Posted in Arizona October 20, 2021 by

The Tiny Mountain Town In Arizona That’s The Perfect Day Trip Destination

There are lots of little towns hiding in Arizona’s many mountain ranges, and Crown King is among the tiniest of them all. Complete with a saloon, general store, and plenty of unpaved dirt roads, this former mining town looks like something right out of a Western movie, and it makes a perfect day trip destination.

Nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains of central Arizona, Crown King is a charming small town with a population of just over 100.
Flickr/Mimi Cummins
At the height of the mining industry, Crown King produced over $2 million in gold; however, tourism has been the town's only source of income since the mines shut down in the 1950s.
Few buildings remain in the town, and of them, the Crown King Saloon is definitely the most iconic.
TripAdvisor/Michael H
Like something right out of a Western film, this century-old watering hole also serves as a café and the unofficial local hangout spot.
Inside, the saloon looks exactly as you'd expect it to.
TripAdvisor/Michael H
Dollar bills, cowboy memorabilia, and paintings depicting various frontier scenes line the walls, and sarsaparillas slide down the bar into the hands of thirsty patrons.
The saloon does serve food, but if you want to keep exploring the town, mosey on over to The Mill Restaurant for a bite to eat.
Flickr/Curtis Roberts
Delicious food in a no-frills atmosphere is what you'll find at this hidden gem eatery, which pays homage to stamp mills that helped separate gold ore. From the mining artifacts in every room to the mouthwatering steaks, burgers, and sandwiches to the unparalleled mountain views, this place is so worth visiting.
A trip to Crown King simply wouldn't be complete without stopping at the Crown King General Store.
TripAdvisor/Niteriders
Here, you'll find the best homemade fudge you've ever tasted, plus a whole lot of small-town hospitality.
The town is also a nature lover's paradise, home to the scenic Horsethief Basin Recreation Area.
Google/Phoenix Wombat
A man-made lake with crystal-clear waters is flanked by lush, evergreen pines, and there's even a dam for fishing.
If you'd like to extend your visit beyond one day, there are plenty of lodging opportunities in town.
TripAdvisor/Ken S
From cabins to suites to bunkhouses for larger groups, you'll have no trouble finding a quaint and comfortable place to stay.

Have you ever been to Crown King? If so, what’s your favorite thing about the town? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out our previous article for more can’t-miss day trip destinations in Arizona.

Address: Crown King, AZ 86343, USA