20 Best Arizona Dude Ranches

© Kay El Bar Guest Ranch

Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is a historic and intimate guest ranch within the Wild West. It is perfect for families or individuals and all-inclusive. The ranch dates back to the early 1900s and has been updated to include modern conveniences. There is space for up to 28 guests in the authentic adobe-walled buildings. All guest rooms have private modern bathrooms, Western artwork, custom cowboy drapes and bedspreads, and hand-painted Monterey furniture. Staying in the Homestead House gives you access to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with a fireplace and living room. There are also two casitas for extra privacy, each with walk-in showers. The main activity at Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is riding and horses, with well-trained horses to appeal to all skill levels. Riders are welcome to groom their horses before breakfast and the ranch provides hats and boots. There are morning and afternoon rides, with Sunday afternoons off, and you can request an all-day ride. Guests can also participate in cattle penning. Other activities include hiking, the whirlpool spa, lounge chairs, and hammocks. All meals are served family style and include fresh pastries and cookies with lunch and dinner. There is also a social hour each evening before dinner.

2655 S. Kay El Bar Road, Wickenburg, AZ, Phone: 928-684-7593

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© Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch prides itself on delivering a friendly atmosphere that lets guests experience the old west along with the gorgeous Northwest Arizona desert. Every room has an extra-large bathroom, Western-themed décor, and a patio featuring rocking chairs. There is space for up to 42 guests and all rooms also have amenities like hair dryers, air conditioning, and environmentally-friendly toiletries. You can choose a room with a courtyard, extra space, a mini-fridge, or an adjoining room.

This ranch has horseback riding for all skill levels, including slow scenic rides throughout the cactus landscape led by wranglers. Experienced riders can lope and trot through the desert washes. This ranch sits on the border of over 360,000 acres of natural land by the foot of the Hualapai and Mohave mountains, delivering breathtaking views. For added personality, the ranch is set up to mimic a small Western town.

Two horseback rides per day are included with every stay, as is access to wagon rides, cowboy action shooting, hiking, archery, volleyball, horseshoes, billiards, the swimming pool, and the hot tub. Enjoy cowboy singers, line dancing, game nights, and campfires featuring storytelling. The accommodations are all-inclusive, featuring three delicious meals every day with wine and beer at dinner.

19985 S Doc Holliday Rd, Yucca, AZ, Phone: 928-727-8270

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© Elkhorn Ranch

Elkhorn Ranch sits at 3,700 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert country and the Baboquivari Mountains. The Ranch focuses on winter season experiences with week-long stays although guests are also welcome to stay longer.

There are also spring stays. Guests stay in cabins with private bathrooms, good reading lights, and electric heat. Outside, you will find chaise lounges and chairs plus a birdfeeder. Other amenities include Epsom salts for the bath, ivory soap, hand lotion, linens, flashlights, bathroom glass ware, bar glasses, bottle openers, bar rags, boot rags, and ice chests or buckets. The cabins are just a few minutes from the dining room, barn, and ranch office yet feel secluded due to the arrangement. The ranch has 10,000 acres of land for gentle or loping rides. Guests are divided daily into small groups based on the type of ride they prefer. You can also explore the property, birdwatch, go swimming, hike, or play tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, ping pong, tether ball, or horseshoes. Guests are treated to three hot meals each day in the buffet style or the option of ordering their own hot breakfast. Once a week, there is a picnic lunch made over an open fire and guests enjoy all-day rides with camp cooking or sack lunches.

27000 W. Elkhorn Ranch Rd., Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-822-1040

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© Circle Z Ranch

Circle Z Ranch markets itself as the original dude ranch in Arizona, operating for 90 years, and it is all-inclusive. There are accommodations for groups and individuals, including various types of cottages. All have outdoor patios, carpeted floors, comfortable beds, and tile bathrooms. There are standard king or queen rooms or one-bedroom suites. You can also opt for an adjoining room or a two- or three-bedroom cottage. All cottages have daily housekeeping, toiletries, plush towels, irons, mini fridges, and individually-controlled air conditioning and heating.

