The Gila River Indian Community is nestled beneath a beautiful blue desert sky, amid breath-taking sunrises and warm golden sunsets, live The River People. This lush desert environment with its abundant wildlife of wild horses, cottontail rabbits, quail, road runners, and morning dove, makes living here very precious.
The Sonoran Desert has been home to two distinct tribes – the Akimel O’odham (Pima), and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) people since time in memorial. The natural elements of our environment have been embraced by incorporating them into our artwork, pottery, baskets and jewelry. Our new buildings also feature symbolic designs, natural materials and plants which reflect our affection for the land.Tourism
About Our Community
Food has always been a way to bring cohesiveness to our people be it at a social or ceremonial gathering. A unique menu has been created at Kai Restaurant at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Traditional indigenous recipes are integrated into the one-of-a-kind cultural culinary menu satisfying everyone’s taste.
Stories are told of our history and culture at the Huhugam Heritage Center where historic and prehistoric records are archived. The ball court/amphitheater is patterned after the Hohokam Snaketown ball courts, providing a place for gatherings and ceremonies.Visitors can experience a variety of attractions located within our boundaries. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is one of the finest resorts in Indian country. The AAA Four Diamond 500-room resort, offers its guests a recreational, educational and inspirational experience never before available in a resort setting and a lavish spa and salon with an array of health and fitness possibilities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Horseback riding, trail rides and outdoor events are available at Koli Equestrian Center.
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass is Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction featuring its world famous steakhouse and saloon, unique retail shops, cowboys, gunfights, stagecoach rides, cookouts, and more! Admission is free!
For golf enthusiasts, three championship 18-hole golf courses are provided. Two of the golf courses known as Devil’s Claw and Cattail are managed by world renowned Troon® Golf. The third golf course formerly Williams Air Force Base Golf Course in Mesa, AZ is now owned and operated by Gila River Indian Community.
The three Las Vegas-style gaming casinos of Gila River Casinos offers slots, poker, keno, black jack, bingo, the latest in entertainment and outstanding food choices.
The Bob Bondurant Professional School of High Performance Driving, the world’s finest driving school features a 15 turn, 1.6 mile road course, designed for high performance race car driving and advanced driving instruction. Firebird International Raceway, home of NHRA Checker Schuck’s Kragen National Event offers top fuel racing.