WESTERN HERITAGE TRAIL JOIN US ON AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY ALONG ARIZONA’S SCENIC ROUTE TO THE GRAND CANYON. TM
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Travel with us across the same awe-inspiring land once traversed by ancient civilizations, pathfinders and early pioneers-a rich historical landscape where you’ll meet the trailblazers, cattle barons, gold miners and outlaws who rode the range and staked their claims on the canyon walls and countryside. This is the Western Heritage Trail.
!$1 Discover mining camps, ghost towns, authentic ranches, extraordinary museums, famous forts, historic hotels, unexpected pleasures and countless hidden treasures. From the awe-inspiring White Tank Mountains in Surprise to the majestic Grand Canyon, the Western Heritage Trail will challenge you, delight you, entertain you and provide you with a thousand reasons to return.
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SURPRISE Heading northwest from Phoenix, you’ll first encounter Surprise, base camp for tours to nearby mining towns and attractions. Begin your adventure with a hike in the pristine desert of White Tank Mountain Regional Park where ancient petroglyphs tell the story of the Hohokam and Yavapai peoples. Learn more about Native cultures and view incredible art at Heard Museum West and West Valley Art Museum, two of Surprise’s cultural jewels. Enjoy great restaurants and accommodations in a city that defines vibrant southwest living.
WICKENBURG
Heard Museum West photo courtesy, City of Surprise
Leaving Surprise and heading farther north, you will approach Hassayampa River Preserve on your left. The Preserve is a desert oasis complete with palm trees, a pond that is home to frogs and water fowl, and a mysterious river that rises from the depths of the desert sand. Because the river flows above ground year-round—which is unusual in Arizona—the name Hassayampa, meaning “the river which flows upside down,” was given. The charming town of Wickenburg—home of the spectacular Desert Caballeros Museum—is a haven for all things Western. Provoke your inner cowboy to ride the range at a world-renowned guest ranch or kindle your spirit to meet some ghosts at the legendary Vulture Mine, which offers visitors a glimpse of a vanished world and an object lesson in the grim cost of striking it rich.
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CONGRESS
SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM This Prescott treasure is as unique and interesting as its founder, Sharlot Mabridth Hall. An accomplished poet and writer, she promoted the pioneer way of life to readers all over the country, and became determined to save it for historical purpose. She began collecting all manner of pioneer and Native American artifacts, documents, maps, oral histories, diaries, military and personal papers. After convincing the City of Prescott into letting her move into and refurbish the deteriorated Governor’s Mansion, she opened it on June 11, 1928 as a public museum which has become Prescott’s crown jewel.
Leaving Wickenburg and continuing north, you’ll pass through Congress, a former gold mine boom town discovered by Dennis May on March 25, 1884. Today, you can visit an old mine and cemetery in Congress. Within just a few miles, drivers can spot some of the quirkiest of Arizona’s unusual roadside attractions, including The Frog. You can visit a historic ghost town, enjoy expansive vistas such as Antelope Peak and contemplate a couple of forlorn cemeteries.
STANTON A dirt road on the right leads to the town of Stanton, once named Antelope Station. Legend has it that when a prospector left his group to round up some mules on a nearby hill, he literally stumbled on gold nuggets lying right atop the soil. The subsequent strike on the aptly named Rich Hill allowed the group to dig up $100,000 of gold in less than six months. Many of Stanton’s buildings are in terrific condition since the town was closed to the public for decades. Today, Stanton is owned by the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association and has been transformed into a campground for RVs. Many recreational prospectors visit the site to try their luck.
