Wickenburg is located 50 miles northwest of Phoenix. It's pretty far out from the city so that it would be tough to try to include it within one's idea of the greater metropolitan area.However, with the galloping growth of the Phoenix area Wickenburg is getting closer and closer every day. Wickenburg is at an elevation of 2,100 feet- and this is a good thing because it offers some relief from the scorching temperatures that mercilessly pound down upon the dusty desert plain.
Residents of Wickenburg can high-tail it into, or out of, town by taking State Highway 93 (Grand Avenue), which travels northwest diagonally from metropolitan Phoenix. This route is the quick way to go.Wickenburg is right next to Hassayampa River, which means "river that flows upside down." The Native Americans living in the area gave the river its name, due to the fact that the river actually flows 20 feet below the surface for most of its 100 mile course through the desert.Today, it is still one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Arizona desert.
Water in the desert?.What a concept!.This makes the area unique and attractive in a very remarkable way and the river makes the town of Wickenburg is a great place to live.Nestled in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, along the Hassayampa River, the town of Wickenburg has grown to become a popular place to call home. It was the first town built north of Tucson, making it one of the oldest towns in Arizona.
Wickenburg is a progressive community that carefully maintains a high quality of life.Climate.The climate is typical of the southwest. There is a mild winter that is balanced by a long hot, dry summer.
Many have claimed that the dry, hot summer conditions have helped to relive many of their allergy symptoms.Summer days are clear and spectacular and the temperatures are truly remarkable. Spring and autumn are mild transitions into the other seasons. There is a brief monsoon season that is truly extraordinary.History of Wickenburg.
Town historians have agreed to begin Wickenburg's city timeline in 1863. It was then that Henry Wickenburg, a German immigrant, came to the area and discovered gold. This discovery eventually became the well chronicled Vulture Mine.Henry found his fortune in the stark Arizona plains so long ago as the Vulture Mine proved to be the most profitable gold and silver mine in the desert.And people have continued to pass through this cozy town ever since on the way to their destinies in the important metropolitan areas farther west.The few settlers, names unknown, that first dwelt here were small time ranchers.
Then the gold fever hit and this nondescript area shone brightly for its 15 minutes., In the 1920's and 1930's, dude ranches, offered cookouts, trail rides, and hayrides, started popping up in Wickenburg.These dude ranches probably provided much of the material to the series of delightful comedies that have appeared on film recently in these settings.Today several functioning dude ranches remain on the edge of town plying their assortment of goods and services for the voracious appetite of eager tourists from all over the globe. It's a living chronicle- a town run amuck in history and tradition.
And it's all just a small part of Wickenburg's idea of how to keep the old west feeling alive.Wickenburg can offer you desert, history, and the promise of a changing future. If you're looking at Arizona then that's what you're interested in the first analysis, right?.The town gives its residents the comforts of city living.
An adjacent airport, curbed streets, town utilities, and paved streets are some of the benefits this small town provides.Wickenburg has reconciled with the past and is ready to play an active part in the changing Arizona tapestry.So find your pleasant paradise as you sit blissfully along the banks of the lazy Hassayampa River watching time march by.Wickenburg Entertainment.There are a wide range of services available in Wickenburg, along with a relaxing Western lifestyle that so many residents enjoy.
With more than 400 businesses in town, residents have a full range of services, stores, and specialty shops at their disposal.Wickenburg is no "plains Jane"- the people just prefer a low profile style with a minimum of commotion. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum situated in downtown, showcases acclaimed collections of Western art and artifacts. Modest and tasteful special events and shows are offered throughout the year at the museum for residents and visitors.
Main Street has been preserved. Luckily for the historically minded visitor the urban sprawl and extensive development never took place here. Not so much as a tace- so that you can be here, and see here, what people were all about when some folks were advising others to save their Confederate currencies!.Even the old Santa Fe Train Station has been converted into the Chamber of Commerce building.
Wickenburg residents spend most of their time strolling uncluttered downtown streets, talking about the weather and sharing the hospitality they've brought along from so many other wonderful places.Wickenburg Outdoor Recreation.The town of Wickenburg once held the title of Dude Ranch Capital of the World.
It is hard to imagine who could have wrestled this distinction away- but the matter must certainly be under appeal.Today, the town still has several dude ranches. However, one of the biggest pastimes in town is the sport of golf.
There are several courses available in and around the surround area that are available play year round. With warm weather and sunny skies, a round of golf is the perfect way to spend a day in Wickenburg.Outdoor recreation is something everyone likes to do. It is good for you, too. Probably 9 out of 10 doctors would say that active participation in exercise strengthens the body; helps stave off disease and lengthens life.
Just be careful of injuries!.Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and much more are part of living in Wickenburg. Residents enjoy spending time outside.
People often say, "You will be sure to find it all out Wickenburg way!".The Hassayampa River Preserve is a popular outdoor spot for many people. A nature trail along the Hassayampa River allows hikers an opportunity to get a glimpse of some of the 220 species of birds that call this preserve home.Wickenburg is a terrific place for those who want to combine the history of the old west with an outdoor lifestyle.
.R. Steven Thomas Yacono is a legal scholar, educator and writer who has traveled extensively over the course past decade. From Beijing to Barstow and Xiamen to Sedona, his journeys have provided a wealth of experiences about fascinating people and places to share with interested readers.
You can find out more about Arizona at http://www.arizonan.com; and to plan your next trip visit http://www.on-holiday.
com.Your comments are welcomed. Please direct correspondence to R. Steven Thomas Yacono at aztreking@hotmail.com.
By: R. Steven Thomas Yacono
