If you’re looking for a way to get away from it all and relax in the great outdoors, Dude Ranches in Arizona is an excellent option.
There’s just something about spending time on a ranch that makes you feel like you’re in your little world. Plus, the activities are endless!
Dude ranches have been around since the 1800s when wealthy Americans would escape city life by heading out west and living like cowboys for a few weeks each year.
These establishments have evolved into luxurious resorts that offer lodging and dining options alongside outdoor activities like horseback riding, fly fishing, or both!
So you want to find out what Dude Ranches are available in Arizona? Great! We have compiled a list of all the places where you can go horseback riding while spending time at ranch-style lodgings.
Tanque Verde Ranch
Tanque Verde Ranch is a family-owned and operated ranch located in the Catalina Mountains, just a short drive from Tucson.
Their western hospitality and rustic charm make your stay feel like home, whether you’re there to learn how to ride or relax in the hot tub.
Tanque Verde Ranch has been in business for over 100 years, offering guests horseback riding excursions through scenic Arizona landscapes.
In addition, there are also family-friendly activities like hiking trails, tubing down the local creek, and other fun outings tailored to your interests.
The cost of staying at Tanque Verde depends on which package you choose:
- $399-$699 per person/night includes accommodations with breakfast and dinner;
- $299-$499 per person/night includes accommodations with either breakfast or dinner;
- $99-$199 per child ages 6-12 without meals (children under 6 eat free).
Address: 14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748, United States
Website: https://tanqueverderanch.com/
Phone: +1 520-296-6275
White Stallion Ranch
White Stallion Ranch is a family-owned ranch in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona.
They offer many activities to make your stay as fun and enjoyable as possible, including horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.
In addition, the ranch has an on-site cabin that can be rented for extra guests or as a place to relax after a long day of riding with their horses.
The price for activities at White Stallion Ranch ranges from $25-$35 per person per night, depending on what you choose to do during your visit.
You can ride horses through the beautiful desert landscape or hike up into the mountains where there are views like none other!
Address: 9251 W Twin Peaks Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, United States
Website: https://www.whitestallion.com/
Phone: +1 520-297-0252
The C L Bar Ranch
The C L Bar Ranch location is in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The ranch is a working cattle ranch that has been in operation since the early 1900s and is currently a family-owned business.
The C L Bar Ranch is open year-round so you can visit them anytime! They offer horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more.
Rates are $55/adult (over 12 years old) per night; $28/child (under 12 years old) per night; $5 per extra person above six guests maximum occupancy.
Address: 116 Kitchen Ranch Rd, Pinedale, WY 82941, United States
Phone: +1 307-367-2785
Flying E Ranch
Flying E Ranch is a Dude Ranch located in the White Mountains. The ranch offers horseback riding, swimming pool and restaurant services, a kids camp, and more.
In addition, the Flying E Ranch has five cabins for rent that sleep four people each and one bunkhouse that sleeps eight guests.
The prices start at $49 per person per night for lodging during the week and $69 per person per night on weekends; meals are extra but worth it!
They have activities for kids (ages 6 to 11), teens (ages 12 to 15), and adults.
The main activity here is horseback riding which will take you through beautiful Arizona landscapes while teaching you how to ride a horse.
You can also hike or fish if horse riding isn’t your tea, but you still want something active!
Address: 2801 W Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, United States
Website: https://flyingeranch.com/
Phone: +1 928-684-2690
Elkhorn Ranch
Elkhorn Ranch is a working cattle ranch that offers dude ranch activities and vacation rentals. Located in the foothills of the Mogollon Rim and has both a lodge and cabins available for guests.
The cost varies depending on the length of your stay, but most people will spend between $20-$50 per night at Elkhorn Ranch.
There are also discounts for children under 12 and seniors over 62. Activities include horseback riding, hiking trails, ATV tours, and fly fishing trips on the Apache River.
