We write a lot more dining reviews each year than lodging reviews. So we have to be hyper-selective in order to offer our recommendations for the best places to stay if you are visiting Tucson or somewhere else in Southern Arizona.
One day not long ago, I received an email from Bill & Gretchen Shirley who are two of our weekly newsletter subscribers. They said they had been following our adventures for quite some time and wondered if we would like to review their casitas.
My first thought was “I hope they know what they are asking for.” I’ve had it happen before when asked to review a place of lodging and did not find the establishment to be something I could wholeheartedly recommend to our friends and family. I don’t like to disappoint people, particularly our subscribers.
I found their location on Google Maps. Hummm. These casitas are on the far eastern edge of the Tucson Metro Area. That could be a problem. Or it could be a blessing. I was somewhat hopeful when I noticed that Rincon Creek Ranch abuts Saguaro National Park East and is very near Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
I also took note that Rincon Creek Ranch is NOT a Bed & Breakfast Inn. Moreover, their remoteness meant that any decent restaurant is going to be a hike.
With these concerns in mind, I got off the I-10 at Wentworth (exit 279) and headed north toward Vail. Following my trusty GPS I soon found myself on narrow back roads, then a mile or so on a skinny unpaved trail through a dense mesquite bog. I had to drive through Rincon Creek that bisects the Ranch. It was running and was perhaps a foot deep at one point, but it proved to be no problem for my Ford Escape, (think small).
(Note: They recently built a private, single lane vehicle bridge ensuring all-weather access at all times.)
The Appaloosa, a one bedroom casita, has a western theme and a large copper soaking tub with view.
I met Bill and Gretchen at their private residence on the ranch. Nice folks. Just looking around their home told me that they have a passion for design, natural beauty, and quality. They expanded and remodeled their ranch house, and built the 7 casitas, and the large multi-purpose building they call Luella-Boomer Hall. Everything, and I do mean everything, is top quality. The design, the construction, the finish work, appliances, interior decorating, and furnishings … all first class.
The Casitas (Little Houses)
Of the seven casitas, four are one bedroom, three are two bedroom homes. All of the one bedroom / one bath casitas have a bathtub and walk-in shower. All of the master bathrooms of the 2 bedroom / 2 bath casitas have a bathtub and a walk-in shower. The guest bathrooms in the 2 bedroom / 2 bath casitas have only a walk-in shower. Bill describes these bathtubs as “Champagne Bubble” jetted spa or “Copper Soaking” tubs.
All have a wood-burning fireplace. And each has its own unique decor: from farmhouse to western to old world winery.
El Ranchito, a two-bedroom casita. Definitely a Western flavor.
Every casita has a full, modern kitchen. Moreover, the Ranch has a productive chicken coop. On the day of your arrival, your hosts will place a basket of fresh eggs in your refrigerator. Nice touch!
And then there are the views. A look out just about any window from any casita is a picture postcard of the many faces of our magnificent Sonoran Desert. Each casita has a covered patio with its own unique views of desert and mountains. Once here, you have no sense that there is major metropolitan area nearby.
What I remember most from my visit to Rincon Creek Ranch was sitting here with Bill & Gretchen soaking up the scenery. Delightful!
Things To See & Do
The Ranch sits on 78 acres about a 35-minute drive from Downtown Tucson or Tucson International Airport. While this place seems remote, it is actually fairly close to many interesting places and exciting adventures.
Close by The Ranch
Just beyond your casita front door, there is a gated trail taking you to the Saguaro National Park trail system. Access to The Arizona Trail that bisects the entire state from north to south is close by. And the Ranch has a 1.5 mile Nature Trail loop where you will be in closer proximity to many of our desert’s critters, feathered and otherwise.
The Cottage is a two bedroom casita with a garden in the courtyard.
It is only a few minutes drive to horseback riding, a Jeep tour, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, and golfing at Del Lago Golf Course.
