In the 1930’s through the 1950’s, Tucson boasted more than a hundred guest ranches (aka Dude Ranches). Only a handful remain, two of which we recommend highly: Tanque Verde Guest Ranch and White Stallion Guest Ranch.
Tanque Verde (green tank or green pool) is located on the far east side of Tucson at the end of Speedway in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. It sits next to Saguaro National Park East.
White Stallion is on the west slope of the Tucson Mountains and is adjacent to Saguaro National Park West. Both can legitimately boast of having the most beautiful desert scenery.
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch
This is the real deal. Tanque Verde was originally a cattle ranch, and with 60,000 acres, still is. Don Emilio Carrillo from Sonora Mexico brought his family to Tucson in 1856 and started the ranch in 1868, hoping to have protection from Apaches provided by the soldiers at nearby Fort Lowell.
As it turned out, Apaches were the least of Don Emilio’s problems. In May, 1904, banditos came to the ranch and demanded his money. They hung him by his neck over the beam in the present-day card room. Amazingly, Don Emilio survived but died 4 years later from complications related to this ordeal. For many years afterward, Don Emilio’s son, Rafael, worked the ranch until he sold it to Jim Converse in the mid-1920’s.
Introducing better genetics to the herd, Jim became a very successful rancher. Then he hit on a most extraordinary idea. In 1928, he built the present-day Ramada for Eastern guests. These early “tenderfoots” were willing – no, happy – to work on the ranch and pay for the privilege. What a concept!
Jim now had enthusiastic laborers and much needed cash flow. He turned out to be an exceptional host and his “dude ranch” concept took hold in and around Tucson. And then something bad happened.
In September 1945, having consumed a bit too much alcohol, Jim accidentally shot a Mexican cowboy in a local bar. After multiple trials, Jim was convicted of manslaughter. The trials wore him down and, in 1957, he sold Tanque Verde to Brownie Cote (pronounced coat).
Brownie’s son, Bob, took the reins in 1969 and began marketing Tanque Verde widely in Europe and remained open year-round. He and his wife Rita introduced many additional activities for the wide range of interests of their guests from all over the world.
Of course, the favorite activity at Tanque Verde is horseback riding. They have about 150 horses, and pair the appropriate horse with each rider’s ability, from tenderfoot to experience wrangler. The trails take riders through some of the most amazing scenery on planet Earth. As a trail rider, it does not take much imagination to realize you are riding where Apaches lay in ambush for Don Emilio’s vaqueros.
In addition to horseback riding, Tanque Verde offers:
- • Guided hiking and biking
- • Swimming
- • Dancing & Yoga
- • Fishing
- • Tennis
- • Basketball
- Plus off-site activities: downhill skiing, golf, cave exploring, & rock climbing.
Tanque Verde is especially well-known for its excellent programs for young children.
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch has received many awards for excellence. In addition, Tanque Verde ranks first on our list of the Best Cowboy Steakhouse and Best Sunday Brunch in Tucson. The lodging accommodations are comfortable, clean, and definitely Western.
For Locals
If you are a local and don’t need the ranch’s lodging, there are several activities you can enjoy with reservations, such as horseback riding, a cowboy cookout at Cottonwood Grove ($39) and their Breakfast Ride ($75).
Special Events
Tanque Verde hosts special events, including weddings, reunion parties, and corporate outings.
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch
14301 East Speedway
Tucson, Arizona 85748
800-234-3833
White Stallion Guest Ranch
Like Tanque Verde, White Stallion is a family tradition. The True family, starting with Allen and Cynthia from Colorado, has owned and operated White Stallion since 1965. Russell and Michael True grew up here and are still very active in ranch operations and guest services.
Only White Stallion can match the scenic beauty of Tanque Verde. If I had to pick only one for a horseback ride through the beautiful Sonoran Desert, I would go insane.
Back in 1965, the ranch consisted of 17 rooms, 17 horses, and 200 acres. At about that time, dude ranches in the area were succumbing to Tucson’s urban sprawl. To avoid being strangled by house farms and strip centers, Allen and Cynthia started buying up adjacent properties as they came on the market.
Over several years, White Stallion expanded to 3,000 acres, 41 room, and a 4-bedroom hacienda for guests. I should note here that in 2016, all guest rooms were renovated and beautifully furnished.
Many of White Stallion’s original buildings are still in use. But Russell and Michael have added tennis courts, a movie theater, a new pool and hot tub area with a serenity patio, lighted sports courts and a spa and fitness center. Here, too, is one of the largest privately owned herds of horses and cattle.
For Families
White Stallion is a great place for families with young children. This is one of the few places in the world where mom and dad can take their eyes off their children and let the kids explore on their own. (As a parent and grandparent, I think at first it would feel weird not to be watching the youngsters like a hawk.) During school vacations, White Stallion has many activities especially for the younger set.
For Locals
Like Tanque Verde, White Stallion does offer several activities for those who are not lodging guests. Through White Stallion you can reserve horseback rides at adjacent Tucson Mountain Stables. They ride the same scenic trails as do the lodging guests.
Even if you are not staying at one of White Stallion’s beautiful accommodations, you can, with reservations, enjoy dinner, including the evening’s entertainment or watch a rodeo followed by dinner.
Special Events
White Stallion also hosts special events, including weddings, reunion parties, and corporate outings.
White Stallion Ranch is exceedingly well-maintained and the level of guest services is extraordinary … probably because the True family is so intensely involved in the day to day operation. Now, a third generation of Trues, Russell’s sons, are continuing the family tradition.
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch
I should mention here that recently Laura and Russell True acquired Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch and Rancho de la Osa. You can read our review in the Tombstone Lodging section.
White Stallion Guest Ranch
9251 W Twin Peaks Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 297-0252
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch
895 W Schiefflin Monument Rd, Tombstone, AZ 85638
(520) 457-7299
Rancho de la Osa
1 La Osa Ranch Road
Sasabe, AZ 85633
520-339-1086
mailto:info@ranchodelaosa.com
