Author Archives: Rossi

This castle is also known as the wedding cake. Built in the 1920’s and in a secluded area of 44 acres. It stands up four stories and is a very popular place for weddings. Tours sell out a month in advance. This castle is in Phoenix and was part of a resort, now part of the parks system. Visitors are allowed to tour the area, you can go inside but are limited to view some of the interior, so if you want to do a real thorough exploration, call this number 1-602-256-2221, and ask about tickets etc, etc.

Next up is the Mystery castle

A sad story, about a dying man named Boyce Luther Gulley. He found out he had Tuberculosis and decided to go to the desert and build this castle for his wife and daughter in the 1920’s. He spent his remaining years building this castle. His wife and daughter had no idea about this and didn’t find out until 1945, after his death and they inherited it! Tours run from October to May.

Camelback Castle

This castle was built in the 1960’s-70’s by a Phoenix orthodontist.They have plans of renovation and will have tours. Looks like a nice place to check out!

El cid castle

This castle comes with an interesting story behind it. Built in Sunnyslope, Az by Dr. Kenneth E.Hall. The dr. Operated the North mountain hospital and liked to be called “King of Sunnyslope” and his hospital even had a primate zoo! Wow! The castle was meant as a huge bowling alley and recreation area. Sad part is the money used to build it was used from the Medicare fraud, so he had to sell it to settle his malpractice suit. Dr Hall died in 2001 at 80.

The building was bought by theState of Arizona for the Department of Economic security office. It is located in Sunnyslope in Phoenix on the corner of 19th ave and west Cholla Dr.

The Mollahan castle

This castle is used for weddings, parties, vacation retreats, and other social events and is located at 1939 W. Mollohan Dr. in Tucson, az

You can call them at 1-520-878-6467

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If you are interested in some awesome places to take your family and explore, these are mind blowing National monuments! In fact, I recently went to one of them. Here is a list for you, enjoy!

Montezuma Castle National monument , this National monument was referred as “ a place of the greatest ecological valve and scientific interest” by President Roosevelt. It is an easy walk around loop and it is wheelchair accessible. Plus, information is available all around, even names all the plants, and explains what is edible and what the Natives ate in the area. There is no shortage of information at this beautiful National Monument!

Next up is Walnut Canyon National monument.

ThIs is a real treat for families with kids, and anyone interested in archaeology and people who love cliff dwellings, such as myself! The steps are all in great shape, about 270 steps down and about 1000 steps back out, so basically, it is strenuous with 185 vertical ft into the canyon. If you don’t want to do the strenuous trail, you can always check it out from above. Make sure to bring a lot of water!

Now this next one, is just awesome!

Sunset Crater National Monument

Next up is this very photogenic place in the north area of Utah and Arizona border!

Last but not least, Wupatki National monument

Before heading to the Grand Canyon, this is a really great ancient Pueblo, considered the largest, with about 100 rooms. It has 1/2 mile loop that begins at the visitor center and is way out! Here, you and your family , or just you can learn about the Wukoki people who lived there over 800 years ago! They have what is called “The crack in the rock” hiking that is a strenuous two day hike that takes you deep into this National monument, if you want to try. These hikes are lead by Wupatki rangers and volunteer guides.

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San Manuel was built in 1953 by Del E.Webb construction company. It’s purpose was to serve the SanManuel mine and mill and smelter complex. Unfortunately, copper prices fell in the late 1990’s.

San Manuel is a gateway into the Arizona trail, zip lining, peppersauce camping, and has a cave As well. If you love to check out caves. Also, Biosphere 2. There is also a OHV rental business in San Manuel.

If you love off-reading, you must try all the different trails near and around San Manuel! There is definitely no shortage of trails out there!!!!

The scenery is spectacular! You will feel very free out there! And escape all your worries as you see the hills and trails are everywhere!You can go dirt biking or just go OHV! And there are no fees to camp, if you can handle the cold temps in Winter and hot temps in Summer!

So, if you really want to have a blast, go out to San Manuel,rent an OHV and just drive and explore! Tell them Vanessa with Desertexplorations sent you!