the hawk flies—is a modern town that reveres its roots. Get your bearings at the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce's visitor center, where you can discover things to do in Wickenburg and see the town's 1895 Santa Fe Railroad depot setting.

The cowboy life

Here, a traffic jam involves pickup trucks and horse trailers—after all, this western town is the team roping capital of the world, with arenas like Rancho Rio, Simpson Ranch and others hosting Wickenburg events such as public roping and barrel racing competitions. The annual Senior Pro Rodeo, held during Wickenburg's Gold Rush Day, also celebrates equestrian talents. Get your feet in the stirrups with a trail ride from one of several stables, where you'll pass stately saguaros and climb ridges to get views of the Hassayampa River, which flows partially underground.

The dude (ranch) abides

When local ranchers opened up their bunkhouses to paying guests more than a century ago, Wickenburg's rep as Arizona's dude ranch capital was forged. Today, you can still get a taste of ranching life—albeit with modern amenities—at historic guest ranches. Kay El Bar's old adobe buildings draw guests, who also come for trail rides, hiking, target shooting and family-style meals. At Flying E Dude Ranch, take part in cattle drives, horseback riding, team penning and Jeep rides on 20,000 acres of this working cattle ranch. For a more luxe vibe, Rancho de Los Caballeros has stylish accommodations, a spa and golf, plus horseback riding, skeet shooting and ATV tours.

Art alert!

Wickenburg boasts three beloved cultural institutions. Desert Caballeros Western Museum houses a top-notch collection, featuring artists like Frederic Remington, Thomas Moran and Maynard Dixon, a vignette gallery that tells the story of Wickenburg and a popular annual exhibit, "Cowgirl Up!" spotlighting women artists. The modern Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts has a robust season of performances by the likes of Lily Tomlin, the Beach Boys, Pink Martini and the Glen Miller Orchestra. Like your movies in a vintage setting? Saguaro Theater has shown first-run and classic Western films since 1948.

Beneath blue skies

You didn't come to Wickenburg to spend all your time indoors. Meander along gentle paths through a lush riparian setting at Hassayampa River Preserve, a birder's paradise where nearly 300 species of feathered friends have been spotted. Across town, go for a challenging hike up Vulture Peak, where the steep trail's reward is a view across miles. Power walkers and bike riders will like the Sunset Multi-Use Path that runs through historic downtown Wickenburg. Need more? Hit a golf course for 18 holes.

Visit City Website

More to Explore Near Wickenburg

Cities

Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert...

Cities

Prescott

Whether you love hiking through large stands of ponderosa pines or appreciate historic places, Prescott offers things to do and places to see...

Cities

Kingman

Motor into Kingman, Arizona's heart of historic Route 66.

Heritage & Culture

Contemporary Cowboy Fun

From dude ranches to themed bars, cowboy culture is alive and well in Arizona. Discover the state's Western heritage, and get in on the action,...

Know Before You Go

Why Your Next Vacay Should be an Arizona Dude Ranch

If your knowledge of dude ranches is limited to the 1990s Billy Crystal comedy "City Slickers," think of this as your crash course in all things...

Road Trips & Tours

3 Day Trips for Spring Training Fans

From late February through March, nearly 2 million baseball fans converge on metro Phoenix to watch their favorite pro teams during Cactus...

Search Filters

Search Results

Horseback Riding

360 Adventures

Arizona adventure tours by 360 Adventures take the worry out of exploring so you can focus on having fun. While Arizona features some of...

Tours

A Haunting Experience Tours

Join us as we stroll the streets of downtown Prescott, visiting some of its most storied—and haunted—sites. We provide quality tours that...

Spas & Luxury

Ace of Fades Executive Barbershop

Ace of Fades Executive Barbershop specializing in the personal care and grooming needs of Men, Women and children. Specializes in fades,...

Tours

Across Arizona Tours

Our excellent guided van tours include the Grand Canyon via Sedona & Navajo Indian Reservation Tour; Sedona, Jerome and Montezuma...

History

Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum

The Him-Dak EcoMuseum was established to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote and teach various aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage,...

Sports

American Family Fields of Phoenix

American Family Fields of Phoenix is the spring training home to the Milwaukee Brewers. Formerly known as Maryvale Baseball Park the...

Family Activities

American Gold Prospecting Adventures

We have a great team of gold prospecting guides to make your experience one to remember. We provide all the equipment and teach you...

Nature & Wildlife

Apex Balloons

Apex Balloons offers hot air balloon rides daily at sunrise and sunset above scenic Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Your balloon flight...

Arts & Culture

Archwood Exchange

Archwood Exchange was conceived in 2016 and put in motion in 2017 by four concerned community members that wanted to make a difference. The...

Galleries & Museums

Arcosanti & Cosanti Foundation

Arcosanti is an urban laboratory focused on innovative design, community, and environmental accountability. Our goal is to actively pursue...

Hiking & Trails

Arizona Backcountry Llamas

We would love for you to join us on a 2-hour, 4-hour, or an all-day hike. Lead one of our llamas to a beautiful destination for a tasty...

Discover

Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.