Rock Springs (via New River)

Event date: 
Sat, 03/22/2025 - 9:00am


**DISCOVER ARIZONA 2025*** RIDE
Before written history of the area, Rock Springs was a periodic encampment for the Yavapai Indians. Beginning in the 1800’s “The Rock” as it later became known, served as a military bivouac and a water stop for miners, cattle drivers, sheepherders and travelers on the Black Canyon trail. About 1917 the last Black Canyon stagecoach was retired and motor vehicles took over the trail. Shortly thereafter, our founder, Ben Warner, then an aspiring 19-year old entrepreneur, built a canvas-covered store to supply merchandise for travelers, miners and local ranchers. As business prospered, he started a hotel and general store in 1918, which opened in 1924.
In those early days the drive between Prescott and Phoenix was a tortuous experience. Flat tires, steaming radiators and dust were not unexpected problems, just part of the normal trip. Long before the days of tanker trucks, Ben had to haul and sell gasoline from 5 gallon cans. Canvas bags could be filled with water from his hand dug well, and miners made regular trips from the gold camps to stock up on supplies. Although from the time Rock Springs Store opened until 1933 the sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited in America, in our attic there is what appears to be a copper still – suggesting Ben also carried an unpublicized product line.
As Rock Springs became established, and even though it was no more than a mercantile store, hotel and home to Ben Warner’s family, all the surrounding area became identified on maps and known as Rock Springs. The Rock had the first telephone for many miles (Yavapai County #93), and Ben was the area postmaster until 1955. It has been a favorite stop for travelers for over 80 years and still continues to this day. Many of Arizona’s famous pioneers knew “The Rock” well. As frequent travelers between Prescott and Phoenix, the Goldwater family became frequent visitors to the store and cafe. Although never considered a glamorous destination, Warners hotel did have a few early film star visitors, including Cowboy actor Tom Mix, and glamorous Jean Harlow (who apparently stayed together).
More recently our famous pies and outdoor BBQ’s have made history, but old or new, history, hospitality and good food is what “The Rock” is all about. TRUST ME - THE PIES ARE A MUST!!!!!!
Menu: https://rockspringscafe.com/menu/
KSU: 9:00 AM from Desert Wind Harley-Davidson
Road Captain: Jorge Tornero
 

Event location:
Black Canyon Hwy
Black Canyon City AZ AZ 85324

Closed Event: Chapter activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G. Chapter members. Closed Events are those events open to Chapter members and one guest per member.

Photography Policy: Photographing, filming, recording and videotaping of activities and events will be occurring East Valley Chapter events. By entering the H.O.G.® event area, you irrevocably grant permission to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company® and its agents to photograph, film, record and/or videotape you and use (and authorize the use of) your name, image, likeness, voice, and/or biographical or other information in any and all media now known or hereinafter developed in perpetuity for any and all purposes.

Event Coordinator: 
Jorge T
Assistant Director

[email protected]