“USA 🇺🇸 Nevada ~Arizona to Las Vegas to Wickenburg to Tucson”

• September 28, 2023
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

USA 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada to Tucson, Arizona, Via Wickenburg, AZ

We left Vegas two days later than expected, so only spent one night in Wickenburg, Arizona, instead of two.

Wickenburg, Arizona 

Resting on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert, just below Arizona’s mountainous country, the Wickenburg area abounds in natural beauty, where the stoic Saguaros dot the landscape.

Following the footsteps of the Yavapai tribe, who were Wickenburg’s first family; in the early 1820s, stalwart hunters and trappers explored the Hassayampa River in search of beavers, whose pelts were sold to hatmakers back east and in Europe. Their reports helped pique American interest in the West. The Wickenburg area and much of the West became part of the United States following the Mexican American War in 1848.

Henry Wickenburg and many others, heard of a gold strike on the Colorado River, and begin spreading across modern-day Arizona, searching for gold. By 1863, Henry Wickenburg had found gold in Vulture Mine, from which over $30 million in gold was eventually discovered.

In 1895 the railroad arrived in Wickenburg. The historic depot still stands today as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce building. Today

⬆️ Legend holds that 18 men met their fate on the branches of this tree; hung for high grading (the theft of rich gold ore) and other crimes.

Wickenburg was just a stop-over for us, on our way to Tucson. We stayed at Aztec RV Park. They were not understanding about our car being in the shop, waiting for parts, and charged us for our original, entire stay, though I called in advance to reduce the nights.
RANT: It’s one thing to be a no-show, and get charged, but quite another when a tow vehicle is in the shop waiting for parts, and one can’t get there on time…..especially when said campground is not even busy, with lots of empty places.
Rant over….

Our day was long and hot, and we were so happy to arrive, even if it was for just a night. 236 miles takes time, once leaving the interstate, and Nevada.
For the record, Interstate 515 has some very rough places. The same can be said about Hwy 93. The day of Road Repair/Maintenance may be a thing of the past.

The highlight on this route was spying the first Saguaro 🌵 Cactus, before there are many. Then, there is the Joshua Forest Parkway, where scads of Joshua Trees are all around.
Cactus are what makes any desert  a little extra, IMHO.

Scenic Photos Las Vegas, NV to Wickenburg, AZ ⬇️

⬆️ Going through Lake Meade and Hoover Dam area

⬆️ I spy, with my little eye, the first Saguaro 🌵 

⬆️ Joshua Tree Forest Parkway

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Heading to Tucson ⬇️

Typical sunny weather met us this morning as we broke camp and traveled onward, to Tucson. The temps were a bit hot for our likening, but it’s just that time of the year, so it’s nothing we can’t hack for a few days.
Hey, it’s NOT raining!

Driving on this day was much better than yesterday. After we cleared Phoenix, the roads were pretty good on Interstate-10. 

We have actually attempted to get to southern Arizona on two other occasions, since starting the RV lifestyle, but had to cancel; one time I remember, due to our vehicle breaking down in Arizona. We had an AWD named “Rusty,”which hauled our A-Liner trailer, named “Tiny.” ⬇️

❤️

This was all before “Jonah and The Whale” came on the scene.
In fact, on this day, we drove past Casa Grande, where we last camped with Tiny for one of the last time. It was from near there, we left, drove to Mesa, Arizona, and returned to the same campground with our newly purchased “Whale.” 

So, making it back to Arizona, and on to Tucson; at the Voyager RV Resort, felt like an accomplishment of sorts.

It’s not busy this time of year, but by winter time, this place will be full. Rates are better when it’s hotter outside.
Really didn’t plan on being on fire watch again, so soon, but……

⬆️ Note the small print: “An Age Qualified Community.”
Ha! 

Our next RV stop will be in Tombstone, which hasn’t worked out till now, either. I’m pretty happy about that, too!

Scenic Photos from Wickenburg to Tucson ⬇️

⬆️ Picacho State Park 

⬆️ The Ostrich Farm on I-10 ⬇️

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Next Blog: Saguaro National Park Visit!

NEVADA

ARIZONA