Over twenty plus years have I driven past the exit sign for Crown King without giving it much thought, as there is nothing in the surrounding area but a vast desert with mountains in the distance.
Recently I learned that there actually is an unincorporated community that lives in the mountains, if one is willing to take the sixteen mile dirt road to Crown King. When I found out I could get a cabin through VRBO, my plans were set for adventure to see what this place was all about.
The vast beauty of the desert on the way up the long road captivated me as I slowly rumbled along. I pass the lone bar/restaurant and my first glimpse of Crown King but decide to stay on the road and see where it leads. I find a trail to hike that leads me to a lone fire watchtower that I climb to take in epic views.
I make it back to Crown King and find my cabin isolated up past the main part of “town”. Kaibob squirrels are my entertain as I enjoy the deck in the cool afternoon as the sunset starts to set.
Rain starts to fall as I go to sleep. I love the sound of rain falling, and sleep soundly. The kitchen has a very vintage feel, especially the appliances, which warms my heart as I make coffee and breakfast. I eat in silence as the fireplace warms the room against the early morning chill.
If there is a point to this story, it would be to not judge exit signs along the highway that seemingly lead to nowhere, but instead explore and see what hidden wonders may lie beyond the dirt road ahead of you….
