It seems like ages ago that I spent the afternoon in the little western town of Rawhide,  in northern Scottsdale, Arizona.  With a fascination of learning more about the wild, wild west,  I decided it would be fun to explore this recreation with gunslingers and historical outposts.

I imagined the John Wayne movies and Clint Eastwood’s attitude as I was transported back in time to the 1880s with a stage coach, train rides, gunfights and a mechanical bull named Widowmaker.

While I’m not the gambling type, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to strike it rich panning for gold, while failing miserably at the shooting gallery.  After a few hours of reveling in the good ole days, I checked into the Rawhide Steakhouse for an authentic western-style meal with portions big enough to feed any hardy cowboy or a family of four.

Entrance into the town of Rawhide is free, unless an event has been scheduled.   Visitors can check out Rawhide’s event calendar at calendar@rawhide.com.  The town attractions require tickets or a wristband to participate, but both can be picked up at the entrance located on-site.

Unique shops line the wide dirt road selling souvenirs or fashionable western wear.  Main Street is where all of the action takes place and at one point, I found myself in the middle of a gunfight.

I suggest that visitors plan for a full day of fun participating in a number of interactive experiences.  If I had more time, I would have loved to have scheduled the desert train ride or watched a performance at the Spirit of the West Theatre.

After dinner, I had just enough time for one more activity and was having a difficult time deciding what I should do next.  It was a toss up between the burros and the mules and I finally made up my mind to take a mule ride in the Sonoran desert.  The excursion began at the Butterfield Stageline and was the perfect experience for watching the sunset.  The warm, beautiful sun gave off a soft glow as it disappeared behind the cacti the covered the desert floor.  Reflecting off of the ground cover in muted tones, we had plenty of time to return before dark of night.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Rawhide or a similar old western town? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Rawhide and wishing you many Happy Travels!

UPDATE since my visit to Rawhide!

The location of Rawhide has moved from Scottsdale to Chandler, located on the Gila Indian Reservation, close to the Phoenix Airport.  In 2008, they reopened the Wild West Museum with featured exhibits and artifacts.

What to See and What to Do:

Rawhide Western Town
5700 W N. Loop Road
Chandler, Arizona  85226
Telephone:  480 502 5600

• Admission Fee:  Free during Signature and Holiday events.
• Hours:  Rawhide is only open for visitors during Signature and Holiday events which are listed on their website.
• Amenities:  Restaurant, rides, shopping, entertainment venue, scheduled concerts and festivals as well as private events.
• Length of Visit:  3 – 4 hours

Where to Stay:

The Boulders Resort & Spa
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, Arizona  85377
Telephone:   480 488 9009

Where to Eat:

El Encanto Mexican Patio Cafe
6248 E. Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ  85331
Telephone:  480 488 1752

This was such a romantic restaurant and I loved sitting out on the outside patio!

What to Eat:

• Cheese crisps have a tortilla base with a generous layer of cheese, baked to crispy perfection.
• Chimichangas
• Mesquite flour is made from the mesquite tree and has a nutty flavor. Perfect for baking, try this local delicacy in sweets such as breads, muffins and pancakes.
• Native American fry bread dates back to the late 1800s and is a fried dough used as a base for savory taco toppings or seasoned with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
• Sonoran Hot Dogs are wrapped in bacon, set inside the bun and topped with pinto beans, onion, tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.  This popular street food is easy to find on local menus.

What to Read:

• Desert Noir, by Betty Webb
• Desert Run, by Betty Webb
• Desert Shadows, by Betty Webb
• Desert Lost, by Betty Webb
• Dead Heat, by Patricia Briggs

Photo Guide for Scottsdale:

• Pinnacle Peak as seen from the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale must be photographed at night as well as from the resort’s patio
• Greasewood Flat is a restaurant that was once a bunkhouse.
• The architecture of Cosanti and Arcosanti in Scottsdale’s Paradise Valley
• Old Town Scottsdale for authentic Wild West shots.
• Camelback Mountain
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

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