r/arizona • u/Rayn_F • 2h ago

Things To Do How to get a Cowboy Experience near Phoenix?

I have family that invited us to stay for a little over a weekend, and I'd like to bring my friend to give them a cowboy experience because it's something we've been talking about for a while. However, places like dude ranches seem to make you buy an overnight room. Does anyone have things to do near Phoenix for the full experience? Any and all help greatly appreciated.

27 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

34 comments sorted by

38

u/JuleeeNAJ 2h ago

Goldfield in Apache Junction is an old west town, compete with a train ride, shops, saloon, and trail rides. There's even a mine to tour. It's free to enter, just have to pay for the experiences.

3

u/V_mom 2h ago

The mine tour costs but it was my favorite part and was so informative and so much cooler than outside.

•

u/marcelinemoon 40m ago

Okay this might be a stupid question but is it pretty claustrophobic? I’m interested just don’t know what to expect or how in depth it goes 

•

u/V_mom 37m ago

No, it didn't feel claustrophobic to me at all.

2

u/blue-collar-nobody 1h ago

100%.... Goldfield has great views and just rustic enough to get the cowboy feel.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GVQnfRsjzaRdneUc9?g_st=ac

4

u/NoDefini 2h ago

I second this!

18

u/_welby_ Goodyear 2h ago

You may want to look into the Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek. And there's horseback riding nearby in Spur Cross.

6

u/capthat23 2h ago

This, bull riding Friday nights at buffalo chip.

2

u/DaisyShirt 2h ago

Yep. Have five quick shots of tequila and go ride a bull. It’s super fun.

18

u/ZeroPointeZero 2h ago

Wickenburg

8

u/ClaireDanesLipQuiver 2h ago

Idk how this isn’t higher, one of the most cowboy places close to the valley

11

u/I_am_Hambone Phoenix 2h ago

https://rawhide.com/

3

u/Lovemybee 2h ago

There it is!

This is way too far down!

9

u/One-Assignment-359 2h ago

The best you could do would be a trail ride - maybe like Cave Creek Outfitters or Macdonalds Ranch?

1

u/SexyWampa 2h ago

I can second Cave Creek Outfitters.

5

u/quailinthebrush 2h ago

Charlies would be your best bet

5

u/One-Assignment-359 2h ago

If you’re looking for a fun cowboy eating experience maybe try San Tan Flat, Rustler’s Rooste, or Rawhide too!

2

u/version13 1h ago

Rustler's Roost is fun, even if the food is mid.

1

u/kyrosnick 1h ago

Mid is being very very generous. Borderline inedible junk is more fitting.

4

u/Coheed_SURVIVE 2h ago

Define "cowboy experience".

3

u/tendy_trux35 2h ago

I guess you need to be more specific with whatever a “cowboy experience” is to you?

Are you just trying to work on a ranch for a day? Ride horses? Go to a rodeo?

Or cosplay cowboy and just go to a western themed bar?

3

u/cbern512 1h ago

You could always hike brokeback mountain

2

u/_JustPassinBy 2h ago

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours

1

u/scrollgirl24 2h ago

Are you trying to ride horses or just get the vibe?

On the smallest scale, there are some fun shops. Like we've taken visitors to try on boots and hats at Saba in DT Chandler.

There are also several rodeos in the valley outskirts.

If you're looking to ride I'd probably update your post to clarify that. I don't have a recommendation for that but I'm sure someone does.

1

u/SexyWampa 2h ago

Cave Creek Outfitters.

1

u/Medium_Produce_7397 2h ago

Go horseback riding in Cave Creek, and then dinner at Buffalo Chip Saloon. Go on a night that they do bull riding.

1

u/KungFlu19 2h ago

Tanque Verde Ranch.

1

u/Firm-Librarian3859 1h ago

Get the Arizona jackpot magazine and go to a roping

•

u/bsil15 38m ago

This is not what you are asking for, but you should go down to Bisbee at some point. Old west mining town (very well preserved) and you could do a mine tour. Very pretty area too (and 25 min from tombstone, which is more touristy, tho they both are now)