Within an Hour Drive Or Less
From the Ranch it is an easy day trip to the Wine Country of Sonoita and Elgin. This is seriously scenic country of rolling grasslands where you will see herds of Black Angus and even Texas Longhorns grazing. If you are lucky, you might see a herd of Pronghorn that were re-introduced here a few years ago. Sleek and graceful, they are the fastest land animals this side of Africa.
Pronghorns on the Empire Ranch about a 40-minute drive from Rincon Creek Ranch. Photo by Sally Reichardt.
On the way south to Sonoita on Route 83 you will come upon a sign that reads “Charron Vineyards”. Either on your way or coming back, do stop. Charron is one of our favorite Southern Arizona wineries and it’s not even a half hour drive from Rincon Creek.
Still continuing south on Route 83, you will come to a sign pointing to the entrance of the Empire Ranch, 8 miles north of Sonoita. This was once one of the largest cattle ranches in Arizona. There are some old ranch buildings here that are in various stages of restoration plus a Western Heritage and Education Center. Adjacent to the main ranch compound is Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. A pleasant creek runs through it. Great area for birding.
Karchner Caverns, Arizona’s most popular state park, is less than an hour drive. The Amerind, perhaps the finest private collection of Native American artifacts in the world, is just slightly more than a one-hour drive from the Ranch. The Amerind is listed in our Top 10 Picnic Areas. The museum and picnic area are located in spectacular Texas Canyon. You may be enticed to wander into nearby Triangle T Guest Ranch for lunch at The Rock Saloon. Not recommended.
Karchner Caverns is less than an hour drive from Rincon Creek Ranch. Reservations are a MUST.
Of course, the wonderful attractions in Tucson are not far to the West. Pima Air and Space Museum is closest. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a little farther but totally worth the drive, especially if you go via Gates Pass. And in between are such delights as Tohono Chul Park, our Downtown Tucson Entertainment & Historic Districts, including the historic El Presidio del Tucson. And let us not forget about hiking in beautiful Sabino Canyon, only a 40 minute drive from Rincon Creek. All highly recommended.
All of these day trips and more are worthy. On the other had, I can understand why you will just want to hike close to your casita and introduce yourself to the beauty of our Desert. Say “Hello” to our giant saguaros, a hundred species of local and migrating birds, and our wild javelina, coyotes, and deer.
Multi-Purpose Building and The Ranch Arbor
The multi-purpose building has a pool table, shuffleboard, and WiFi. As of this writing (February 2017), the casitas do not have WiFi, although most guests just use their smartphones as a WiFi hot spot. Bill said they will put an Internet connection in each casita soon. So check ahead. Rincon Creek Ranch does have a swimming pool. However, it is not heated in the winter. Since I have a pool, I learned the hard way just how monstrously expensive it is to heat to a comfortable temperature. They also have a space for massages.
Luella-Boomer Hall Multi-purpose facility.
Now, let’s say you need a venue for a big event: a wedding perhaps, or a family reunion, or even a corporate outing. Bill and Gretchen have got you covered. The Luella-Boomer Hall (named for Bill’s grandparents) is an indoor venue with full kitchen facilities and a 1200 square foot great room. It can accommodate up to 45 guests. It was designed to look like one of Southern Arizona’s Spanish missions.
The Ranch Arbor is their outdoor venue with a large, tree-lined patio, BBQ and expansive lawn. Here you could comfortably seat 150 guests. See their website for particulars. If we were planning a family reunion or wedding of, say, 25 to 150 guests, Rincon Creek Ranch would be a great choice.
As innkeepers, Bill & Gretchen Shirley are professionals. They clearly have the way and the will to make your stay at Rincon Creek Ranch a most pleasant experience.
Do we wholeheartedly recommend Rincon Creek Ranch to our friends and family? Indeed we do.
Rincon Creek Ranch
14545 E. Rincon Creek Road; Tucson Arizona 85747
Reservations: 520-760-5557
