Winter Wickenburg Arizona Rally

The Midwest LTVers Travelers Club headed south for a warm winter rally in the cowboy/cowgirl team roping capital of the world–Wickenburg, Arizona. 35 LTVers from 11 states gathered at the Aztec Village RV Park in downtown Wickenburg from March 18-21, 2025. During the day, the rally was held at Midwest LTVers co-leaders Greg & Kathy Palmquist’s home so that the group would have shelter and a kitchen to share ten meals together!

The first evening we got to know one another over a meal of tacos and salad. It was nice to meet new friends and see old ones!

Don Klassen, retired from LTV, and Jill George, with La Mesa RV, answered all of our LTV questions on the first morning of our rally.

Jill also brought a 2025 LTV Wonder Murphy Bed Lounge for all of us to tour. Our group always enjoys Don’s presence and knowledge at our rallies! Don and Jill stayed to eat Greg’s homemade chicken noodle soup over lunch.

In the afternoon, the group decided between 12 different recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, shopping, golfing, visiting a museum, and going to a rodeo! Either attendees left to go to one of the events, or they stayed behind to visit around the pool.

After our evening meal, 20 of us went to the Del E. Webb Performing Arts Center in Wickenburg. We saw the amazing performance of “The Barricade Boys”, a singing theatrical group from London. They entertained us with Broadway and rock songs from throughout the years, with perfect harmony and delightful dancing–we all enjoyed our night out!

On Thursday morning, we had delicious waffles with berries and whipped cream. After breakfast, we took turns giving long introductions about our families, our current or former work responsibilities, and our experience with our LTVs. It was a great way to get to know each other and develop connections within our LTV family.

In the afternoon, everyone again chose one or more of the many activities available in the Wickenburg area. Nine adventurous people decided to rent side-by-side off-road vehicles to explore the Sonoran Desert. They went with a guide to Box Canyon, drove through water, and climbed a narrow rocky path to the top of Round Top Hill, from which they had sweeping views of Wickenburg and the desert. One participant said it was the most exciting thing he had ever experienced at an LTV Rally!

Others visited the Hassayampa River Preserve, a desert oasis with a lush streamside habitat. There is a new visitor center where they can learn about the flora and fauna of the park. There were many miles of hiking trails near the river to hike.

Some took the walking tour through Historic Wickenburg and went shopping, others walked the trails in Wickenburg Ranch, and some even took a nap!

After a dinner of grilled hamburgers, beans, salad, and dessert, groups played games, visited, or sat around the fire.

Friday morning, we had a Zoom meeting with Robyn Sauve from AB Lifestyles. She discussed special bedding for our LTVs. Guylaine Lescarbeau and Claude Lavallee won a $50 coupon from AB Lifestyles.

After this meeting, four athletic Midwest LTVers set off to hike the seven-mile Granite Mountain Hotshot Trail, which is 20 miles north of Wickenburg. The Memorial State Park and trail honor the lives and legacy of the 19 hotshot firefighters who died fighting the Yarnell fire on June 13, 2013. Along the trail, there are 19 memorial plaques set in rocks that share a story and photo of each fallen hotshot. The Hotshots Trail took the four hikers through the Weaver Mountains and included a 1,200 ft. elevation gain with a 5-8% grade. In the afternoon, they came back very tired and inspired by the bravery of firefighters who work to protect our environment.

The rest of us, who stayed behind, shared tips, products, and equipment that made RVing more enjoyable. We also talked about boondocking tips.

After lunch, a group of bikers went 12 miles on smooth roads in Wickenburg Ranch. Another group of people went to a rodeo and saw beautiful horses ridden by cowboys and cowgirls! Others went to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. Many stayed behind and sunbathed, went swimming, or sat in the hot tub.

Our evening meal was baked potatoes with all the fixings. After dinner, we played games again and visited around the fire. Then we said our goodbyes and wished everyone safe travels in their LTVs.

We wish to thank everyone that helped with the meal prep and clean-up, especially Nancy and Bob Borman who came early and stayed late to help us! Thank you to everyone who contributed money or food for our ten delicious meals! Thank you Leisure Travel Vans for your monetary contribution to the rally. The Midwest Winter Rally created new LTV friendships and allowed everyone to explore the historic town of Wickenburg!