Holbrook, Arizona

Gateway to Petrified Forest National Park

Location / Description

Holbrook, Arizona is located in eastern Arizona along the banks of the Little Colorado River. Three routes converge in Holbrook, Interstate 40 (old RT 66), U.S. Highway 180 and State Highway 77. The seat of Navajo County, Holbrook serves as the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park and is near a number of Indian reservations.

History

Holbrook was founded in 1881 when the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad arrived and named the town after the chief engineer, Henry R. Holbrook. In the 1880s, the frontiersmen were the cowboys, cattle ranchers, and railroaders who made Holbrook the center of ranch country.

Commodore Perry Owens, local sheriff, is credited with bringing law to the town in 1887 in a famous shootout with cattle rustlers at the Blevins House. That historic house still stands, as does the Bucket of Blood Saloon, where many a cowboy refreshed himself. The majestic 1898 courthouse, on the National Register of Historic Places, is the centerpiece of the town.

Things To Do

In Holbrook you can visit the real west where tumbleweed still blows into town off the desert. Attend a rodeo, where sometimes the cowboys are mostly Indians, or sign on for a tour of a working ranch. If riding and roping isn't your thing, plan on a tour of ancient Indian rock art sites, a hay-ride across the desert as evening arrives, and a real country cookout dinner.

Population / Elevation

5,800 people / 5,080 feet above sea level.

Events Calendar

Indian Dances occur every weeknight June through August from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in front of the Old West Courthouse. See the intricate steps of the Fancy Dancers, the tinkling swing of the Jingle Dress dancers, the intriguing interpretations of the men's traditional dancers, and the dignified sway of the women's traditional dancers.

January: Hashknife Pony Express.
June: Old West Celebration and Bucket of Blood Races.
July: Gathering of Eagles Native American Art Show and Sale.
September: Navajo County Fair and Rodeo.
October: Annual Rock Show and Route 66 Cruise.
December: Parade of Lights and Festival and Festival of Trees the first weekend of December

Hotels/Motels

There are motels in Holbrook, with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. Click here for rates, availability and reservations online.

Camping & RV Parks

There are numerous camping and RV accommodations in Holbrook. For more information, contact:

Holbrook Chamber of Commerce
100 East Arizona Street
Holbrook, AZ. 86025
928-524-6558.
800-524-2459
Arizona State Parks 602-542-4174
Arizona National Forests 800-280-CAMP