If you are hankering for a western experience immersed in cowboy culture, horses and prickly cacti yet with amenities and services of a fine resort, then a stay at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson ticks off all the boxes.
Stage Depot
White Stallion Ranch is located on five-square miles of the Sonoran Desert in a picturesque setting that has been used for filming many Hollywood movies and shows. It’s adjacent to Saguaro National Park, which helps to ensure a pristine setting.
Horseback riding is one of the favorite wrangler activities, with horses matched to rider abilities. From gentle walking to loping rides, there’s room to groom and grow in your equestrian skills. It’s up to you to choose.
Operating as a working cattle ranch, White Stallion Ranch lets you try your hand at team cattle penning, and roping and even invites you to watch a weekly rodeo on the premises with roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling.
The ranch offers 41 spacious rooms and a four-bedroom Hacienda, all decorated in rustic southwestern décor. Sit on the private patio while taking in surrounding cactus gardens with mountains and endless sky as the backdrop. My room even had an outdoor fireplace with seating for friends and casual conversation.
Fill your days with hayrides, nature walks, hiking, rock climbing, e-biking, cattle sorting, team penning and shooting. Horseback rides range from slow rides to fast rides. There are even lessons available for those who want to work on their riding skills. For the artistically-inclined guests, take advantage of a horseshoe decorating workshop, leatherwork workshop, and varying art classes.
Local artists occasionally show their original works in the lobby which are available for purchase. A guided movie tour is sometimes offered, which takes you around the property and identifies where different movies, actors and shows were filmed.
White Stallion Ranch is owned and operated by three generations of the True family since 1965.
The Booking at White Stallion Ranch
You can make reservations directly with the official website or through sites such as Trip Advisor.
Saddle Bar
The Full American Plan includes lodging, three meals daily, horseback riding, ranch activities, evening entertainment, wireless internet, and airport transfers from Tucson International Airport (minimum four nights stay).
Note that rates are subject to a 15% service charge and taxes. Family groups are always welcome. You can go to Trip Advisor to check rates at different booking sites at the same time.
Hotel review by Albuquerque-based travel & food writer/photographer Karin Leperi. She was a guest for three nights. All photos and text by Karin Leperi.
