7 Timeless Towns In Arizona

Tourism is ranked as one of Arizona’s top export-oriented industries. And with its diverse terrain, tribal lands, popular golf courses, and monumental landmarks, it’s no surprise that 45 million people flock to this state each year. Visit the most famous landmarks the state has or venture out to something uniquely different. Take a trip to a place time forgot in one of these timeless desert towns of Arizona. Visiting one or more of these seven areas will not only teach you about the state’s past but also make you feel like you were part of it.

Bisbee

Start your time in Bisbee by visiting the Lavender Pit. Contrary to its name, you won’t find any lavender here, but rather a giant gaping pit that was once a copper mine. While you can’t go inside the pit you are able to get close enough for the awe-inspiring views of the immense area. If you are looking to venture inside a mine, you need to make sure you plan a stop at the Cooper Queen Mine. Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company, the eventual sole operator of copper production in the 1880s, started its reign in the small town of Bisbee. Today you can tour the mine that started it all. Ride the original train down and see how the miners of the past worked. Go deep underground in the mines, to high above them with your next stop. Take the Castle Rock Trail up to the stone overlook and take in the sites of the town below, including the Inn at Castle Rock, located at the foot of Castle Rock.

Prescott

Make your first stop in this classic town at scenic Lake Prescott and partake in one or more of the available activities. Swimming is not allowed at the lake; however, you can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing on the water. On land, enjoy rock climbing, camping and hiking around the serene lake. To continue with the outdoor excitement, wander over to the Prescott National Forest. Over 950 miles of trails are housed in the forest and range from desert to pines. And with over 100,000 acres of wilderness, there’s tons to do. Since you won’t be able to see everything the forest has to offer, visit some of the more notable areas, including Mingus Mountain, Lynx Lake Recreation Area and the Verde River. Finally, immerse yourself in the history of Prescott at the Museum of Indigenous People. It is the only museum located within the greater Prescott area dedicated to showcasing the culture of the Natives. The museum not only displays antiquities of the past but also offers classes and lectures for extended learning.

Wickenburg

Visit Wickenburg’s oldest urban legend... or is it? Between 1863-1890 Wickenburg did not have a jail, so the old fable goes that the drunks and criminals were shackled to a mesquite tree in the middle of town. The tree still stands today with a placard honoring its history. Along with other informational signs, a fake outlaw is splayed out at the base of the tree. If you’re looking for a more traditional activity, discover the Hassayampa River Preserve. Hike one of the many available trails along the river, floodplains, forests and desert waterways. Keep your eyes open for any of the dozens of varieties of birds found in the preserve. A final stop to make in this traditional town is the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. The museum is constantly updating its exhibitions so each visit can be something new and exciting for its patrons.

Sedona

Sedona is one of Arizona’s most traveled tourist spots, and within that small town, one of its main attractions is the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. Designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village, this shopping and dining square has been a landmark in Sedona since the 1970s. Admire the customary architecture while shopping at one of the galleries or jewelry or specialty stores. Another eye-popping attraction in Sedona is the natural beauty of Red Rocks State Park. Take the trail up to Eagle’s Nest, the highest point in the park. The 5-mile trail system contains other connected trails to take you along Oak Creek and get a breathtaking view of the red rocks. Another state park in Sedona that boasts exceptional views is the Slide Rock State Park. The park has a few short trails that take you just enough into the park to get multiple beautiful views.

Williams

One of not only Arizona’s but also the US’s biggest attractions is Grand Canyon National Park. Spend one or more days hiking in the canyon. Either hike all the way in or elect for some of the trails around the rim. The Grand Canyon was carved out by the Colorado River that runs through it, creating a 277 mile long, 18 mile wide, 1 mile at its deepest, natural landmark. Before venturing out, make sure to check if a permit is required for the hike you might be planning. Another less daunting but uniquely exciting stop in Williams is Raptor Ranch, specifically Bedrock City. Created in the 1970s, this park pays homage to the classic cartoon, The Flintstones. Visit Fred and Wilma’s house, sit in one of their foot-operated cars, or see how you measure up to any of the dinosaurs in the park. A fun place for kids and a nostalgic place for adults. Another stop you don’t want to miss is Bearizona, Arizona’s Premier Wildlife Park. Bearizona is 160 acres and visitors can drive over three miles in the Ponderosa Pine Forest to view the wildlife in their natural habitat. From bears to bison and wolves to pythons, this park has almost every creature you might want to find.

Clarkdale

Start your trip to Clarkdale with a stop at the Tuzigoot National Monument. The park is small, but big with history. One of the park trails will take you by and through the Tuzigoot Pueblo, a 110-room village that was established almost 1,000 years ago. A second trail will take you by the Tavasci Marsh and Verde River. For another adventure in Clarkdale, hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a train ride. The vintage train takes you on a 20-mile trip, including into Verde Canyon. The total ride takes four hours, so grab lunch, sit back and take in the views or Arizona’s “other Grand Canyon”. Journey along rivers, next to towering red rocks, around Indian ruins, over historic bridges and finally through a 734-foot man-made tunnel carved in solid rock. Before leaving Clarkdale, learn about the town’s past at The Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum. The museum is a former clinic erected during the influenza pandemic of 1918-19. Eventually, the building became a town office with a jail, eventual library, and, in 2008, the museum it currently is.

Tombstone

The O.K. Corral in Tombstone is a stop you don’t want to miss if you want to not only learn about the town’s history but also be a part of it. Daily reenactments of gunfights are performed at The Streets of Tombstone Theater. After the battle, visit the photo gallery with Displays of Geronimo. And finally, stop by the stables, sit in the buggies and see how the blacksmith’s operated. To continue with the reenactments and experience even more, head to Old Tombstone Western Theme Park. The park offers trolly rides, a cantina, a restaurant, mini golf, a shooting gallery and gold panning. Make sure to take advantage of all the park has to offer. For a final stop in Tombstone, visit the Schieffelin Monument. The monument marks the final resting place for Ed Schieffelin, the prospector responsible for the town’s silver boom. The monument is located within Tombstone Courthouse Historic State Park.

The state of Arizona is filled with history just waiting to be discovered. These towns, whether historic themselves or filled with historical landmarks or natural geographic landmarks, seem to remain timeless. Whether you see a Wyatt Earp gunfight or visit Fred Flintstone’s house, each stop tells a story.