6:30 a.m. rise and shine! I was not going to go to Arizona without having a western adventure! In a previous post I spoke about trying something new and getting out of comfort zones. This was exactly the moment to do that. Not that I was not terrified to mount a horse with rocks and snakes around.
Not scared at all.
We booked a western adventure at Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch located in Black Canyon City.
https://westerndestinations.com/western-destinations-canyon-creek.html#2
Black Canyon City
Joseph Rodriguez @outoftimejr
Free to use under the Unsplash License
Black Canyon City is in Yavapai County, Arizona. The Yavapai are a Native American tribe located in Arizona. While horseback riding our guide discussed why the land is sacred and why people don’t or rather shouldn’t hike certain places in Arizona.
When trying to find the Canyon Creek, it does get a little “The Hills Have Eyes.” Have no fear, someone who works at the ranch will escort you. Although our guide’s Jeep broke down but it was all good.
The package we paid for was for horseback riding and activities such as shooting in an “Old West Town.”
While visiting Arizona I’d highly recommend either going horseback riding or riding a donkey. Of course using an ATV is also a fun way to experience the desert but something about a horse that makes the experience unique. Alright horseback riding in Arizona, what to wear?
I went on Pinterest to find cute outfit ideas, yeah don’t look at me. Ranches will typically recommend the proper attire for horseback riding. You don’t have to go full on wild wild west but I bought my boots and a hat.
I’m a novice when it comes to horseback riding but most places will say don’t wear shorts when riding. Yes, I know it is hot and your jeans are stuck to your thighs. Trust me and the instructors, you do not want your legs exposed while on a horse.
The sun is intense, don’t forget the sunscreen! People looked crazy to me wearing long sleeved shirts horseback riding in Arizona. But I get it!
Our guide also gave us survival tips and yeah…I can’t even remember the one cactus we were supposed to drink out of.
Won’t be your desert camping buddy.
The old west town was built as part of a camp for and for shooting movies, pretty sweet. Of I course, it would not have been a Western Adventure without shootouts and whiskey. Okay, no shootout but we were handed pistols and told to safely shoot at cans. In addition to shooting pistols, we got to have cold drinks in a saloon, go to jail, lasso a fake cow, shoot a bow and arrow, and throw a tomahawk. Think I got everything!
Oh, don’t forget to pet the donkeys.
Highly recommend!
Arizona Route 89A
Que the Jurassic Park theme.
What
A
Gem
Drive this interstate if you are in Arizona, it is a wild ride through Oak Creek Canyon. We started from Sedona and ended up going back up to Flagstaff. For most of our trip in Arizona we mostly saw red rocks and desert but when you hop on 89A, you are hit with green, just so much green. You are hit with something that does not even look real.
Fair warning, if you are afraid of heights and are not driving, don’t look down. If you like driving up scenic mountains, is this for you! The drive was adventurous and you’ll think “what’s next?” I kept trying to look out the window to get a look at the scene but yeah flying off a mountain was not on our list of things to do.
Fortunately, if you are the driver there are plenty of overlooks. We spotted hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas. We didn’t have a chance to hike but we did take advantage of the overlooks, think my friend needed a break from me driving.
Please don’t be in a rush when taking this route…you will crash.
Final thoughts from an ex-hermit.
Arizona should be on everyone’s U.S bucket list. The landscape is so unique and the state is home of gorgeous rock formations. I’m not giving the description justice. Trying to take it all in was too much. As far as a starting point for knocking five things off my bucket list, this wasn’t a bad start.
Visit the Grand Canyon
Ride a Horse
Shoot an old Pistol
What’s Next?
-Rachel
Reviews for Western Adventures at Canyon Creek Ranch