Today, the Governor’s Mansion is the centerpiece of a four-acre campus of exhibit space, historic buildings, gardens, a store, and an extensive library and archive. The Museum’s living history program entertains and educates with reenactments and demonstrations, both on the Museum campus and at the Fort Whipple Museum. The Sharlot Hall Museum’s cultural heritage festivals are legendary. This year they are presenting the 36th Annual Folk Arts Fair on June 6 and 7; the 12th Annual Prescott Indian Art Market on July 11 and 12 and the 31st Annual Folk Music Festival on Oct. 3 and 4. Sharlot Hall was a remarkable woman, and her Sharlot Hall Museum namesake photo Prescott, AZ. • www.s harlot.org museum is a testament to her foresight and determinations. The award-winning Sharlot Hall Museum is located at 415 W. Gurley St., two blocks west of Courthouse Plaza. For more information: 928.445.3122 www.Sharlot.org
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Painted Lizard Antiques, one of the charming and eclectic shops found in quaint Yarnell. 2009 James Cowlin-US Route 89 Appreciation Society
YARNELL AND PEEPLES VALLEY Continuing north, you’ll climb up Yarnell Hill—one of the most breathtaking stretches of highway in Arizona, soaring 2500 feet up the side of Table Top Mountain in a scant four miles. At the top is Yarnell; a quiet, friendly village with an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques and antique shops. Visit the Shrine of St. Joseph, situated in a sanctuary of natural beauty, where a rustic path beckons you to walk the Way of the Cross. Three miles to the north lay the lush, rolling pasture land of Peeples Valley with horses and cattle grazing among its giant Cottonwood trees and wandering brooks. It's an unforgettable drive!
DISCOVER THE ROMANCE OF THE WIDE OPEN RANGE... AT OUR 20,000 ACRE ARIZONA RANCH
KIRKLAND JUNCTION Soon, you’ll see a sign directing you to Kirkland Junction, located in the Kirkland Valley approximately 25 miles southwest of Prescott. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the historic Kirkland Bar & Steak House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
SKULL VALLEY Many stories have been told regarding the origin of the name Skull Valley. Documentation demonstrates that the name dates back to at least 1864 when skulls were found by Captain Hargraves’ company of the First California Volunteers. The skulls were remnants of a bitter battle between Yavapai Apaches and Maricopa Indians, in which the latter were the victors. The dead were left where they fell. “Ah-kama-nah”—valley of skulls—is the name the Yavapais have called the valley for over a century.
THE RANCH EXPERIENCE More than a simple Ranch, enjoy horseback riding, spa treatments and golf in harmony with the desert.
GIDDY UP GALS GETAWAY! A getaway package that gives you time to bond and revel in cowgirl fun and rejuvenation without the men folk.
DIVOT DIVAS DIVERSION Golf game needs work? Let our experts coach you in a relaxed setting, with plenty of time for golf and camaraderie.
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1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390 Tel: 928-684-5484; Spa Phone 928-684-5484 x516 For Reservations, Group Sales, or details, call Tel: 800-684-5030 Email: home@SunC.com www.SunC.com
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PRESCOTT Prescott is Arizona’s first territorial capital and home to the famous Sharlot Hall Museum. The mile-high city is surrounded by the largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pines in the nation, and boasts five lakes, 450 miles of recreational trails and 108 holes of spectacular golf. Visitors will find galleries, boutiques, antiques, restaurants, museums, casinos, a racetrack and accommodations to fit every taste. Prescott’s historic Whiskey Row is home to cowboy watering holes, and the tree-lined Courthouse Square is teeming with activity throughout the year.
Kaibab National Forest
WILLIAMS The charming town of Williams is nestled at the base of Bill Williams Mountain amid the towering ponderosa pine trees of Kaibab National Forest. Mountain lakes, enchanting back roads and forested trails afford natural beauty and recreation year round. You can ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railroad, experience the western museum and activities at Wild West Junction or just enjoy the countryside.
GRAND CANYON AND TUSAYAN Open all year, Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It serves as an example of natural beauty and geologic wonder for millions of visitors annually, and is a place everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. Lodging, dining, unique shopping and other guest services inside the park and in the gateway community of Tusayan enhance the visitor experience. Plan to stay several days to make your Grand Canyon visit a true experience of a lifetime.
