Regions
Without question, Arizona is a beautiful state and a wonderful destination for a dude & guest ranch vacation any time of year. The state is known for some of the most colorful characters in American history. Here, you can walk (or horseback ride) in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Pancho Villa, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and more! With a personal guide for the many outdoor activities an Arizona ranch vacation can offer, you’ll get an in-depth lesson on the particular area of each dude ranch.
With a variety of geographical features, you might ride in the mountains, deserts, grasslands or all three! With 27 National Parks in Arizona the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the Saguaro National Park will be just the start to exploring the state of Arizona.
Here are the 10 Best Dude & Guest Ranches for the Perfect Arizona Ranch Vacation and the top reasons for going to each one.
Experience the Town of Wickenburg, the Team Roping Capital of the World
A vacation at the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch located right outside of Wickenburg, AZ will give you the opportunity to do and see some pretty neat things. Not only will you enjoy the small, intimate feel of the ranch, you will get to experience the town of Wickenburg as well. With several museums, musical performances, historic walking tours and more, your chance to see real cowboys and the true Western lifestyle is guaranteed. Wickenburg was named the team roping capital of the world many years ago because of the daily events that happen here, especially in the winter months. It is not uncommon to see cowboys riding their horses down the washes headed from one roping to the next!
Visit One of the Most Iconic Western Towns
When you visit Tombstone Monument Ranch in Tombstone, Arizona you will get to walk the streets that Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and outlaw Curly Bill Brocius once walked. It has been said at this ranch the guests feel like they have traveled back in time to the old West. Also, while you are here, you will want to visit the fun tourist town of Bisbee, Arizona, home to one of the largest turquoise mines in the US!
Saguaro National Park with Western Adventure, Solitude and Luxury Amenities
The Tanque Verde Ranch just east of Tucson will make your next stay an unforgettable Arizona ranch vacation experience. With the La Sonora Spa, fine dining, great horseback riding and additional outdoor activities for all ages your whole family will love this dude ranch resort. Look out over the Saguaro National Park from the back of your horse or from the comfort of your room’s patio, regardless of where you are at, it is an incredible sight to see.
Mountains of Arizona provide a Different Atmosphere
Located in the White Mountains of North Eastern Arizona is where you will find the Sprucedale Guest Ranch, home to the Wiltbank Family. Here you will find a very different terrain than most other Arizona dude ranches. The mountains, pine trees and luscious meadows provide a cooler atmosphere and the chance to enjoy the south in the summer months. Sprucedale is able to offer different activities than other Arizona ranches because of its climate and location; fishing and natural water swimming are available here and quite popular for everyone! Horseback riding, hayrides and bonfires are just a few of the other activities you will find at this ranch.
Ride Across the Grasslands in Southern Arizona
At Circle Z Ranch you will get to experience the heart of Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands and thousands of acres of scenic horseback riding trails. You’ll get to ride out on the distinct Arizona grasslands, but also experience canyons and mountains rising suddenly and dramatically out of the desert lowlands. You might come for the views, but you’ll come back for the hospitality.
Where the Baboquivari Mountains and the Altar Valley Meet
Whether you travel solo, as a couple or with your whole family, you will find friendship, rest and adventure at the Elkhorn Ranch and the miles and miles of mountain and desert trails. The area is home to an extensive variety of curious Sonoran vegetation and birding. This ranch is near the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, so the chances of seeing some great desert wildlife is in store!
All-Day Riding and Team Penning
At the White Stallion Ranch near Tucson, you can spend up to six hours a day in the saddle and practice your team penning skills three times a week. For your non-riding companions, there’s still plenty to do. A tennis court, sport court, petting zoo, game room, movie theater and hiking program provide fun activities for all ages. This ranch is where luxury meets Western hospitality, relax your worries away and truly enjoy your vacation.
Ride Horses and Tee off at One of Golf Digest’s Top 100 U.S. Courses
Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona offers the perfect getaway to the old southwest. At this ranch, you will feel the charm and intimacy of Western life with all of the amenities of a resort. Horseback riding and golf are just the start of the list of things to do at this Arizona ranch vacation. Relax at the spa or enjoy the Arizona winter sun on the course or back of a horse; the itinerary is completely up to you on your vacation.
Arizona’s Most Historic Ranch
Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, Arizona is a sportsman’s paradise and is surrounded by the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge near the Mexican Border. You can enjoy a scenic horseback ride on trails frequented by U.S. Presidents and legendary figures like Pancho Villa. You also will be able to enjoy the incredible Arizona sunsets overlooking the desert landscape. You haven’t seen a true sunset until you have seen one in Arizona. The riding and hiking trails are fantastic and the quaintness and charm of this ranch will leave you wanting to return for years to come.
Family Atmosphere Welcomes All
The Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch invites guests to stay at the ranch and be a part of the ranch family, even if it is only for a little while. At the feet of the Mohave and Hualapi mountains, you can be assured of breathtaking views, constant sunny days and a fantastic Arizona ranch vacation. Experience Arizona’s vast beauty and enjoy all of the wonderful amenities this ranch has to offer like stagecoach rides, shooting sports, a swimming pool, a hot tub and more. You will leave this ranch feeling like part of the family!
For more information on an Arizona dude ranch vacation or to learn about other Western ranch vacations, visit duderanch.org or contact a ranch vacation expert at the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
307.587.2339, info@duderanch.org.
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