Visit the horses at Los Corrales, visit the Cantina and Business Center, swim in the heated outdoor pool, use the pickle ball and tennis courts, or head to the Game Room. The Cantina features Wi-Fi, game tables, books, a printer and computer, comfortable furniture, snacks, pre-dinner appetizers, and a stocked fridge. The Lodge has a library, living room, gaming areas, and two dining rooms. To supplement the various horseback riding options, Circle Z Ranch also has a covered riding area perfect for lessons. Get a snack or drink in the Cantina at any time and enjoy three buffet meals daily in the Lodge plus three weekly cookouts.

P.O. Box 194, Patagonia, AZ, Phone: 520-394-2525

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© Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch sits on 60,000 acres of desert landscape and is an old-time guest and cattle ranch. It dates back to 1868 and is the last luxurious outpost from the old west, delivering plush accommodations along with the activities guest want. There are multiple lodging spaces, including Roadrunner Ridge, Quail Hollow, Desert Garden, Ramada Salas, Rincon Vista, and Javelina Heights. Most of those spaces offer Salas or a larger Casita. Or opt for luxury camping in a range of tent styles, including those with private en-suite or luxury bathrooms.

There is never a dull moment at Tanque Verde Ranch, with activities like biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, dancing, horseback riding, basketball, sand volleyball, yoga, pickleball, tennis, and more. Relax in La Sonora Spa while your kids attend the supervised children’s programs. You can also take advantage of the nature center, fitness center, horse-related lessons, presentations, Jeep adventures, and kids’ workshops. The ranch is a bed and breakfast, so start the day off with a delicious meal. Lunch and dinner are also included, always with gourmet meals.

14301 East Speedway, Tucson, AZ, Phone: 800-234-3833

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© Flying E Ranch

The Flying E Ranch is an authentic Arizona dude ranch that takes you back in time with breathtaking scenery, good horses, and real cowboys to guide you. The ranch has been hosting guests since 1946, with ranch-style home-cooked meals and plenty of comfort. You can stay in one of the 15 rooms or two family houses. Every room has king-size or twin beds, fridges, wet bars, private baths, and electric air conditioning and heat. There is wireless internet throughout and there are guest phones available.

The ranch has 20,000 acres set in high desert hills at an altitude of 2,400 feet for gorgeous views. There are horseback rides twice each day, except once on Sundays and available at three skill levels. When not horseback riding, you can participate in team penning, basketball, tennis, checkers, garden chess, hiking, bird watching, or use the whirlpool, sauna, heated pool, exercise room, game room, or horseshoe pitch. Start the day with a made to order breakfast while lunch is a buffet affair and dinner is served family style. There is always plenty of food and there are regular cookouts and breakfast rides. At any time, you can find homemade cookies, candy, fresh fruit, water, ice tea, and lemonade. Adults can also enjoy a happy hour that is BYOB.

2801 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, AZ, Phone: 928-684-2690

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© White Stallion Ranch

White Stallion Ranch has been the home of the True family for over 50 years and helps guests reconnect with serenity, family, friends, and nature in unspoiled desert and rugged mountains. There are 43 guest rooms as well as a Hacienda which is a private home with three bathrooms and five bedrooms. Each guest room has its own private patio and a generous floor plan, including personal safes, mini-fridges, hair dryers, and eco-friendly toiletries.

Relax in the Rec Room & Movie Theater to find some entertainment like air hockey, billiards, foosball, and shuffleboard. Get active with the Sport Court where you can play paddle tennis, badminton, basketball, or volleyball; go hiking; or visit the Fitness Center with modern equipment. The ranch offers rock climbing and horseback riding. There is also a heated pool and hot tub by the Saguaro Serenity Courtyard. Those of all ages will love the Petting Zoo with a range of animals or attend other children’s activities. There are weekly rodeos. Remember to attend evening entertainment like astronomy, cowboy singers, and line dancing. The honor bar has a mountain view patio, fire pits, and a nice selection of fine wines, spirits, and imported and domestic wines and spirits.

9251 W. Twin Peaks Rd., Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-297-0252

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© Rancho de los Caballeros

Rancho de los Caballeros is family-owned and operated and has been since 1948. All members of the family get access to resort amenities and authentic western activities. The accommodations are known as Casitas and feature hand-crafted furnishings in the Santa Fe style along with artisan décor.

There are 65 rooms plus 12 suites, each with private sun patios and panoramic views of the desert. Each room also has a TV, complimentary wireless internet, a writing desk, a complimentary USA Today, a phone, an iron with ironing board, an in-room safe, a fridge, and a coffeemaker. Some also have microwaves and connecting rooms are available.

