Visit to Gunsite

[packpike]

I did a search, but most of the results were at least 5 years old, so I thought it would help me to ask this question again. My wife is sending me and a buddy to Gunsite next week for the 5 day Defensive Course (3 gun). I'm wondering if there are other 'must see' activities in the area. We'll be busy all day during the week and Saturday we're heading up to the Grand Canyon, but we'll be free in the evenings.

 

[tactikel]

I attended a carbine class 3 years ago at Gunsite, you will have the experience of a lifetime.
I stayed at the Prescott Resort, the food was great and it has a casino. Be sure to hit "Wiskey Row" in downtown Prescott, my favorite bar is the Palace Bar, it opened in 1870, it has very good food and lots of history.
Flagstaff is a good drive but has some fine dining, bars, and the Lowell Observatory which allows tours and nighttime star viewing call ahead for reservations. The Grand Canyon is spectacular- if you have time visit the "El Tovar" hotel at the south rim a great place to eat with a nice view of the Canyon.

 

[murf]

r u staying in prescott?

murf

 

[packpike]

r u staying in prescott?

murf

My wife booked us a cabin through airbnb there in Paulden (about 1 mile away from Gunsite).

 

[murf]

mazy's gun shop, in chino valley, is interesting (if it is open when you get through with gunsite). head south on 89, turn west (right) on road 3 north (at the mcdonalds), mazy's is a quarter mile down on the left.

if you head into prescott: watch for the antelope herds, on both sides of the road, between chino and the airport, the va hospital, farther along hwy 89, is fort whipple and you can drive around and see all the old military buildings, the best mexican food in prescott is at taco don's, whiskey row is worth a look-see.

not too familiar with chino valley. and there is not much north of paulden but scenic driving.

murf

 

[packpike]

mazy's gun shop, in chino valley, is interesting (if it is open when you get through with gunsite). head south on 89, turn west (right) on road 3 north (at the mcdonalds), mazy's is a quarter mile down on the left.

if you head into prescott: watch for the antelope herds, on both sides of the road, between chino and the airport, the va hospital, farther along hwy 89, is fort whipple and you can drive around and see all the old military buildings, the best mexican food in prescott is at taco don's, whiskey row is worth a look-see.

not too familiar with chino valley. and there is not much north of paulden but scenic driving.

murf

Thanks. None of us have ever been to AZ (all 'Carolina' boys), so everything will be new to us.

 

[Rock185]

I grew up in Arizona and years ago, I and some friends did the API 250 and came back a year later and did the 499. We stayed at the Prescottonian in Prescott and carpooled up to Gunsite. I was always pretty tired at the end of the day, had guns to clean, practice what I'd learned that day,etc., so wasn't really looking for stuff to do after class. Gurley Street Grill is a favorite eatery of ours in downtown Prescott. There are some well stocked gun shops in the area, but they might be closed by the time you get out of class. Anyway, enjoy, it's all a fun deal.

 

[tactikel]

The Gurley street grill is really good. If you are driving to Prescott from Paulden area be careful at night. You may encounter deer, elk, and livestock on the roads.
Whiskey Row gets pretty wild on weekends, you will have fun, but be aware there is usually a strong LEO presence in the area.
BTW you will be at 5000 ft in Prescott, 7000 ft at the Canyon. You WILL be bushed at the end of each day.

 

[Dog Soldier]

My neighbor's wife bought him a week at Gun Sight. When he got home the house was totally cleaned out. The only thing left was his Harley-Davidson. Seems she had moved onto California.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I have attended Gunsite three times when the Colonel owned it and traveled throughout the state. Everything seems to be at least 2-hours drive from each other. Besides the Grand Canyon, see the Meteor Crater, Camp Verde, Prescott (home of Ruger), Dillon in Scottsdale, Sedona for the shopping and scenary.

 

[stoky]

I have attended Gunsite three times when the Colonel owned it and traveled throughout the state. Everything seems to be at least 2-hours drive from each other. Besides the Grand Canyon, see the Meteor Crater, Camp Verde, Prescott (home of Ruger), Dillon in Scottsdale, Sedona for the shopping and scenary.

Wyomin's kinda like that too. I think it might be from back when that's about as far as you'd want to go in a day w horses.
If your staying in one of the motels, ask the proprietor about student "experiences".

 

[Nuclear]

I took the 250 class a few years ago, by the time I had finished practicing, eating and basic maintenance, I was bushed. And I live in Arizona at 3000' elevation.

 

[packpike]

It was awesome! We were beat every night so we ran out for dinner and then back. Other than the Grand Canyon we didn't do too much sightseeing. There was plenty to see at Gunsite.

 

[murf]

glad you had a good time.

murf