Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

On the far-east side of Greater Phoenix, explore a tranquil setting where Yavapai people have lived for thousands of years.

Just 24 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport on Highway 87, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation invites visitors to stay and play at a top-rated casino and to set off on iconic Western adventures. Explore the original homelands of the Yavapai people. Their ancestors were nomadic hunters and gatherers who lived in desert lowlands of central Arizona and to the north of the mountainous Mogollon Rim. The Verde River, one of two Wild & Scenic Rivers in the state, flows through their ancestral homelands and creates the perfect setting for outdoor activities.

Gaming & Entertainment

One of the top-rated casino experiences in the Phoenix area, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort features a full suite of table games and slots. Visitors also enjoy the bingo hall for matinee and evening sessions or bet on live sports in the sportsbook. Stay in one of 250 rooms and suites, many with views of the pristine desert surroundings. Resort amenities continue with poolside cabanas, a full-service spa and restaurants that range from traditional buffet-style casino fare to wood-fired steaks and seafood at Ember — a Wine Spectator award winner.

Outdoor Adventures

Expect to encounter horses, cattle and desert critters on a trip to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Horseback riding and off-road excursions are offered by the resort through Fort McDowell Adventures, an outdoor outfitter that specializes in Western experiences. Experience Verde River trail ride, city slicker cattle drive, hay wagon rides and more designed for families and individuals, Located in Central Arizona, hiking and trail rides are best experienced in the cooler months. When summer temperatures soar, visitors get their outdoor fix at the resort pool or golf courses.

Championship Golf

Two spectacular 18-hole golf courses wind through the area’s Sonoran Desert landscapes just outside of Scottsdale. The Saguaro course is a walkable, links-style layout that follows the natural contours of the desert. The Cholla course offers target-style desert golf that plays through washes fed by the nearby McDowell Mountains. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club also features a clubhouse, restaurant, lounge and gift shop. No homes or businesses disrupt the golf experience here, so visitors get sweeping desert views that are just as exhilarating as a swing that hits the sweet spot.