This time of year can feel awfully hectic with final exams, traveling, shopping, planning get-togethers and getting ready for a brand new year. If you’re feeling an urge to take a quick break from your everyday life, why not head out to the mountains? Arizona is chock full of them and we even know of one town that would be the perfect location for a short winter vacation.
Crown King is a tiny town located deep in the Bradshaw Mountains, at least an hour’s drive from any other community of considerable size. The town’s roots date back to 1875 with gold mining and it has managed to survive through the decades as mining declined.
Cassandra Karas/Flickr
Benjamin Cody/Wikimedia Commons
These days, the town is small and still difficult to reach. The area has a population of about 133 people, give or take, and accessing town requires a long, bumpy drive on Forest Road 59 for 30 miles, which can take as little as an hour to drive or as long as five!
Mimi Cummins/Flickr Note: You will need a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle to drive these roads because they can get quite rough.
Once there, you’ll find a quaint mountain town with towering trees that provide ample shade, dirt roads criss crossing town, and historic buildings that harken back to another time. For example, you’ll find the Crown King General Store that dates back to 1904.
curtis roberts/Flickr
There are also a couple of restaurants here where you can grab a meal or a cold drink while enjoying the chilly mountain air. If you’re lucky, you might even arrive on a day when live bands are playing on a stage.
Jonathan Boeke/Flickr Above, you’ll find the popular Crown King Saloon, a saloon and brothel that is now a restaurant and inn. Other dining options include The Mill and the general store.
If you prefer your accommodations to be a just a wee bit quieter, try spending the night in one of the picturesque cabins. The Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch is one option where you can enjoy a peaceful getaway.
Image courtesy crownking.com I don’t know about you, but I can already imagine myself breathing in that fresh air while holding my morning coffee.
The Bear Creek Cabins is another overnight option and we think this place looks especially cozy and inviting in winter!
The Bear Creek Cabins/Facebook
Have you visited Crown King before? What was your experience like? Also, be sure to let us know of other favorite mountain towns perfect for a quick retreat!
Cassandra Karas/Flickr
Benjamin Cody/Wikimedia Commons
Mimi Cummins/Flickr
Note: You will need a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle to drive these roads because they can get quite rough.
curtis roberts/Flickr
Jonathan Boeke/Flickr
Above, you’ll find the popular Crown King Saloon, a saloon and brothel that is now a restaurant and inn. Other dining options include The Mill and the general store.
Image courtesy crownking.com
I don’t know about you, but I can already imagine myself breathing in that fresh air while holding my morning coffee.
The Bear Creek Cabins/Facebook
Want to check out another amazing little mountain town that would be the perfect setting for a weekend of rest? Read about Strawberry in You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Tiny Arizona Town.
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