Feature articles are reprinted from previously published Kids' Guides. Please consult the featured website links for current information and rates.
Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona
When the last dreary days of winter
linger, there's nothing better than a trip that promises warm sun and clear
blue skies. Arizona fit the bill for our family this spring. Tucson, our first stop, is renowned for its superb weather, boasting over 300
days of sunshine a year, more than any city in the U.S. The air is remarkably
dry with low humidity and even though daytime temperatures can get high,
the temperature drops at sunset providing cool, comfortable evenings.
Tucson lies in the Sonoran Desert, a lush desert as far as deserts go due to the eleven inches of rain the area receives on average annually. As a result, over 1,300 kinds of plants and 300 species of animals are indigenous to the Sonoran Desert, most notable of them, the magnificent saguaro cactus. This sentinel-like cactus has come to symbolize the southwest and is native only to Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.The saguaro is 50 years old before it produces its first arm and some are over 50 feet tall and over 200 years old.
Saguaro National Park, encompassing over 90,000 acres east and west of Tucson, is a preserve for the largest concentration of saguaro. Visitors Centers tell its fascinating story and both east and west sides of the park offer scenic loop drives, hiking and bike trails, and ranger-led interpretive programs.
The vast desert landscape cries out for horses, cowboys, ranches and such, and we found them all at the historic Tanque Verde Ranch just outside Tucson. Speedway Avenue, a major thoroughfare, narrows a few miles past town, then abruptly ends at the Douglas Spring trailhead for the Saguaro National Park and a small sign marks the entrance to the Tanque Verde Ranch. The setting could not be more spectacular. We were in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, bordered by Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, and the desert lay before us dressed in its spectacular colors of spring--blossoms of magenta, orange, purple and gold burst from the cactuses.
The Tanque Verde Ranch was founded in 1868 and now serves the tourist industry as a four star resort. The main buildings retain their rustic charm with high ceilings, timber beams, and wide plank floors. Seventy-six adobe casitas in clusters of three and four are built up the desert hillside. Accommodations are comfortable, many with fireplaces, all with porches or patios and bird feeders, and, pleasantly, no TV. Ranch facilities include outdoor and indoor pools, children's outdoor wading pool, tennis courts, whirlpool, sauna, exercise room, spa, nature center, group meeting rooms and Arizona's largest riding stable.
There are more than 180 trained horses at the ranch. Morning and afternoon rides are offered daily divided into scenic, walking rides and advanced "fast" rides, encompassing walking, trotting, and cantering. Beginning, intermediate and loping instruction is also offered. Our group ranged from beginner to advanced riders, and we all agreed the instruction was excellent and we left as better riders with a greater understanding of horses.
All riders who want to join the "fast" loping ride, regardless of previous riding experience, must pass a lope check given by the wranglers. So began the challenge for my husband and a group of other experienced riders. While they had hoped for a stress-free vacation, passing the lope check proved to be much more difficult than they anticipated. The wranglers were tough and some seemed to revel in failing the cocky city slickers who saw themselves as "cowboys." Lope checks were offered every morning and afternoon and it took the group four attempts until they were finally approved. While this was potentially a frustrating experience, the struggling lopers became a tight group who shared a great sense of humor and many exciting rides once they passed.
Miles of riding and hiking trails wind through the ranch's 640 acres and adjacent National Park. The horses are capable of steep, narrow climbs to majestic overlooks. Loping rides journey off the desert trails into washes and forests. The caution exercised by the wranglers on the lope check was not unfounded as the horses are spirited and responsive and the trails challenging. Riders can request a favorite horse if available.
The ranch also offers many non-riding activities including tennis lessons, tennis tournaments and mixers, guided mountain hikes, exercise hikes, trail biking, nature walks and programs, catch and release fishing and art workshops. Upon check-in, guests receive a schedule of activities for the week.
A supervised children's program runs daily for ages 4 and up. Children are divided into Buckaroos for ages 4-6, Wranglers for ages 7-11 and Outlaws for experienced teen riders. Twelve-year-olds have the option of participating in the children's program or in adult lessons and rides. Buckaroo Kids have basic riding lessons in the morning and afternoon in the children's arena. Depending on the level and ability of the child, parents may be asked to assist their children during scheduled corral riding times. Since it was our 4-year-old's first experience on a horse, I walked next to her the first day, but after that, she was happy to be on her own.
Older kids have a more active riding program with daily riding lessons as well as basic and advanced rides. Children cannot go on adult rides, but parents are welcome to ride with their children. Children are not given lope tests, but may be advanced into loping lessons by the counselors. In addition to riding, the children's program offers arts and crafts, tennis, swimming, games, sports and nature programs. Our 11-year-old's mission of spotting reptiles of any kind was fulfilled when he found two rattlesnakes, many lizards, horned toads and gila monsters on the trail.
The food at the ranch was delicious and abundant. Breakfast consists of a buffet of juices, fruits, yogurts, breads and cereals plus standard breakfast items ordered from a menu. Lunch is always a buffet with choice of four entrees, usually a beef, chicken, vegetarian and fish dish, fresh vegetables, soup, extensive salad bar and dessert table. The extravagant lunch is popular with Tucson residents. For dinner, the chef prepares four entrees and restaurant service is provided. An outdoor barbecue, breakfast ride and Mexican Fiesta buffet is scheduled weekly. Guests share large tables in the dining room which made meals especially enjoyable and enhanced the ranch's warm, friendly environment. Every evening after dinner, a family nature program or other event is scheduled.
A children's dining room is supervised by a counselor for breakfast and lunch. The first day we arrived the children's room was empty, but after a day of camp, our children were eager to leave us and join their new friends in their own dining room.
Rates at Tanque Verde Ranch are all inclusive. Depending on the season, they range from $195-$395 per person per night based on double occupancy and include three meals daily plus snacks, horseback riding, breakfast rides, outdoor BBQs, team penning experiences, guided mountain biking, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, guided hikes, nature activities, children's program and entertainment /evening programs. Additional guests per room are discounted.
For any family with an interest in riding or intrigued by the spirit of the Old West, a ranch vacation will readily become one of your most memorable experiences. For additional information about western guest ranches, consult the Arizona Dude Ranch Association, Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association or The Dude Ranchers Association.
FAST FACTS
Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center
520-733-5153
Tucson Mountain District Visitor Center
520-733-5158
Tanque Verde Ranch
14301 East Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85748
800-234-3833
The Arizona Dude Ranch Association
P. O. Box 603
Cortaro, AZ 85652
520-823-4277
Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association
P.O. Box D
Shawnee, CO 80475
866-942-3472
The Dude Ranchers Association
P.O Box 2307
1122 12th St.
Cody, WY 82414
866-399-2339
J. Unger, June 2001, updated 2011