Cowboys in Arizona
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Wild Wild West: 6 Activities for Cowboy Feeling in Arizona

Nowhere can you experience the spirit of the Wild West as close as in Arizona. The state invites you to exciting adventures!

31 August 2021


Who doesn't dream of feeling like a cowboy at least once in their life? The US state of Arizona literally screams for it! Because here you can find the spirit of an era long gone but still palpable. No matter if you are young or old, if you want to eat, drink or ride like a real cowboy, you can do it in Arizona.

Here are six activities that will make you feel like a real cowboy! 

1. adventures from the cowboy perspective with "Arizona Horses".

The best way to feel like a cowboy is to ride on horseback through the prairie, the steppes of North America. That's why the provider "Arizona Horses" has various rides in the surrounding nature of the Sonora Desert around Phoenix ready for its guests. On the excursions, the participants are introduced to the animal and plant world of one of the world's most species-rich deserts. Among other things, you will encounter coyotes, mule deer and snakes.

2. culinary refreshment for cowboys in the "Palace Restaurant

After an adventurous day as a cowboy, a suitable refreshment is essential. Perfect for a lunch or dinner with Wild West flair is the "Palace Restaurant" in the cowboy town of Prescott in central Arizona. The Palace is one of the ten best historic bars in the USA and serves its visitors typical American food and drinks.

Dining like a cowboy at the Palace Restaurant. Credit: Prescott Office of Tourism

3. the real Wild West in "Big Nose Kate's Saloon".

Another special highlight of the region is the bar for cowboys, "Big Nose Kate's Saloon". It commemorates Big Nose Kate, whose real name was Mary Katharine Haroney and who became famous as the companion of the gunslinger John Henry Holliday. In addition to typical American food and drinks, guests at "Big Nose Kate's Saloon" can also enjoy live music and have unique holiday photos taken dressed up in Wild West style at the bar, in the saloon or on the piano.

Authentic Wild West at the Saloon. Credit: Arizona Office of Tourism

4. the "Cowboy Club" with star air

The "Cowboy Club" in Sedona was formerly called the "Oak Creek Tavern" and opened back in 1946. More than fifty western movies were filmed in the area in the 1950s and 1960s. It is said that the actors, who were real Hollywood greats such as John Wayne, James Stewart and Donna Reed, regularly stopped in here to enjoy the unique atmosphere. Even Elvis Presley is said to have visited the tavern during the filming of the movie "Stay Away, Joe" in 1968. Then, as now, the saloon serves as a meeting place for a cozy get-together where first-class food and drink can be enjoyed. The fine "High Desert Cuisine" offers its guests Angus steak, game and seafood or unusual specialties of the house, such as rattlesnake or cactus.

5. singing cowboys in Arizona

Real cowboys typically end their day with a song on their lips and a guitar, surrounded by their loved ones around the campfire. But twice a year, they have the chance to showcase their talent in front of a larger audience. In Prescott, the "Arizona Cowboy Poets - Gathering" is held once a year to showcase songs they've written themselves. In addition, all the singing cowboys come together every February in Sierra Vista for the "Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music - Gathering" to show off their musical skills. 

6. "Cataract Creek Gang" - The authentic train robbers.

The show presented in Williams by the "Cataract Creek Gang" before the departure of the Grand Canyon Railroad should be seen by every fan of the Wild West. On the return trip from the Canyon to Williams, the cowboys of the "Cataract Creek Gang" ride alongside the wagons before bringing the train to a stop and boarding. The train robbers then entertainingly mimic a holdup before being arrested by the sheriff on board after a period of time. At the terminus in Williams, they pose for joint photos with the passengers.

A wild maneuver with the Cataract Creek gang. Credit: Xanterra Travel Collection thetrain

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