There are lots of little towns hiding in Arizona’s many mountain ranges, and Crown King is among the tiniest of them all. Complete with a saloon, general store, and plenty of unpaved dirt roads, this former mining town looks like something right out of a Western movie, and it makes a perfect day trip destination. Looking for the most delightful small towns in Arizona? Crown King belongs on the list for sure.

Nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains of central Arizona, Crown King is a charming small town with a population of just over 100.
Flickr/Mimi Cummins
At the height of the mining industry, Crown King produced over two million dollars in gold; however, tourism has been the town's only source of income since the mines shut down in the 1950s.
Few buildings remain in the town, and of them, the Crown King Saloon is definitely the most iconic.
TripAdvisor/Michael H
Like something right out of a Western film, this century-old watering hole also serves as a café and the unofficial local hangout spot.
Inside, the saloon looks exactly as you'd expect it to.
TripAdvisor/Michael H
Dollar bills, cowboy memorabilia, and paintings depicting various frontier scenes line the walls, and sarsaparillas slide down the bar into the hands of thirsty patrons.

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The saloon does serve food, but if you want to keep exploring the town, mosey on over to The Mill Restaurant for a bite to eat.
Flickr/Curtis Roberts
Delicious food in a no-frills atmosphere is what you'll find at this hidden gem eatery, which pays homage to stamp mills that helped separate gold ore. From the mining artifacts in every room to the mouthwatering steaks, burgers, and sandwiches to the unparalleled mountain views, this place is so worth visiting.
A trip to Crown King simply wouldn't be complete without stopping at the Crown King General Store.
TripAdvisor/Niteriders
Here, you'll find the best homemade fudge you've ever tasted, plus a whole lot of small-town hospitality.
The town is also a nature lover's paradise, home to the scenic Horsethief Basin Recreation Area.
Google/Phoenix Wombat
A man-made lake with crystal-clear waters is flanked by lush, evergreen pines, and there's even a dam for fishing.
If you'd like to extend your visit beyond one day, there are plenty of places to stay in Crown King.
TripAdvisor/Ken S
From cabins to suites to bunkhouses for larger groups, you'll have no trouble finding a quaint and comfortable place to rest your head.

Have you ever been to Crown King? If so, what’s your favorite thing about the town? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out some previous articles for more can’t-miss day trip destinations in Arizona.

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What To Do in Crown King, AZ

Tori Jane | October 05, 2022

What are some fun things to do in Crown King, AZ? 

Crown King is one of those cool small towns in Arizona that’s worth a day trip, if not more! There are all sorts of unique things to do in Crown King, like the old Crown King Saloon and Eatery. It’s actually the single oldest working saloon in the state, which is quite an interesting title given how many saloons have been in this wild western state. Be sure to check out the delightfully old-school Crown King General Store, and if you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you might want to book a hotel in Crown King and then go explore the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. It’s all fun!  

Which small towns in AZ are worth visiting?  

Arizona is one of those places that people assume are all desert, cacti, and boredom. This couldn’t possibly be further from the truth; other than the obvious draws (the Grand Canyon or Sedona, anyone?) there are many more. There are, for example, tons of small towns in AZ that we’re in love with and definitely would say are worth visiting. Some of our favorites include small towns in northern Arizona, like Page, Flagstaff, and Jerome. Jerome is said to be the most haunted town in Arizona – you decide! In southern Arizona, you’ll love wine-country towns (seriously) like Sonoita and Elgin. Dragoon is an odd little place that you’re sure to love, and we’re big fans of small-ish towns like Wickenburg and Casa Grande.  

Where is Crown King, Arizona?  

Crown King is located in Yavapai County, Arizona. It’s not terribly far from one of the most underrated lakes in Arizona (Horsethief Basin Lake), and it’s home to lots of historic buildings, streets, and otherwise interesting locations. Originally, it was called Crowned King – named after the mine the town was built around. In 1888, the name was shortened to Crown King, and it quickly gained status as a gold mining boom town. There was an estimated two million dollars worth of gold mined here until the closures of the mines in the 1950s, which, given the time period, was an extraordinary amount of money.  

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Crown King, AZ 86343, USA