About Wikieup
Wikieup is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 135 as of the 2020 census, though recent estimates range from 7 to 154. Located in the Big Sandy Valley along U.S. Route 93, it is 54 miles southeast of Kingman and 74 miles northwest of Wickenburg, approximately halfway between Phoenix (139 miles southeast) and Las Vegas (162 miles northwest). Known for its mining history, Native American heritage, and quirky roadside stops like the Wikieup Trading Post, Wikieup is a serene retreat for travelers and retirees.
History and Origins
Wikieup’s name, derived from the Mojave word for “shelter” or “home,” reflects its early use as a Hualapai settlement. Spanish explorers, possibly Espejo in 1582 and Farfan in 1589, may have passed through, followed by Lt. Amiel W. Whipple in 1854. The area was a hub for agriculture, mining, and milling in the 19th century, with the McCrackin Mine (1874, 18 miles south) and Signal Mine (12 miles south) driving growth. Wikieup served as a stagecoach stop in the late 19th century, and its ranching and farming community thrived until mining interests bought water rights, drying up local agriculture. Today, it retains an Old West vibe with sparse development.
Geography and Environment
Located at 34°42′12″N 113°36′40″W, Wikieup spans 4.4 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 1,988 feet in the Big Sandy Valley, between the Hualapai Mountains to the west and Aquarius Mountains to the east. Its hot desert climate (Köppen: BWh) features average January lows of 33°F (1°C) and July highs of 105°F (41°C), with extremes of 14°F (-10°C) in 1990 and 119°F (48°C) in 1995. Annual rainfall averages 9.88 inches. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks, but its clear skies make it ideal for stargazing.
Demographics and Economy
Wikieup has a median household income of $95,625 (2022) and a median home value estimated at $150,000, more affordable than 80% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing includes mobile homes, RVs, and small homes, with most residents owning their properties. The median age is 69.6, with 100% White (Non-Hispanic) residents in 2022, and all are U.S. citizens. The economy is small, with 4 employed residents in 2022, primarily in healthcare support and protective services. Many commute to Kingman or Wickenburg for work, or rely on retirement income. The poverty rate is 29.73%, and the cost of living is below the national average.
Did You Know? Wikieup features a quirky roadside attraction—a statue of Snoopy and Woodstock on a rocket—celebrating its playful charm and drawing travelers along U.S. Route 93.
Education and Community Services
Wikieup is zoned to the Owens-Whitney Elementary School District, operating Owens Elementary (K-8, 24 students) in town. High school students may attend Kingman Unified School District or Bagdad Unified School District, 54–60 miles away. Emergency services are provided by the Wikieup Volunteer Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with medical facilities in Kingman (Kingman Regional Medical Center, 54 miles northwest). Residents rely on Kingman for shopping, dining, and libraries, with local amenities limited to the Wikieup Trading Post and a small market.
Recreation and Attractions
- Wikieup Trading Post: A classic desert outpost offering local crafts, exotic jerky, and Route 93 souvenirs, a must-stop for travelers.
- Burro Creek Campground: 10 miles south, providing camping, hiking, and scenic views of the Burro Creek Wilderness Area.
- Arizona Peace Trail: Accessible via Chicken Springs Road, a 675-mile OHV trail for Jeep and horseback adventures, featuring fossils and unique rocks.
- Cofer Hot Springs: 3 miles east, a historic natural spring site, though access may be restricted.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Wikieup offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 31 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking solitude. The community is conservative, with a suburban-rural feel and a crime rate 77% above the national average, though its small size skews data. Its affordability, clear skies, and historic charm are key draws, though summer heat and limited services require self-sufficiency. Residents enjoy stargazing, off-roading, and community events at the Trading Post.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Wikieup via U.S. Route 93 from Kingman (54 miles northwest) or Wickenburg (74 miles southeast). Stop at the Wikieup Trading Post for BBQ and souvenirs, explore the Arizona Peace Trail, or camp at Burro Creek. Kingman offers dining, shopping, and Route 66 attractions, while Wickenburg provides historic Western experiences. For extended trips, Lake Havasu City is 100 miles southwest, and the Grand Canyon South Rim is 160 miles northeast. Wikieup is a nostalgic stop for desert adventurers.