Luchia’s, High Desert Oasis

Destination Arizona
B. Thomas Cooper

Highway 93, stretching between Wickenburg, Arizona and Boulder City, Nevada has long been regarded as one of the deadliest highways in the nation, as night after night both excited and weary travelers, met their maker along this desolate stretch.

The lanes were so narrow, and the curves unpredictable. And then there was the night, itself. The desert sky, dark as pitch, and twice as surreal. The moon, but a distraction, difficult to distinguish from oncoming headlights. For decades, countless small wooden crosses adorned with flowers and such, reminded us of those who came here before us, and failed to negotiate the same curves. It was a sobering thought, especially for those who might have been returning from adventures in Vegas.

All of that is changing now. The old highway is but a memory. Today, a drive along the same route yields a much different, far more enjoyable experience. For example, a second bridge has been added at Burro Creek, dramatically improving traffic flow and safety. The lanes are wide and the sightlines vastly improved. Kudos to the road crews… (Lord knows you folks don’t get enough credit for the hard work you’re doing out there!)

Still, to this day, there are very few stops between Wickenburg and Kingman. Fortunately, the stops available are all unique, and unforgettable experiences. For now, I will be concentrating on a high desert oasis, only found along Route 93 in Western Arizona… Luchia’s.





What is Luchia’s you ask? Well, as you might imagine, it’s a restaurant, but certainly not just any restaurant. Luchia’s is in deed, a roadside oasis of the highest order. (that’s a pun, for those of you keeping score.)

Located along the west side of the highway, just a few miles north of Wikieup (pronounced Wicky-up) Luchia’s began modestly during the 1970‘s, selling goods made by local and regional Native Americans, as well as other related curios. The restaurant, featuring Luchia's wonderful pies, opened about a decade later. Sadly, Luchia is gone now, having passed away recently. Her husband Myron still lives on the property, and watches over much of the daily operation.

Visitors may choose to dine out back in the magnificent desert garden, complete with exotic birds, an array of flowers, southwestern antiquity, and a truly exquisite Koi pond. Inside one will find some of the most remarkable Native Indian artwork on display. I would suggest you pay special attention to the Kachinas, as artwork of this quality is rarely found at stops along the highway. These are the work of master craftsmen.





Luchia’s has so much to offer the Arizona traveler, I find myself wanting to bombard my readers with weighty adjectives. Much like Luchia’s itself, the temptation is nearly irresistible! There is so much to see in Arizona, and so little time. I realize Luchia’s is but a restaurant, but then, it really is so much more. Luchia’s is indeed, a high desert oasis.

Destination Arizona 2006