Arizona was once known as the ‘Dude Ranch Capital of the World’. Today, there are still dude ranches in operation and we’d like to tell you about 5 of them.
Our Top 5 are:
The Flying E Ranch – Wickenburg
Elkhorn Ranch – Tucson
M Diamond Ranch – Verde Valley
Hideout Ranch – Southeastern Arizona
Apache Spirit Ranch – Tombstone
The Flying E Ranch
This dude ranch is located west of metro-Phoenix and has been in operation since 1948. The main focus of this ranch is horseback riding and includes 2 rides a day that cater to all riding expertise levels. The ranch includes other amenities including a heated pool, a hot spa basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, exercise room, and the obligatory horseshoe pits.
The 20,000 acre ranch is nestled high on a mesa at 2,400′ elevation, in the beautiful Hassayampa Valley near Wickenburg, Arizona. The ranch focuses on the personal approach and has a capacity for 34 guest.
Flying E Ranch
2801 W. Wickenburg Way
Wickenburg, Arizona 85390-1087
(928) 684-2690
FAX (928) 684-5304
Reservations: (888) 684-2650
Elkhorn Ranch
Located just 50 miles southwest of Tucson, the Elkhorn boasts 20 comfortable cabins and daily horse rides (except Sundays). The ranch opened in 1945 and is operated by third generation Miller family members and is situated at the base of the Baboquivari Mountains.
This ranch is also focused on riding and has capacity for 32 guests. The all-days rides include lunches and give the guests time to explore further into the 10,000 acre ranch. The 70+ herd of horses allow for matching the right horse to fit any rider.
When you’re not on the trail, you can enjoy swimming, tennis or shuffleboard.
Here, since 1945, the Miller family has developed a ranch with exceptional riding and comfortable living for thirty-two guests. Riding is the main interest. There are gentle or loping rides through the desert and more vigorous trips along the many mountain trails. All day rides with sandwiches or a mule-packed box lunch give the chance to explore further into the country. The ranch’s 10,000 acres offer an unlimited area of canyons and mountain passes. Rides are kept small so that each guest may have the length and pace of ride most enjoyed each day. The seventy head of horses vary in type to suit any rider and the right horse remains with each person throughout the visit.
Open: Mid-November through April.
Rates upon request.
Elkhorn Ranch
27000 W. Elkhorn Ranch Rd.
Tucson, Arizona 85736
(520) 822-1040
Web Site: http://www.elkhornranch.com
M Diamond Ranch
This ranch, located near Sedona, was actually homesteaded in 1908 and was purchased by the current owners in 2000. The ranch features the ‘Gem’ guesthouse that sleeps 10 and can be rented by one group at a time.
The M Diamond offers rides in the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest and are the only company permitted in this area of Red Rock Country.
Horseback rides of up to 2 1/2 hours are offered.
M Diamond Ranch
Forest Road 618
About 7 miles east of I-17 at Exit 298
928-300-6466
Web Site: http://www.sedonahorsebackrides.com
Hideout Ranch
The Hideout Ranch is located in Southeast Arizona near the city of Portal. The ranch was established as a working cattle ranch in 2008. The Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountains flank the ranch and provide awesome scenery.
The bunkhouse at Hideout Ranch is a self-contained cabin that comfortably sleeps four. Guests can also reserve a two bedroom house tucked in a shady glen near the Chiricahuas. The food is another attraction at the Hideout Ranch and guests can enjoy a wide variety of cuisine including – American, Mexican, and everyone’s favorite, Steak Night.
This is a great place to learn how to ride as they offer riding lessons and all riders are welcome regardless of experience. The Hideout Ranch offers a variety of activities, rides and pack trips.
Hideout Ranch
Location: Hideout Ranch Road
Portal, Arizona
520-558-4433
Mail: PO Box 139
Rodeo, NM 88056
Web Site: www.HideoutRanch.com
E-Mail: info@hideoutranch.com
Apache Spirit Ranch
Enjoy an all-inclusive package at the The Apache Spirit Ranch which is located on almost 300 acres near Tombstone, Arizona. The ranch was built to resemble a western frontier town.
The all-inclusive package includes daily trail rides. They also offer other activities for their guests including breakfast rides, reptile shows, gunfights, horsehoes, live music, a drink from the Old Trappmann Saloon and you can even learn to play poker.
Apache Spirit Ranch
895 West Monument Road
P.O. Box 1272
Tombstone, Arizona 85638
Phone: (520) 457-7299
Fax: (520) 457-7290
Web Site: http://www.apachespiritranch.com
E-Mail: info@apachespiritranch.com