Description

Date: 05/09/2026

The Wickenburg to Crown King Xcursion is your epic Arizona off-road escape—a roughly 98-mile adrenaline-charged journey (with potential for more!) that launches from the sun-baked desert near historic Wickenburg and climbs deep into the cool, pine-shrouded peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains!

This isn’t a mellow cruise—it’s a heart-pounding thrill ride loaded with rocky washes, steep switchbacks, boulder-dodging climbs, and serious elevation gains that flip the scenery from classic Sonoran cactus and scrub to lush ponderosa pine forests at nearly 6,000 feet. Conquer technical sections that keep the group sharp, soak in endless panoramic views over remote canyons and wild valleys, and chase that pure rush of tackling one of Arizona’s most legendary backcountry routes—echoing the spirit of the famous Backway to Crown King with every twist.

Midway through the adventure, roll into Crown King, the ultimate Wild West survivor: a tiny, tenacious mountain hamlet born from the 1880s gold rush boom (millions in ore pulled from mines like the Crowned King), now a quirky high-elevation hideout packed with historic charm, a legendary saloon, general store, and that crisp mountain air that feels worlds away from the valley heat.

That’s when the real reward hits: your well-earned lunch break right in the middle of the action at The Mill in Crown King, hosted by the pros at SideQuest Xcursions! This pine-perched favorite delivers epic outdoor seating (hummingbirds buzzing, stunning mountain views all around) and serves up hearty, homemade fuel like juicy burgers, brisket sandwiches, chile verde, cold drinks, fresh-cut fries, and all the scratch-made favorites to refuel, recharge, and swap trail stories before pushing on.

Energized and ready for more? If the group’s vibe is strong, extend the fun with optional detours like the legendary Horsethief Basin Lake (aka Horse Thief Lake)—a serene, picturesque gem tucked in the Prescott National Forest just ~6-7 miles southeast of Crown King via rugged, high-clearance dirt roads. This historic spot (tied to old horse-thief hideouts and CCC-era builds) offers peaceful shoreline vibes and that ultimate “middle of nowhere” magic amid the pines—perfect for extra photos, relaxing by the water, or capping the day.

And for even more adventure, we’ll head up to the iconic fire watch tower on Towers Mountain (also known as Tower Mountain Lookout)—the highest point in the southern Bradshaw Mountains at over 7,600 feet! Climb the scenic, high-clearance forest roads from Crown King to reach this historic steel lookout tower (a classic D-2 style from the 1930s) perched atop the peak. Soak in jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views stretching across the Bradshaws, distant Phoenix glimpses on clear days, and the vast wilderness below—it’s the perfect high-point finale to cap off the day with unbeatable scenery and that summit thrill!

Whether you’re all about the core 98-mile route’s raw off-road excitement, the dramatic desert-to-mountain shift, the historic Crown King stop with that perfectly timed mid-ride feast, or chasing extra miles to Horsethief’s tranquil shores and the epic Towers Mountain lookout, this Xcursion delivers it all: pulse-racing trails, breathtaking scenery, rich Arizona history, and an unbeatable lunch that hits at the perfect moment. Gear up, rally the crew, and let’s make this one legendary!

This Price is Driver ONLY!

You need to PURCHUSE the Additional Passenger Add-on for EACH passenger.

At SideQuest Xcursions, we live for the thrill of the ride—and nothing amps up the adventure like tearing up the trails with your full crew! The greatest stories, the wildest laughs, and the most epic memories are forged when you’re sharing the dust, the views, and the pure adrenaline rush with family and friends.

That’s why we built our UTV Xcursions to be shared experiences—because every heart-pounding climb, every heart-stopping drop, and every jaw-dropping vista hits harder when your squad is right there with you, cheering, screaming, and making legends together!

To keep every rider in your group locked, loaded, and 100% ready for the action, we charge a passenger fee. Let’s be real—this isn’t about padding our pockets. It’s straight-up covering the real incurred costs associated with having an additional passenger.

The passenger fee varies from one Xcursion to the next—each trail, each terrain, each setup brings its own real-world costs. We’re all about transparency so you can focus on what matters: crushing it out there.

Our whole mission? Get you and your crew out ripping trails, stacking unforgettable stories, and leaving zero surprises behind. No BS—just pure, unfiltered adventure.

Gear up, rally the squad, and let’s kick up some serious dust together—we’re counting down the seconds until we see you flying!