Stay & Play
Tanque Verde Ranch
The Enduring Appeal of an Arizonan Dude Ranch Vacation
by Jennifer Merrick
“You don’t seem to see much evidence of the ‘city’ worries in this group, do you?” reads the caption of the black and white photo in a 1950s newspaper article. “They’re on a riding picnic high up in the Rincon mountains on a sunny winter day at Tanque Verde.”
The picnickers are smiling in their cowboy hats surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The article extolls the pleasures of a ranching vacation with its “good food, good beds, good horses and an unspoiled riding country of desert and mountains.”
Although these words were written 70 years ago, the lure of a Tanque Verde vacation is just as strong today. Sure, some things have changed. Pickle ball clinics weren’t on the schedule nor was there wi-fi on the property. But the fundamentals remain the same:
Good Beds
The landscape may be rugged, but the accommodation is anything but. Spacious rooms are warm and inviting with a southwestern décor that’s in harmony with the landscape of the expansive property. The 70 rooms vary in layout and size from standard rooms with impressive mountain views to suites with private patios and fireplaces and standalone casitas. The latter units feature patios facing the desert and a separate living area with an oversized comfy couch.
Our view from the patio at the Roadrunner Ridge Casita was one of the highlights of the stay. Not only could we marvel at the towering Saguaro cacti and the surprisingly lush desert vegetation, but also wildlife. A birdfeeder attracted cardinals, woodpeckers and a javelina. A javelina? This mammal with a piglike snout (though it’s not a wild pig), large head and little stout body foraged for the birdseed that had fallen on the ground.
And yes, the beds were comfy, too.
Good Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the hotel rate. All meals are served in a large dining hall with the option of a buffet or ordering a la carte. The meals are hearty and tasty with dinner menu items that include dry-aged steaks, seafood and local specialties.
For happy hour drinks, there’s the Dog House, which according to the aforementioned newspaper article, “makes a swell loafing place after the rides.” It’s still a slay place to chillax today with a large outdoor patio overlooking the grounds and hills in the distance.
Good Horses
The name of my horse on our guided trek was Tulsa and his calm demeanor and sure-footedness made up for my inexperience. We ambled along the trails to a lookout point with a panoramic vista that showcased the beauty of the mountainous desert landscape. Tulsa was one of 150 horses on the ranch, where equestrian pursuits range from gentle jaunts to exhilarating gallops for more experienced riders.
But horseback riding wasn’t the only way to enjoy this incredible landscape. Our hiking and mountain biking excursions were fun and informative, led by knowledgeable guides who shared details about both the nature and history of the area.
These activities were part of a daily roster that is chock filled with options that included archery, pickleball, axe-throwing and jewelry making to name a few. And for the young cowboys there’s programming especially for kids. For more relaxing pursuits, indulge in the pools, hot tubs and spa.
The Unspoiled Riding Country of Desert and Mountains
Like 70 years ago, it’s the property itself that is the biggest draw of a Tanque Verde Ranch vacation. Its 640 acres, located in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, neighbors the Saguaro National Forest, a protected 90,000-acre reserve. Though it’s only a 30-minute drive from Tucson, Arizona, it feels more remote—a place to leave the city worries behind.
