1. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Photographer | San Jacinto

Our first destination was the Saguaro National Park - Approximately 6 hours from home.  We wanted to leave at 5 am but slept in until 6:30 am.  It turned out to be a blessing because we learned a big rig driver fell asleep, he/she drove across both sides of the freeway flipped over then slid down the hill just above Indio, California.  Because we slept in - we missed the action but not the traffic.  As we slid further east, particularly around the Palm Springs area there is a freeway billboard of our favorite rest stop.  The saliva fountains start flowing there!  We arrived near the little town of Quartzsite to stop at our favorite snack stop, fill up on CHEAPER (non-California) gas, and munch down on some Daniel's Really Good Fresh Jerky.  Did I mention they have great fresh jerky?  

Taking a scenic route prior to arriving and Tuscan, AZ we routed toward the Saguaro National Park to do some hiking and browse the Red Hills Visitor Center as we wait for our second half of our party to show up.  They left on hour after we did and got delayed 3 hours due to the big rig crash.   

Scroll Down to Colossal Cave....

2. Colossal Cave, Arizona

Photographer | Hemet

Located just 30 minutes south from Tuscan, Arizona on the interstate 10 freeway lays a natural cave formation formed from percolating water forming large caverns and a series of caves ranging up to six and half stories (363 stair steps) and see beautiful cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites, flow stone, box-work, and helictites.   

Tours are given daily, on the hour, year-round. You need no special clothing in the Cave, which is always 70 degrees and dry as the large body of water above the cave no longer exist.  They allow tons of pictures inside but they do ask to minimize the flash in one part due to the bats.  They tend to lose their guano if you flash them.  Check out Colossal Cave at https://colossalcave.com.  

3. Tombstone, Arizona

Photographer | Yucaipa

This is the famous Tombstone!  And yes they made wild west movies about the stories coming out of Tombstone.  They had an actual gun fight story that happen next to the photography building, leaving dead criminals and wounded sheriffs.  Although the Hollywood fight scenes last 9 minutes, the actual gun fight lasted about 30 seconds.  To learn more about the different movies featuring Hollywoods stories of tombstone click here!  

The main downtown of Tombstone consists of a small playground, large courthouse museum, and several downtown businesses selling western wear, toys, etc.  Matter of fact, I bought my two little kiddos some really cool dye-cast 6 shooter pistols (illegal to purchase in California).  Wife wasn't so happy as the costs ran up to $50 bucks for the two toys.  But I'm a rebel and purchased them anyways.   Those guns will bring tons of memories as they play with their three other cousins who also came on the trip.  

The cowboy in the picture (Next to my brother-in-law) was one of the local actors who played in the Tombstone reenactment.  We had a good conversation with him about the best local restaurants!  Definitely recommend Depot Steakhouse, it's more of the local restaurant rather than the tourist as it off the the main downtown area.  Depot Steakhouse is side by side with Johnny Ringo's Bar where they serve alcohol, food, and listen to the local karaoke singers.

4. Old Tuscan, Arizona

Photographer | Beaumont

This is the famous Tombstone!  And yes they made wild west movies about the stories coming out of Tombstone.  They had an actual gun fight story that happen next to the photography building, leaving dead criminals and wounded sheriffs.  Although the Hollywood fight scenes last 9 minutes, the actual gun fight lasted about 30 seconds.  To learn more about the different movies featuring Hollywoods stories of tombstone click here! 

The main downtown of Tombstone consists of a small playground, large courthouse museum, and several downtown businesses selling western wear, toys, etc.  Matter of fact, I bought my two little kiddos some really cool dye-cast 6 shooter pistols (illegal to purchase in California).  Wife wasn't so happy as the costs ran up to $50 bucks for the two toys.  But I'm a rebel and purchased them anyways.   Those guns will bring tons of memories as they play with their three other cousins who also came on the trip. 

The cowboy in the picture (Next to my brother-in-law) was one of the local actors who played in the Tombstone reenactment.  We had a good conversation with him about the best local restaurants!  Definitely recommend Depot Steakhouse, it's more of the local restaurant rather than the tourist as it off the the main downtown area.  Depot Steakhouse is side by side with Johnny Ringo's Bar where they serve alcohol, food, and listen to the local karaoke singers.

5. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona

Photographer | Lake Elsinore

This is one of those things that little kiddos would enjoy.  It's a quick stop and a great place to get wiggles out.  The best feature is the kids little activities hosted by the rangers in the visitor center.  Depending on their age, they give them a book and they have to do the amount of activities that equals their age.  For example my seven year old had to do 7 pages and my 10 year old had to do 10 pages.  Once they completed the activities given, they turned in their books for a small wooden badge.  It's free to visit and their are some great historical knowledge that can be learned.    

The national monument consists of the ruins of multiple structures surrounded by a compound wall constructed by the ancient people of the Hohokam period, who farmed the Gila Valley in the early 13th century.  The best part is it's protected under a giant gazebo keeping the hot sun, any rain, etc out.  Although you can pretty much see everything in less than a half hour, it truly is a great spot to get out and move about over a long drive.  

6. The Lost Dutchman Staclick herete Park, Arizona

Photographer | Nuevo

Yes that is a dear carcass!  So as parents we are always telling our children on hikes to stay in front of daddy, myself and mommy.  I think they finally got the realization of why.  Although I didn't post an image of the cliffs of Lost Dutchman, I think this is really what this wilderness is about.  It's wild!  This was found on our small hike just right outside (less than 200 yards) from the camping area.  

The hiking trails within Lost Dutchman State Park traverse through Arizona’s most beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape. Literally just right outside of Phoenix, wrapped around a cliff area, the park itself give solitude in a remote setting.  There are several hiking trails to conquer, such as the Native Plant trail, Treasure Loop or Prospector's view overlooking the Goldfield Ghost Town.  There is also more advance trails such as Siphon Draw and Flatiron.  Just remember this is a desert and you should have plenty of water.  A gallon a day is recommended based on the website.  

The hiking trails can get steep as these are natural cliff areas.  You should always keep a topographic map, one gallon of water per person, and be prepared with snacks, hiking stick, and some kind of weapon for defense against its natural predators in the local area.  Probably will never need it, but just looking at what's left in the image in the left.  It's always good to go prepared..  

A trail map is provided with entrance fee!  For more information click here!

7. Goldfield Ghost Town

Photographer | Temecula

Arizona is truly the wild west.  It seems each county has it's own Ghost town.  Goldfield Ghost Town is actually just on the other side of the road from The Dutchman State Park.  They have rides, shopping, gold mine tours, and more....  Although the buildings look old, I think they are really kept up new buildings.  However, with all things said, the buildings matched it's expected time.  

Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold then take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. You’ll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun filled day, rich in wild west history!

Back in the 1890?s Goldfield boasted 3 saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and a school house. Just when it looked like the town would outgrow Mesa, the vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped and the town died a slow painful death.

After several unsuccessful attempts to reopen the mines, the town did come to life again from 1910 on and off until 1926. After more than 115 years, travelers from all over the world still visit this gold mining town located on the historic Apache Trail and enjoy the excitement and grandeur of Arizona’s wild west!