Many people think of Texas when the idea of visiting a real working ranch comes up. But with strong a Southwestern heritage and plenty of wide-open spaces to roam free, Arizona is another top dude ranch destination.
Near major Arizona cities and small towns, you’ll find a wide variety of dude ranches that range from small family-run spots to high-end resorts. There are ranches close to town, and far out in the boonies where the pace of life slows down into a gallop. These are places where you can learn to ride a horse, listen to stories about local history, and enjoy a laid-back state of mind. Western hospitality is guaranteed, and you might even learn a thing or two about how to survive and thrive in these rugged lands.
So, to help you get the most out of your next trip to Arizona, here are the top dude ranches to visit!
White Stallion Ranch, Tucson
You’ll enjoy 3,000 acres of wide-open spaces when you visit White Stallion Ranch near the border of Saguaro National Park. A variety of horseback riding options are offered, as well as cattle work and an exhibition rodeo with barrel racing and steer wrestling. Inside you’ll find cozy rooms that have Southwestern décor and some that even have whirlpool baths and fireplaces. You’ll enjoy home-cooked ranch meals here, often featuring a buffet lunch and meat, fowl, and fish for dinner. The ranch is large enough for corporate events and family reunions, but also small enough to feel at home.
Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson
One of the best dude ranches for families in the U.S., Tanque Verde Ranch is a famous ranch that has won multiple awards and been featured on elevation. It is situated on 60,000 acres of land and near Tucson, the Coronado National Forest, and Saguaro National Park. Come here if you want to combine your horseback riding vacation with a spa vacation because both are offered here. Families enjoy this place because there are supervised children’s programs. For lodging, you can stay in traditional adobe structures at Roadrunner Ridge, Quail Hollow, Javelina Heights, Rincon Vista, or the Desert Garden.
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, Yucca
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch is located near the Hualapai and Mohave Mountains, offering breathtaking views and scenic horseback rides. The ranch is designed like an old Western town and offers all-inclusive options that include three meals per day, lodging, two rides per day, and many other activities. This is an ideal ranch to visit if you have someone with disabilities in your group since the ranch is handicapped-accessible. Other activities offered at Stagecoach Trails are ATV rides, wagon rides, mountain biking, and a swimming pool. Cowboy singers and storytellers provide evening entertainment. Family suites are also available for large families that would like to have multiple beds, a living room area, and a fireplace.
Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg
Another famous dude ranch in Arizona is Rancho de los Caballeros near Wickenburg. This ranch spans about 20,000 acres in the Sonoran Desert and matches guests with horses that fit their level of experience and riding ability. It’s fun to watch the “running of the horses” at twilight and indulge in traditional Southwest accommodations. This is a luxury ranch that has an 18-hole golf course, a kids’ club, and tours that will take you out in a jeep or up in a hot air balloon. Skeet shooting is also a popular activity here. You’ll get three Southwestern-inspired meals of day when you stay here between October and May.
Tombstone Monument Ranch, Tombstone
Built to look just like a frontier town in the Old West, this dude ranch was established on Apache hunting grounds. Tombstone Monument Ranch offers all-inclusive packages that include horse rides each day, and riding lessons are also available. Rides that travel to historic destinations, ghost towns, and scenic places can also be arranged. There are about cozy rooms here that are distinctly decorated and have modern bathrooms, televisions, and free Wi-Fi. This is the only guest ranch in Tombstone and definitely worth checking out.
Circle Z Ranch, Patagonia
Head to the town of Patagonia for an all-inclusive ranch vacation at Circle Z Ranch that includes meals, horseback riding, a pool, nature walks, birdwatching, and more. There are adobe cottages here that are well-suited for families, couples, and solo travelers. On the lunch, dinner, and breakfast menus, you’ll find locally-raised meat, fresh bread, and seasonal vegetables from the garden. This Southern Arizona ranch is owned by the Nash family and features modern amenities, such as refrigerators, blow dryers, and irons. But perhaps the best thing to do here is to go horseback riding on the diverse trails. You can pass by the Sonoita Creek, rock canyons, and vast rangeland on these trails. This is also an ideal ranch for social travelers because there are social hours, live entertainment, cookouts, and a game room.
Sprucedale Guest Ranch, Alpine
While many of the ranches in Arizona are in the southern part of the state, Sprucedale Guest Ranch is in the Northeast. It’s owned by the Wiltbank family and a great place to get in touch with nature. Families love this ranch because of the cute cabins, modern conveniences, and affordable rates. Both beginner and experienced horseback riders will enjoy staying here, and you’ll often see wildlife species, like elk and bighorn sheep, on the trails. It’s impossible to get bored while staying at Sprucedale because of all the fun activities offered, such as Western dancing lessons, rodeos, cow milking, and hiking. Up in Alpine, it’s also fun to go wading in the creek or just take a walk among the ponderosa pine trees in the Apache National Forest.
Flying E Dude Ranch, Wickenburg
Flying E Ranch is near Vulture Peak in the Hassayampa Valley. Gold was once discovered in these lands, and today you’ll find a luxury dude ranch that focuses on family. Up to about 34 guests can be accommodated here, and homecooked meals are gourmet and delicious. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Western-style and have private baths, air conditioning, and heat. Guests here enjoy the luxurious activities of tennis, a fitness center, hot tub, and sauna. Horseback rides are offered for riders of various skill levels in the morning and afternoon and last two hours. In the ranch lodge, you’ll typically find coffee and cookies.
Elkhorn Ranch, Tucson
The nearest big city to Elkhorn Ranch is Tucson, but that’s about 50 miles away. You’ll be just north of the Mexico border when you stay here. It’s been owned by the Miller family since 1945 and has space for up to 32 guests. Like most dude ranches in Arizona, the top thing to do here is horseback riding, and you can take your pick of mountain trails and desert views. For full-day rides and extended exploration, the ranch will pack sandwiches. There are around 70 horses on this ranch. Aside from riding, you’ll find tennis courts, a pool, shuffleboard, and comfortable accommodations here. The cabins have electric heat and private baths, and some of them even have fireplaces. This is a great place to disconnect from the modern world because there are no phones or TVs in the rooms. Please note that the ranch is typically closed to guests during the summer months of May through October.
