I've lived in Arizona my entire life. I own a jeep and I've done a lot of exploring. however in my 24 years, I've never made it up to Crown King. Recently, however, I got that opportunity and it was worth the drive!
The saloon is old and rustic. It really is a part of Arizona's mining history, and you can really feel the warmth of the building.
The bar is classic ""saloon style."" And the gal serving up the brews is a great compliment to the bar. After a nearly 30 mile drive off the I-17 into the rough country that is the Bradshaw Mountains, an ICE COLD beer is exactly what the doctor ordered.
I went to the back of the Saloon and placed an order of burger and fries, then wandered out back where the tables were situated under the trees. It was great. The weather was cool and breezy and that was perfect considering it was 113 degrees back in phoenix where I came from.
The gentleman brought my food out and it was delicious. Piping hot french fries and a fantastic burger. Maybe I'm playing it up. Maybe the long drive to Crown King made the food taste that much better, but the bottom line is that I had the best possible experience I could have at this rustic, very down to earth, very simple place high in the mountains.
There are a couple ways to get there. You can take the I-17 north to the Bumble Bee/ Crown King exit. Follow that road for about 27 miles and your in Crown King. It's a dirt road with some pretty gnarly rain damage at some points so take your time. But that is the main/ easiest way to get there. There are other ways, but they can be very difficult, and it is strongly advisable that you have a high clearance 4 wheel drive to make it up.
either way it is worth the drive.
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