On a sunny Sunday afternoon in late November 2015, Ms. Karen & I headed east from Tucson an hour to get our guided tour of Triangle T Guest Ranch. We had enjoyed lunch in the Rock Saloon at the Ranch a few weeks before when we were on our way back from the near-ghost town of Pearce. Old Pearce has 3 quaint little shops that are open on weekends and an interesting cemetery that’s open 24/7.
The Rock Saloon is open to the public on Saturdays only. Otherwise you can dine there if you are a lodging guest. The Ranch has casitas, RV hookups, and tent camping sites for overnight guests. There is live music at the Rock Saloon on Saturday evenings. We have not experienced a Saturday night at Triangle T, but this could be a hoot!
Western Movies
Many Western movies were made there, most notably the original 3:10 To Yuma with Glen Ford and Van Heflin. Some of the Lone Ranger movies were filmed there. Portions of Tombstone were filmed there too. John Wayne, Johnny Cash, Steve McQueen and many others made movie magic at Triangle T. When you see the massive granite boulders that form Texas Canyon, it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out why Westerns were filmed in these parts.
Nor does it take much imagination to see why Cochise and his band of Chiricahua Apaches often wintered here before they were driven out by the White-Eyes 2 years after the great chief’s death in 1874.
When we arrived, we were met by owners Linda Kelly and Don Beasley at the Welcome Center where lodging guests register. One wall is lined with frame pictures of some of the rich & famous who have visited Triangle T over the years, such as Will Rogers, Gregory Peck, and Clark Gable.
Triangle T’s 160 acres is bisected by I-10 at scenic Texas Canyon. Linda and Don took us in their ATV’s under the freeway to get a close-up look at the section of Texas Canyon that most folks only see from the I-10 at 80 mph. Their guests can hike or ride horses over there. Wonderful vistas!
Casitas, RV’s & Camping
We were given a tour of a few casitas. From the outside, they are not impressive as they are the original “storefronts.” Don and Linda strive to keep everything authentic. The interiors are delightfully furnished in Old West with many items, such as the headboards and lamps, that were made by their very own wrangler, locally from native woods, saguaro ribs and mesquite. We have not stayed the night at Triangle T, but it is obvious that each casita is clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. In the high season, September through May, casita rates start at $179 a night and include breakfast.
The RV hookups are $38 and dry camping is $28 per night. Both are nestled among the boulders of Texas Canyon and make a scenic camping spot. Some freeway noise can be heard but it is not obtrusive. You can bring your own horses.
Activities
We toured the rest of the ranch on ATV’s where Don & Linda have corrals for their horses that guests can ride as well as their own private stock.  Horseback riding is the primary activity at Triangle T. However, they have a swimming pool & hot tub set among the boulders. Hiking, birding, and mountain biking are also popular activities. Given its relative remoteness and lack of light pollution, stargazing there or just about anywhere in Cochise County is spectacular.
Speaking of hiking, it is a fairly short walk from Triangle T to the Amerind, with its extensive collection of Native American artifacts, fine art gallery, and scenic picnic area.
Guided tours, via horseback, jeep or ATV’s, can be arranged.
Triangle T specializes in small to medium size events, such as corporate outings; family reunions; and weddings.
Dining
Don made us a fine brisket lunch and served us in the dining room where most guests eat their meals. Like the rest of the Ranch, the dining areas are Old West rustic.
Do we recommend Triangle T Guest Ranch to our friends & family? We do, indeed. If you are looking for an authentic Old West experience, this place will take you back to 1880’s Arizona Territory. We found Linda & Don to be gracious, knowledgeable hosts. As an added bonus, there are many interesting places to visit nearby. Triangle T occasionally has festivals, bizarres and they even serve Thanksgiving Dinner for those who wish to come on out.
Directions
From Tucson take I-10 east to Dragoon Road (Exit 318). Continue east on Dragoon about 13 miles to State Route 191; then south to Pearce. Dragoon Road is lined with treasures, including Triangle T; Amerind; and Golden Rule Vineyards. Pearce is the northern beginning of the Ghost Town Trail, about a 15 mile long unpaved road that includes the ghost towns of Courtland mid-way and Gleeson at the southern end. From Gleeson, it is an easy 16-mile drive west to Tombstone. Combining all of these places, this route makes for a very interesting and rewarding day trip. Southern Arizona Guide occasionally takes a tour bus full of adventurous souls out this way.
