Wickenburg is a charming small town whose spirit looms large. Located at the north edge of Maricopa County, approximately 30 minutes from northwest metro Phoenix, Arizona. Downtown Wickenburg is widely admired for its historic buildings and unique rustic charm.

With its rich cultural diversity, and western and southwestern architecture, set amid a wonderful climate, magnificent sunsets, beautiful mountains and high desert terrain, is it no wonder that Wickenburg was named one of the "50 Best Places to Live in America" by Men's Journal magazine in the March 2002 issue.

Arizona's most western community hearkens back to a different time and place. Nature graced Wickenburg with a gentle magic. Resting on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert, just below Arizona's mountainous country, the Wickenburg area abounds in natural beauty. While the area's geological treasures attracted miners from around the world, the Hassayampa River flood plain provided fertile soil for farming and ranching.

Wickenburg was founded during the late 1800's by Henry Wickenburg, a German immigrant who settled here after discovering the richest gold mine in Arizona history at what is now known as the Vulture Mine.

Wickenburg enjoys a rich history dating back to 1863. Over the years, the people of this community have built a worldwide reputation for western hospitality and lifestyle.

The Wickenburg climate is "warm desert," but not quite as hot as many Arizona communities. The elevation is considerably higher which makes for cooler weather than the Phoenix metro area, especially at night. The temperature averages in the mid-70's with clean, fresh, dust-free air.

The elevation of the city of Wickenburg is approximately 2,100 feet and the landscape is beautiful Sonoran desert with mountain views.

There is scarcely a day without sunshine and millions of stars light each brisk, invigorating night.

The community of Wickenburg is friendly and warm, and there are services here that exceed what you would expect from a town of this size.

Wickenburg has up-to-date transportation and communication facilities. The Wickenburg Airport has a 5,050-ft runway. With over 500 businesses providing a full-range of services, Wickenburg has all the components of any contemporary community, but the western ambiance still thrives; "Horses have the right of way on all Wickenburg streets."

Complete medical services are available at Wickenburg Community Hospital's 15-bed acute care hospital. In addition to inpatient and outpatient care, WCH also operates a 9-bay, 24-hour emergency department and the necessary ancillary services for complete, quality healthcare. Medical staff includes family practice physicians, general surgeons and visiting specialists. Del E. Webb Wellness Center is also a service provided by WCH for the complete continuum of care. Del E Webb Memorial Hospital, 30 miles south of Wickenburg, is fully accredited with local ties to Sun Health. Lifeline operates an ambulance service staffed by paramedics and EMTs. It is supplemented by helicopter service from Phoenix for transfer of critically ill/injured patients.

The Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve, 3 miles southeast of downtown Wickenburg, encompasses one of the best remaining examples of the rarest forest type in North America: the Fremont Cottonwood-Willow riparian forest. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered Southwest Willow Flycatcher and the rare (to Arizona) Red-Shouldered Hawk.

The perennially flowing Hassayampa River and the spring-fed Palm Lake supply water to the preserve. A 1860s 4-room adobe is the core of the current Visitor Center, listed in Arizona's State Register of Historic Places. Located here are a new interpretive display area, gift shop, bookstore, environmental education programs and the Frank P. Broz Nature Gallery.

Wickenburg for many years was known as "The Dude Ranch Capital of the World," and today a number of excellent guest ranches offering all the western charm and hospitality a visitor could want still serve the area.

Hiking trails, horseback riding, Jeeping and rodeo action are major components in the recreational picture here. Exploring the high Sonoran Desert is popular with naturalists and history buffs. Lake Pleasant, one of the largest and finest boating locations in the state, with a full-service marina, is just 35 miles southeast of Wickenburg.

The Los Caballeros Golf Club is ranked one of the top five in the state of Arizona by the Golf Digest editors, and their 1.55 million subscribers voted the 7,025-yard par-72 masterpiece as a must "Place to Play". Interesting things to see and do in Wickenburg include Historical Walking Tour, Old 761 Santa Fe Steam Locomotive, Wishing Well of "Hassayamper legend", Desert Caballeros Western Museum and Museum Park - considered one of the best museums in Arizona, and Jail Tree - a 200-year-old mesquite tree that once served as the town jail.

Wickenburg's recently opened 600-seat Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts was named "Best of the West" by WESTMARC, WESTMARC praised The Webb Center for "... its commitment to diverse programming," stating that it "... stands as a champion of cultural awareness in the West Valley."

Box Canyon and Vulture Peak Trail are very convenient to town. The historic Vulture Mine offers a peek of yesteryear, with tours of the remaining buildings and mine site. Robson's Arizona Mining World recreates turn-of-the-century life on the site of a once prosperous mining community in the Harcuvar Mountains 27 miles northwest of Wickenburg. The town includes original miners' cabins, replicas of old stores, the Gold Leaf Restaurant, a 20,000 pound collection of minerals and more. Heavy mining equipment, including cranes and compressors, are displayed in chronological order.

Wickenburg is also a short drive from the Phoenix metro area which offers nearly endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.  Phoenix is a sports lovers paradise and is one of just a few cities that can boast four major professional sports teams – the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team, the Arizona Cardinals professional football team, the Coyotes professional hockey team and of course, the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team.  

Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce

City of Wickenburg

Wickenburg Weather Information