Arizona is among the top places to visit in America, and its Office of Tourism unabashedly credits its magnificent natural beauty with making tourism the state’s number one export industry. So, how awesome would it be to see some of the best of the Old West from between a horse’s ears? It’s possible.
Curated experiential trip experts like Active Riding Trips – which hasn’t offered a horseback riding trip since 2003 that President Stacey Adams hasn’t personally tried out first – knows how popular the Grand Canyon State is with families, couples, and solo explorers, and works with True Ranch Collection to offer four historic dude ranch vacations while supporting its mission to preserve these original vacation spots.
White Stallion Ranch
This legendary ranch is truly an Arizona institution. For more than half a century, one family has operated the ranch and it’s easy to see why three generations have been proud to uphold its historic legacy. The authenticity and quality at White Stallion Ranch are legendary within the industry and earlier this year, USA TODAY named it one of its 10 best dude ranches in America.
“I really do not know where to begin to describe one of the best trips of my life,” guest Sharon W. said. “It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of time, location, experience and interest. Stacey met with us to get to know exactly what we were looking for and couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot. White Stallion is geared toward everyone.”
The 43-room ranch sits on 3,000 acres adjacent to Saguaro National Park West. Whether it’s trail riding in the desert, cattle work, or exploring the nearby Tucson Mountains, there are ample ways to stay busy. Plus, it’s perfect for families with members who may not ride “as much.” White Stallion Ranch activities include certified rock climbing, fat tire bike riding, hiking, archery, shooting, tennis, or relaxing by the pool or campfire. There is also a weekly ranch rodeo and nightly entertainment.
Kay El Bar Ranch
Built in the early 1900s, from adobe brick handmade by native ancestors of today’s Maricopa people, the Kay El Bar Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the perfect place to enjoy the landscape and incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert while riding a horse.
Kay El Bar sits on 100 private acres and daily rides are never repetitive thanks to access to over 2,000 acres of BLM land. The ranch’s trusty string of horses are seasoned navigators, carrying visitors on leisurely lopes through the scrub. And if you’re looking for more “action,” try your hand at some on-site team penning!
When not riding, it’s all about relaxing. Sit by the pool or in the hot tub, go hiking, visit the charming town of Wickenburg a few miles away, or visit one of the nearby golf courses. Limited to 25 guests at a time, Kay El Bar Lodge rooms offer king, queen, or twin beds; Casa Grande is a standalone casita suitable for families with king or twin beds and a trundle; Homestead House is a two-bedroom casita that sleeps up to seven.
From White Stallion to White House
Forget about staying in presidential suites – how about staying at a Presidential favorite? At nearly 300 years old, Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe is called Arizona’s most historic ranch, where it’s possible to ride the trails frequented by past U.S. Presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, movie stars and revolutionary figures such as Francisco “Pancho” Villa.
Sasabe is less than 90 minutes from Tucson and takes you into the high grasslands of the Sonoran Desert, with spectacular vistas in every direction, including of sacred Baboquivari Peak. Ride and explore native ruins or 120,000 acres of the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge.
Riparian marshlands, meadows, cottonwood, and mesquite groves provide rich habitats for wildlife. This is a birder’s paradise, with an array of species including orioles, tanagers, herons, hawks, and ducks. Pronghorn, mule deer, javelinas, and mountain lions still roam, and there have even been sightings of an elusive jaguar!
La Osa offers an elevated guest ranch experience with exceptional wining and dining, unmatched hospitality, and a rare convergence of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and ranching cultures. The original adobe buildings still stand, with the earliest (1722) built by Jesuit missionaries traveling with Italian missionary and geographer, Eusebio Kino.
Lights, Action, Tombstone
Two years ago, the film tourism market was estimated at generating $66.9 million worldwide. What is film tourism? Visiting places associated with a movie or TV show (96 percent of Americans have made at least one such a trip). With that in mind is Arizona’s Tombstone Ride.
The Tombstone Ride instantly whisks you back to the 1800s. The ranch is just outside of Tombstone proper, but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of chances to walk (or ride) its famous Main Street. Rides are grouped by ability level (no worries over just ‘ho-hum’ walking).
For a very limited number of riders looking to take their Western riding experience up a notch, Stacey says, “Ask about the cattle drives offered twice a year – spring and Fall – to round up, herd, and tag the cattle.”
When you’re not in the saddle, this Wild West experience continues with shooting and archery, or for history buffs, hiking to see ancient petroglyphs carved into cliff faces, or visiting the mines that gave this town its first settlers. And no trip is complete without riding into Tombstone, tying your horse to a hitching post and stepping up to the bar at Big Nose Kate’s to order a drink.
Learn more about horseback experiences in Arizona, plus commonly asked questions on how to choose a riding trip, what to pack, and how to assess your riding level at activeridingtrips.com.
