If you are looking for the perfect Horseback Riding experience that takes you away from it all, out to the country, you will find it at the Double R Guest Ranch. This is the Old West, largely untouched since the days of Cochise and Geronimo.
Ron Sirota called me one day in late 2019 and wanted to know how his Double R Guest Ranch could get a listing on our Southern Arizona Guide. I told him that if he would like, we would come to his ranch and write a story about it for the Guide. So, on a cold morning in early January 2020, Ms. Karen and I drove to Benson to visit with Ron and his lovely wife, Trina at the Double R.
The road from Benson to the ranch is mostly paved, but when the pavement ends it’s a good dirt road the rest of the way except for the last mile or so. It is approximately 1.5 hours from Tucson and 25 miles north of Benson, the closest Post Office.
Once at the ranch, Ron greeted us cheerfully and began showing us around the place. The first place we visited was the one-bedroom cabin they built for overnight guests. It is a cozy place, and sports a loft that could be used for a children’s sleeping area. Meals are included in the package stays.
They also have a house on the property which may be reserved for guests as well. All inclusive stays are on the website.
Then we came to the barn area where a ranch hand was saddling a newcomer, “Butterscotch”. The Double R has 25 horses for horseback riding in the surrounding mountains. In all, the Double R has 64,000 acres in which to ride a horse. Rolling hills, grasslands, rocky terrain, and the San Pedro River Valley offer a lot of diversity to the riding adventures.
This is their passion. They pride themselves on having well-behaved horses suitable for every riding level, from beginner to advanced.
For those of us city slickers, Ron explained that the rural land in Cochise County is sold in Sections; a Section being 640 acres. The property is 100 sections. Google tells me that that is 10 square miles, or a lot of exploring on horseback.
Double R offers a variety of rides, from one-hour to all day. The woodland ride is described on the website as “the most picturesque ride of its type in southern Arizona. This ride traverses through heavily wooded forests with hills, creeks, lots of beautiful old growth Mesquite trees, and wildlife to include deer, a wide variety of birds, coyote, and many other animals and reptiles native to this area, are often spotted on our trails. This ride is suitable for beginners but challenging enough to be interesting for more experienced riders. Approximately 1 hour.”
Even in the short time we spent with Ron and Trina, we could tell they would make great hosts for their guests. Clearly, they care about their horses and the people who come here for a ride. Even their 8 dogs love the place. All very laid back.
Ms. Karen inquired about the name of the Ranch, ” Double R.” Ron explained, “It’s my Ranch”. Enough said.
Double R gets 5 out of 5 ratings on TripAdvisor with 216 reviews, so the horseback riding must be awesome. Ron invited us to go for a ride but I declined.
After several back surgeries in recent years, my horseback riding days are sadly behind me. The pictures on their website, however, make this look like a pleasant adventure.
Ms. Karen says she will go back soon, take a trail ride and report back.
Double R Guest Ranch earns a 5-Saguaro rating from us as well, for experience, solitude and friendliness. If you love the cowboy life, this will be a great experience.
Double R Guest Ranch
440 W Cimmaron Lane, Benson, AZ 85602-8258
520.212.6943
