Dude Ranching in America is one of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. The author is Russell True from the White Stallion Ranch near Tucson, Arizona. Covering the Era of Dude Ranching as a destination, there are historic photographs of 50 or more Dude Ranches in Arizona, focusing on Wickenburg, Tucson, and then outlying areas.

The term “Dude Ranching” refers to guests staying at Cattle Ranches for the Cowboy Experience. This book covers the beginning of Dude Ranching through its heyday in the early to mid 20th century. Some of the ranches in this book still operate as Cattle Ranch and Guest ranches. Some are only Guest Ranches now, and some have taken other paths.

Each photograph tells a bit of the history of the dude ranch with an overview of the heyday of Dude Ranching and how it began.

I came across this book when the Kenyon Ranch offered an Open House and personal tour of the guest ranch just west of Tubac. The open house was postponed but, ever curious, we acquired the book. (The Open House will be rescheduled. No date yet. We will let you know what we find. ) The Guest Ranch was for sale last year. I wonder if it was bought.

This book primarily shows the history of Dude Ranching in Arizona in its inception and heyday. It gives Southern Arizona Guide the opportunity to visit ones that, we either did not know about or did not know still existed. Some of them we have already visited and the articles we have about them:

Tanque Verde Ranch and White Stallion Ranch
These two Guest Ranches are two of the fixture Ranches in Tucson. One on the east side one on the west.

Rancho de la Osa
This is a fairly new addition to the True family of ranches. At the Sasabe border crossing near the Buenos Aries National Wildlife Reserve. It has been renovated to its former glory. Quite a bit of history in this place.

Hacienda del Sol
We have two videos showing Hacienda del Sol and a little history. Not primarily a Dude Ranch but a school for Girls, it is now a top rated Guest Ranch. Just before the pandemic hit they added several new Casitas to the resort. Hacienda del Sol is mid town.

Faraway Ranch
This ranch nestled at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains is no longer a Guest Ranch but a part of the Chiricahua National Monument. You can take a tour to learn its history.

 

Tombstone Monument Ranch
The Monument Ranch in Tombstone has had several names catering to cowboy wannabes from all over. It is now a part of the True Family of guest resorts and a wonderful stay just outside of Tombstone proper.

Triangle T Ranch
This guest ranch is unique. It was home to many movies, most famously the original 3:10 to Yuma. Rustic, remote, you may wish to bring your own food. They have some RV spots as well as a corral for your horses. Located in beautiful Texas Canyon, it is unique.