The ranch has 20,000 acres of land for guests to roam, including tennis courts, a luxury spa and salon, an 18-hole golf course, a golf pro shop, babysitting services, event space, a heated outdoor swimming pool, on-site laundry, and a Caballero Kids Program. Enjoy hay rides, trap and skeet, tennis, hiking, swimming, desert nature walks, birdwatching, golf, campfire cookouts, hot air balloon rides, Jeep and ATV tours, team penning, and horseback riding. You can enjoy a meal plan or a la carte dining at one of the two restaurants and visit the full-service saloon.

1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ

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© Bumble Bee Ranch Adventures

This working guest ranch is open to the public and is a horse motel with accommodations for both people and horses. The horse motel portion includes access to dry camping, horse pen rentals, and electrical hookups plus bathrooms and showers. Firepits are available.

Alternatively, you can stay in one of the two guest houses or one of the various campsites, whether or not you have a horse with you. RV hookups are also available. The guest houses have amenities like full kitchens, multiple rooms, big-screen TVs, laundry facilities, BBQs, pools, large covered porches, and/or central heating and air conditioning.

All guests have access to the round pen and arena plus miles of horse trails. The ranch covers 180 acres of land by the Bradshaw Mountains’ foothills and it owns 74,000 adjoining acres with miles of trails perfect for off-road recreation, biking, and horseback riding.

There is a full-service Guest Ranch facility for nearly any type of event. Just some of the activities include guided trail rides, cattle drives, cowboy games (roping and quick draw), a petting zoo, fishing, Razor tours, Hummer tours, and gold panning. Enjoy Western country-style grub from the award-winning kitchen. Reservations are required for activities and meals.

23925 S. Bumble Bee Rd, Mayer, AZ, Phone: 623-374-0002

© Rancho De La Osa

Rancho de la Osa is among the most historic properties within the west and legendary figures and U.S. Presidents alike have frequented the property’s trails. There are 18 luxurious guest rooms made from adobe and featuring vintage furniture and Mexican antiques. Room amenities include wireless internet, fireplaces, diffusers with essential oils, Keurig coffeemakers, hair dryers, and your choice of bed arrangements depending on the room.

The property has 590 acres and is surrounded by 120,000 acres of land in the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. While here, you can go horseback riding, hiking, biking, take wildlife photography, swimming, sport shooting, or just relax. At night, be sure to look up at the sky for some stargazing.

The meals at the ranch are farm to fork and can be included in your stay. Book a guided off-road tour or guided Fat Tire electric bike tour. There is a Bed and Breakfast Package that includes breakfast, ranch entertainment, the pool, and outdoor games.

1 La Osa Ranch Rd, Sasabe, AZ, Phone: 520-339-1086, (website link)

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© Sprucedale Guest Ranch

Sprucedale Guest Ranch has gorgeous views thanks to the surrounding national forest. Guests get their own cozy cabins with porches for great views. There are 13 cabins and in addition to the porches, they have full baths, wood-burning stoves, and home-made quilts on the beds. Cabins can accommodate between three and seven guests and at any time, there are typically 30 to 45 guests on site.

Guests can cuddle the kittens and puppies, attend a bonfire, or participate in western dancing, cow milking, rodeo practice, game nights, horse drives, hunting, fishing, cattle round-ups, and horseback riding.

During rides, Sprucedale Ranch delivers personal attention to ensure all guests feel comfortable on their horses. Spend some time in the Lodge where you can sit by the wood-burning stove, enjoy the sitting area, and play games. The Lodge also has a large wraparound porch for more of those breathtaking vistas. Guests are treated to three hearty meals every day, all of which are home-cooked and served family style. There are also weekly cookouts.

P.O. Box 880, Eagar, AZ, Phone: 928-333-4984

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© Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch

Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch is just a few miles from the iconic cowboy town of tombstone and surrounded by hand dug wells, historic mines, ancient Indian Petroglyphs, and old railroad trestles. The ranch is set up to feel like an old west town and the 18 rooms have unique turn-of-the-century styling. Standard rooms have two queen beds, free wireless, AC, heat, TVs, and coffee makers.

Deluxe rooms have a king bed or two queens and add a private terrace with views of Dragoon Mountain. Junior Suites are two rooms with a queen and king bed and each with a TV. Premium Suites are also two bedrooms with a king and queen each but also feature a full-size bath with a tub/shower combo, living spaces, private terraces, and kitchenettes with fridges.

