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. Looking for the most delightful mountain towns in Arizona? Crown King belongs on the list for sure.
Nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains of central Arizona, Crown King is a charming small town with a population of just over 100.
At the height of the mining industry, Crown King produced over two million dollars 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 and a beautiful skyline of Arizona mountains.
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 at this charming Arizona mountain town, there are plenty of places to stay in Crown King.
From cabins to suites to bunkhouses for larger groups, you'll have no trouble finding a quaint and comfortable place to rest your head.
Many mountain towns in Arizona have that old-world charm that dates back to some of the earliest days in the state. Have you ever been to Crown King, AZ? If so, what's your favorite thing about the town? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out a few more can't-miss day trip destinations in Arizona.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/az-fun-day-trips/
Between the small towns of Moenkopi and Hotevilla-Bacavi in Arizona, you'll find the stunning Coal Mine Canyons. Learn more about this ancient landscape in this quick video:
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
