Arizona is the land of the Wild West: desert and sand, red rocks, cattle driving, gunfights, saloons, ghost towns, cowboys and Indians. Where it was once a land full of cowboys looking for adventure or miners digging for gold, today Arizona is a land full of stories that echo of those times and people looking for a glimpse into the past.
If you’re thinking of traveling to the south of the USA and away from the big cities of New York City or San Francisco, by car or by plane, then consider Arizona for your next holiday. It is a land that confidently owns the bragging rights for some of the best Wild West adventures as well as awe-inspiring monumental natural formations in the Grand Canyon and Navajo Nation.
There’s something for everyone: kids, adults, families and couples. So read on to find out about 5 Highlights of the Wild West in Arizona!
Discover the Land of Cowboys, Bandits and Gunfights: 5 Highlights of the Wild West in Arizona, USA
1) The Mother Road or Main Street of America: Route 66
For hundreds of years before the introduction of automobiles, RV’s, airplanes and hybrid cars, there was Route 66, known as the Mother Road or the Main Street of America. This was once the longest road in the United States and the only road leading from Santa Monica on the west coast to Springfield and Chicago on the east coast.
Now known as the Historic Route 66, you can travel the very road of the migrants of the Dust Bowl – a large scale move in the 1930’s of farming families in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas who sought out agricultural jobs in California. Along the route, small towns, service stations, restaurants, gas stations and other family run businesses grew and established themselves. This was the original “road trip” road and small highway diner stops.
These continue to exist today – and you can see them for yourself and talk to its owners when you travel along Route 66 in Arizona. Go westbound from New Mexico to Lupton, Winslow, Flagstaff, Seligman, Kingman, and south to Topock and into California.
Making your way to San Francisco? Read about the Best of Fisherman’s Wharf. Alternatively, you can also split off from Route 66 and head north to see the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada.
2) The Grand Canyon, Navajo Nation, Rainbow Bridge
The majestic land of the Grand Canyon and the Navajo Nation is a sight not to be missed. From Phoenix, or the nearby cities of Flagstaff and Williams, the best entrance is the South Rim entrance but the East entrance is always less busy. Park at the visitors parking and ride the park shuttles during the day that can take you on a variety of routes throughout the park including the Village Loop, the Hermit Road Loop and the Kaibab Trail Loop.
You can go hiking, trekking and camping through the park or just stay for the day. There’s also the option of staying at several of the hotels and inns in the area – perfect if you want to experience the Canyon but still have a few luxuries. Restaurant, cafes and coffee shops can also be found at the park entrances – don’t forget to stop for a Navajo Taco or some Native Indian souvenirs.
Make another stop at Rainbow Bridge National Monument nearby in Utah – the world’s largest natural bridge and a natural phenomena located at the base area of Navajo Mountain. The bridge has been considered sacred by American Native Indian tribes for hundreds of years. Today, you can see the bridge two ways: backpacking from Navajo Mountain or by boat only from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Remember that it is considered sacred by some, and so don’t forget to be respectful!
One of our favourite cowboys, Indiana Jones, has filmed in some of these very deserts, in the rocks and canyons of Utah, Arizona, California and New Mexico national parks. Find out more about Traveling with Indiana Jones!
3) Old Ghost Towns of the Wild West
If you’re looking to relive a Clint Eastwood movie, this is the highlight you’ve been waiting for. One of the most notorious Wild West towns is Tombstone, the “Town Too Tough to Die.” Since then mid 1800’s up until its busiest time in the 1880’s, this town remains one of Arizona’s most visited cities – but less so by cowboys, bandits or outlaws than it is by tourists today. Don’t forget to sit and enjoy an authentic sarsaparilla in a saloon with swinging doors.
Visit the ghost town of Oatman, near Kingman and the Black Mountains in Arizona. Here you’ll find an old Wild West town which used to be a camp for those digging in the gold mines at Gold Road. Today you can be an onlooker to staged gun fights and stand offs in the middle of the streets. You can take a ride at the Gold Road mine in an authentic stage coach, watch wild burros walking down the streets or hang out in the saloons. Stay overnight at the Oatman Hotel where Clark Gable himself spent his honeymoon with Carole Lombard – but be warned, it’s said to be haunted.
4) Dude Ranches
For the real experience on how to travel and live like a cowboy in the Wild West – then be sure not to miss visiting one of Arizona’s many dude ranches. Synonymous with the American West, dude ranches, wagon rides and horseback rides in the secluded desert with cactus are all part of the dude ranch experience.
Today, whether you’re looking for a cowboy adventure or a romantic getaway, Arizona’s dude ranches offer resort style accommodations and luxury whilst getting away from the rest of the world. From recreational activities like the usual horse back riding, there’s also mountain biking, golf, hiking trails, spa amenities, fine dining and of course – line dancing. It’s fun for the whole family! Most well known ranches are located near Wickenburg just northeast of Phoenix and around the Tucson area, just north of the Mexico border.
If you’re thinking of heading through to Mexico, consider trying the Illegal Border Crossing Experience near Mexico City at Parque Eco Alberto where you can experience the gruelling trek of Mexicans who try to illegally cross into the USA – into Arizona, Nevada or California.
5) Valley of the Sun Destinations: Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Tempe
A trip to Arizona is not complete without a step away from the rugged cowboy lifestyle and into the buzzing city of Phoenix. Visit downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum for indigenous arts and exhibitions, and of course, Biltmore Fashion Park for the top shopping in the area. Make your way to Mesa where you can take a Jeep Tour of the Superstition Mountains. Visit old Scottsdale, just 30 minutes from Phoenix and you’ll think you’ve stepped into the era of poodle skirts and root beer floats.
Don’t forget to make your way along the Colorado River on Arizona’s West Coast! From river-side destinations and towns to water sports galore to sailing, golf and river-side restaurants, don’t miss out!