Get a drink or enjoy evening entertainment like poker or dancing at the Old Trappman Saloon. The ranch’s riding schedule includes fast rides featuring loping and trotting along with slow, scenic rides. Guests can also take riding lessons or participate in team cattle penning. The ranch also features a hot tub and swimming pool plus plenty of sun. Other activities include shooting and archery. Enjoy three home-cooked meals a day at Schieffelin’s Restaurant.

895 West Monument Road, Tombstone, AZ, Phone: 520-457-7299

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© Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is among the most scenic guest ranches and is by Saguaro Lake right along the Salt River Banks. There are 20 rustic cabins featuring panoramic wilderness views and a range of outdoor activities. All rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and heating but do not feature TVs, phones, radios, or clocks to help guests separate from their hectic lives. You do get hand-painted Monterey oak furniture, western art, and colorful Mexican serape curtains.

The property has limited Wi-Fi. The property has a heated swimming pool, a shuffleboard court, ping-pong table, croquet, badminton, volleyball, and horseshoes. The main lodge has a four-sided river rock fireplace, western art, historic artifacts, and easy chairs. The recreation room features a TV, billiard table, and games.

Depending on the time of year, enjoy trail rides, pony rides for kids, kayaking in the Lower Salt River, river tubing, wildlife watching, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, fishing, birdwatching, or just relaxing. At night, there is a campfire with marshmallows. Meals are served buffet style and the bed and breakfast plan includes breakfast. You can also opt for the American Plan which includes three meals each day. Or you can opt for a sack lunch.

13020 Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ, Phone: 480-984-2194

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© El Rancho Robles Guest Ranch

El Rancho Robles Historic Guest Ranch gives guests that chance to enjoy a wild west experience that combines relaxation and adventure. The ranch sits in an artistic mountain town by the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The guest rooms have gorgeous stonework and have their own patios as well as southwest furnishings.

Standard rooms have full bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, and free wireless internet. Deluxe rooms have private sleeping areas with space for three or four. Casitas have sitting rooms, dining areas, kitchens, and patios with space for four to six guests.

Rest in the shade of the numerous oak trees that give the ranch its name (“roble” means “oak” in Spanish) or warm up next to the ranch’s campfire. At night, you will have an amazing view of the stars. There are also meeting spaces and room for events and retreats. Enjoy a range of outdoor activities on-site and nearby, including horseback riding, off-roading, and hiking.

1170 N. Rancho Robles Rd, Oracle, AZ, Phone: 520-896-7651

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© Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort has breathtaking views thanks to its elevation and has a rich history. In fact, it is one of the Historic Hotels of America and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The historic accommodations are one-of-a-kind with new Catalina rooms that work perfectly with the landscape. Rooms have cable flat-screen TVs, custom bath amenities, pillowtop mattresses, high-speed internet with Wi-Fi, hair dryers, ironing boards, compact fridges, robes, coffee/tea service, and iPod docking stations. You can also opt for a room with a private patio, microwave, and fireplace. There is also one extra-spacious Casita.

Get pampered with Spa Experiences. Or enjoy horseback riding or a hiking trail. Use the two swimming pools and whirlpool, visit the fitness room, or wander the property to appreciate the sculptures and art or botanical gardens. Enjoy a meal at the Terraza and Grill restaurants where you will find locally-sourced vegetables and meats along with fruits and herbs from the ranch’s organic trees and gardens. The Terraza features al fresco dining while the Grill has breathtaking scenery but is indoors.

5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-299-1501, (website link)

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© Triangle T Guest Ranch

At Triangle T Guest Ranch, guests stay in a Guest Casita, all of which are comfortably furnished to maximize relaxation and comfort. The full ranch has space for 60 people and you can reserve the entire space or just book a single Casita. There are eight Casitas to choose from plus a four-bedroom bunkhouse, two-bedroom ranchhouse, and one-bedroom cabin. Or you can stay in the RV park or stay in the dry camping area. There is also horse lodging available.

While at the Triangle T Guest Ranch, be sure to go on a horseback ride through the Texas Canyon. Those who plan on riding can opt for an all-inclusive rate that includes accommodations, unlimited riding, and three gourmet meals daily. The property has more than 160 acres perfect for rides and you can also book horseback rides separately. Or enjoy hiking, biking, birding, the Labyrinth, Jeep tours, ATV tours, or Gammons Gulch.