Sharlot Hall Museum, built around the site of the First Territorial Governor’s Mansion, features an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to Arizona’s early territorial days. 2009 Sharlot Hall Museum
CHINO VALLEY Leaving Prescott, you’ll continue north through the beautiful Chino Valley, filled with clear fresh air, pure water, wide-open spaces, fertile soil and gentle seasons. Nearby recreational opportunities include fishing, camping, hunting and miles of hiking and equestrian trails, along with historical landmarks and scenic drives.
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Grand Canyon National Park
GRAND CANYON
WESTERN HERITAGE TRAIL
Tusayan Grand Canyon National Park Kaibab National Forest
CHARTER MEMBER DIRECTORY
Williams Grand Canyon Railroad
For additional information on Western Heritage Trail, www.visit-westernheritagetrail.com
Chino Valley
Granite Creek Vinyards CITY OF SURPRISE
TOWN OF YARNELL
City of Surprise 12425 W. Bell Rd. Surprise, AZ 85374 623.222.3321 www.surpriseaz.com
Brand New Dead Things 22877 State Highway 89 Yarnell, AZ 85362 928.427.6393
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 16540 W. Bullard Ave. Surprise, AZ 85374 623.975.5540 www.hiexpress.com/surpriseaz Hampton Inn & Suites 14783 W. Grand Ave. Surprise, AZ 85374 623.537.9122 www.HamptonInn.com Heard Museum West 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza Surprise, AZ 85374 623.344.2200 www.heard.org Kokopelli Bistro & Winery 14719 W. Grand Ave. Surprise, AZ 623.556.4810 www.kokopelliwinery.com West Valley Art Museum 17420 N. Avenue of the Arts Surprise, AZ 85374 623.972.0635 www.wvam.org CITY OF WICKENBURG Desert Caballeros Museum 21 N. Frontier Street Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928.684.2272 www.westernmuseum.org
Cornerstone Bakery 22773 State Highway 89 Yarnell, AZ 85362 928.427.9558 Painted Lizard P.O. Box 214 Yarnell, AZ 85362 928.427.6262 Yarnell–Peeples Valley Chamber of Commerce 18653 S. Aggie Hodge Rd. Peeples Valley, AZ 86332 928.427.6262 CITY OF PRESCOTT Sharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 928.445.3122
PRESCOTT
Table Top Mountain
Skull Valley Peeples Valley Stanton
WICKENBURG Hassayampa River Preserve
GRAND CANYON AND TUSAYAN Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce 200 W. Railroad Ave. Williams, AZ 86046 928.638.2901 info@grandcanyonvisitor bureau.com
Yarnell Congress Surprise Stadium
White Tank Mountains SURPRISE Regional Park
GREAT STOPS ALONG THE WAY Desert Caballeros Museum Wickenburg, AZ 928.684.2272 www.westernmuseum.org
Vulture Mine Wickenburg, AZ 602.859.2743 www.jpc-training.com/pg06
Grand Canyon Railroad Williams, AZ 1.800.TheTrain www.thetrain.com
White Tank Mountain Regional Park Waddell, AZ 623.935.2505 www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank
CITY OF CHINO VALLEY Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 419 Chino Valley, AZ 86323 928.636.2493
Sharlot Hall Museum Kirkland Junction
Hassayampa River Preserve Wickenburg, AZ 928.684.2772 www.hassayampa.org Heard Museum West Surprise, AZ 623.344.2200 www.heard.org Shrine of St. Joseph Yarnell, AZ 928.778.5229 www.stjosseph-shrine.org
West Valley Art Museum Surprise, AZ 623.972.0635 www.wvam.org
Find a calender of upcoming events along the trail at www.visitwesternheritagetrail.com
WESTERN HERITAGE TRAIL GREAT STOPS ALONG THE WAY For additional information on Western Heritage Trail, visit: www.visit-westernheritagetrail.com
For more information visit
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