Arizona Dude Ranches

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.

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

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.

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, 19985 S Doc Holliday Rd, Yucca, AZ, Phone: 928-727-8270

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.

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

Tanque Verde Ranch Resort 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 guests 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Rancho de los Caballeros, 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