The name Tonopah derives from the Western Apache meaning Water For Us or Water For You, referring to its location in the Harquahala Valley, underneath which there is an extensive subterranean aquifer so that wells dug in the area never lack water. Another version of the name is "The community" derived from an Indian term for "hot water under the bush," because of thermal waters here. Prior to being called Tonopah, the settlement was known as Lone Peak. The area is also known to have been inhabited by the Yavapai.

Tonopah is surrounded by mountains on the north, west and south, and opens to the east into the Hassayampa River. One of the outstanding features of this area is the thermal water, which led to the opening of hot-bath houses in the 1930s.

Elevation: 1,490 feet - Population: 1,809

Menu for the two RV Gypsies in Arizona, 2009

Be sure to visit each of the six (6) sites for photos and history. You may visit these sites in any order your choose.

1. Photos taken out the window of the motorhome while driving from Las Cruces, New Mexico to Benson, Arizona - great scenery

2.Texas Canyon - Dragoon Mountains - giant boulders tower over the surrounding country side, many taking unusual shapes

3. Chiricahua National Monument- A "Wonderland of Rocks" - and a very rough hike

4. The Thing

5. Tonopah and Saddle Mountain RV Park (this page)

6. Eagle Tail Mountain Wolf Sanctuary

AFTER you have visited ALL 6 of the above photo sections, please continue on to Southern California. Note: This same menu can be reached from the bottom of any of the above pages.