There are also events throughout the year. To help your muscles relax, get a massage afterwards. Dine at the Rock Saloon and Grill with its famous mesquite grilled dinners that is open for ranch guests daily and to the public on Saturdays.

Dragoon, AZ, Phone: 520-586-7533

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© Cold Creek Ranch

Staying at Cold Creek Ranch gives you access to a working cattle ranch with 10,000 acres of land and run by the Schwennesen family who has been in Arizona since 1921. They focus on sustainable, humane beef production and work to manage the land well while making nature their priority. The ranch is perfect for disconnecting as there is very limited cellphone service and no TV reception.

Accommodations are in an upstairs bedroom that has an attached bathroom and includes clean linens, access to the washing machine, and three meals each day. Cabins are sometimes available as well. When you stay at Cold Creek Ranch, you are likely to see wildlife like quail, rabbits, mule deer, javelina, and more, or possibly a bobcat or coyote. The ranch is off the grid and produces electricity using a solar system.

Guests are welcome to join in the daily tasks at the ranch, including riding, shoeing, and feeding horses and gathering, moving, and branding cattle. You can also help rope and brand, pack salt, check water, check fences, clear brush, make prickly pear syrup or jerky, cook in a Dutch over, or attend shooting practice. Guests can also go for a hike, birdwatch, or relax on the porch. There are also plenty of nearby day trips.

160372 Arizona Hwy 78, Clifton, AZ, Phone: 520-705-1525

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© Bar 10 Ranch

The Bar 10 Ranch sits on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and has hosted visitors for multiple decades. You will find a range of ranch activities within sight of the Grand Canyon. Guests stay in one of the 14 Conestoga covered wagons that comfortable sleep two. They each have bench seats, bedding, and battery-operated lanterns. There are also five dormitory-style rooms in the Lodge with two sets of bunk beds. Overall, there is space for 45 guests, although the Ranch can fit 60 with advanced notice.

The interior of the Lodge has an Old West feel with its pine wood lining, antique wagon wheel chandeliers, picturesque windows, and wood beams. The exterior features a covered porch perfect for relaxing and a lawn perfect for some time in the sun or shade. The Ranch is the perfect launching point for horseback riding, ATV rides, hiking, river rafting, skeet shooting, helicopter tours, and more.

In the evening, take advantage of the entertainment on-site. For that old-style authentic flavor, most main dishes are prepared in old-style Dutch oven pots and all meals are buffet style. You can also opt for a sack lunch and the Ranch can accommodate allergies with notice. Interestingly enough, the Ranch has its own landing strip for visitors to use.

BLM 1045, St. George, UT, Phone: 435-628-4010

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© The Historic 3C Ranch

Secluded in the heart of the Coronado National Forest, The Historic 3C Ranch is a peaceful escape from the city. This family-operated bed and breakfast was established over a century ago and offers 9 historic guest houses, all upgraded with modern comforts for a relaxing stay.

The houses vary from a quaint cottage perfect for a couple’s getaway to a large ranch house ready to accommodate as many as 13 guests. On the property, guests will find several activities to fill up their day from exploring hiking trails to admiring uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Several amenities are also available on site including a gym, game room, playground, and even putting green.

36033 South Mount Lemmon Road, Oracle, Arizona 85623, Phone: 520-896-2372

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© Grand Canyon Western Ranch

The Grand Canyon Western Ranch was once the property of a notorious 19th-century gunfighter and it is now a secluded cattle ranch that also acts as a resort in the Old West style. There are custom-built pine cabins that have room for two to five guests.

They feature en-suite bathrooms with antique claw-foot tubs or showers, porches, and wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Some cabins also have loft bedrooms and all have linens. Alternatively, you can stay in a Glamping Tent, each of which is fully furnished. Or you can go on a Cowboy Campout for a guided overnight adventure.

Relax at night by the campfire while listening to live music played by professional western musicians. There are plenty of extras available, such as wagon rides, helicopter tours, a western gun range, and guided horseback treks. Get a meal at the rustic restaurant, which has a fully-licensed bar. There are also a range of tours and packages available including some of those extras.

3750 E. Diamond Bar Rd., Meadview, AZ, Phone: 928-788-0283

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