Are you ready for a wicked adventure? Come join us in Wickenburg, AZ Wickenburg has some amazing trails and lots of history. Home of the Vulture Mine. Come.......lets go check it out!!!

Vulture City (Wickenburg): This abandoned settlement nestled into the breathtaking landscape of the Sonoran Desert, was established in 1863 and developed to meet the needs of Arizona's most successful gold mine. Vulture City’s population quickly rose to 5,000 residents. From 1863 to 1942, the mine produced 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver and has been credited with founding the town of Wickenburg. This rise to fame came as swiftly as its fall and in 1942 the War Production Board ordered the closing of all non-essential mines to ensure that resources were focused on the war effort. The closing of the mine determined the fate of Vulture City and the town was abandoned shortly thereafter.

Wickenburg:

Wickenburg is the oldest town north of Tucson and the 5th oldest in the state (established in 1863). In its heyday, Wickenburg was the third largest town in Arizona. In 1866 it missed becoming the territorial capital by two votes.

Located at the corner of US-60 (Wickenburg Way) and Tegner Street, sits a 200 year old mesquite tree that served as the Town jail from 1863 to 1890. Outlaws were chained to the tree to prevent their escape. The tree is also an Arizona Centennial Witness Tree (a tree that witnessed Arizona Statehood on February 12, 1912), as well as being considered on of Arizona's "Magnificent 7" Heritage Trees.

In the late 1800’s Wickenburg was a boom-town reveling in silver, copper, and gold. Its residents, perhaps in excess enthusiasm, exaggerated the potential of wealth in the area to the point that it became common in the West to call any teller of tall tales a Hassayamper, in honor of the river that flows through the area. The humor of the connection between the unique dry river, and the tall tales told, inspired Andrew Downing to write his famous Legend of the Hassayampa. In keeping with this story, and in an effort to maintain the legend, the Town has erected "No Fishing From Bridge" signs on the bridge that spans the dry river.

The Hassayampa River flows through Wickenburg. The name “Hassayampa” comes from a Yavapai Indian word, hayesamo, meaning “following the water as far as it goes.” Apache Indians referred to it as the “upside down river” because it flows underground most of the way. It comes above ground amid the towering cottonwoods at the Hassayampa River Preserve, as well as other places throughout Town.