Kannally Ranch House At the Triangle T Guest Ranch
The Kannally Ranch House at the Triangle T Guest Ranch, located in Apache Junction, is open year-round and offers horseback riding and jeep tours.
This ranch also features a swimming pool and hot tub for guests.
The Kannally Ranch House has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or you can order from their menu to take home with you.
If you want to stay closer to home while enjoying your meal, there are tables outside where you can dine under the shade of trees or on your private patio.
However, seating is also available here if you prefer to eat indoors.
The Kannally Ranch House gift shop carries ranch-themed souvenirs for purchase. These would make great gifts for those who have visited or are planning on visiting soon.
Address: Wildlife Dr, Oracle, AZ 85623, United States
Website: https://azstateparks.com/
Phone: +1 520-896-2425
What To Do On Dude Ranch
Dude ranches are the perfect way to experience the old west without going out there.
They offer various activities, from horseback riding, fly fishing, and archery to trail and wagon rides through rugged landscapes.
In addition, dude ranches offer delicious meals cooked by professional chefs that you can enjoy in rustic dining areas or on cozy front porches.
Dude ranches allow you to relax while enjoying nature’s beauty without challenging yourself with outdoor activities.
Here are some of the everyday activities to do in dude ranch:
Horseback Riding
Horses are majestic animals; when you ride one, you feel like a cowboy or cowgirl straight out of the Wild West.
It’s not surprising that horseback riding is the most popular activity on dude ranches. To make sure your first time horseback riding is as enjoyable as possible, here’s what you need to know:
- Horses aren’t pets. They’re livestock! Give them their space so they don’t get spooked or become aggressive.
- If you’ve never ridden a horse, it may take time to learn how to control one. It’s best if an experienced rider knows alongside you for at least the first few lessons.
Fishing
Fishing is a great way to spend your time on the ranch! Bring your fishing pole, reel, and tackle box when you go fishing.
If there is something else that you think will help with catching fish, bring it as well! Once you get to where you’re fishing, all you have to do is get comfortable and wait for a bite.
Don’t be discouraged if nothing happens right away. Give it some time before heading back home.
Nature Walks And Hikes
Nature walks and hikes are a great way to explore the outdoors. They help you get exercise and enjoy nature. If there are trails on your dude ranch, explore them.
You might be surprised by how much fun it is to walk around in nature.
Rope And Obstacle Courses
Rope and obstacle courses are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
They’re also a great way to bond with your friends, who will be impressed by your newly acquired skills.
These courses entail bravely scaling a tall tower or swinging across an abyss on a rope made of vines, holding tightly onto nothing but your strength.
If you’ve ever wanted to test yourself physically, this is one of the best ways to do it!
Cooking Classes (including native American)
Cooking classes are a great way to have fun and make lasting memories. You can learn to cook traditional cowboy recipes or to cook them with a twist.
If you’re looking for a more educational experience, cooking classes also teach native American recipes. These include local favorites like buffalo stew and fried bread.
Nature Games In The Woods
Nature games are a great way to get kids outside, exercise, and have fun. These games can be played with a few friends or in groups, depending on how many people you have available.
The best part is that they can play anywhere, making them ideal for a dude ranch vacation!
You’ll want to ensure you have plenty of space before playing nature games. The more space you have, the more fun it will be.
The rules of these games are typically straightforward: whoever wins gets their turn next, and if someone falls out of the game for whatever reason, then they’re out for good.
Is A Dude Ranch Worth It?
While you can enjoy the beauty and fun of a dude ranch vacation alone, it’s ideal when you bring along family members.
Taking your family on a dude ranch trip will give everyone a chance to reconnect with each other while enjoying some quality time outside the hustle and bustle of city life.
Dude ranches are more than just an affordable way to spend time in nature. They also provide families and couples an opportunity to return to their roots.
That is, going back to what matters – each other.
Conclusion
We hope our list has helped you find the perfect place for your next trip! Dude ranch vacations are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.
There is no better place than Arizona for a dude ranch vacation, and there is certainly no shortage of excellent choices when choosing one.
