Posted: 21st August 2018 | Back to news feed
Arizona might be best known for its dude ranches, but Ranch Rider's latest riding holiday combines stays at some of the Grand Canyon state’s most popular guest ranches with the opportunity to saddle up on authentic cattle round-ups. Even more exciting, while most ranches brand their calves in the late spring, on this Western adventure you could be branding and gathering whatever the season, the bulls staying out with the cows all year long.
The tour operator is offering seven-night or ten-night experiences, both options including three days of round-up and cattle work at the 47 Working Ranch – the riding holiday suitable for experienced riders and beginners who want a first taste of the cowboy lifestyle.
THE 47 RANCH: The historic 47 Ranch is located on 25,000 acres of desert grassland and mountain oak woodland in the Mule Mountains. Solar and wind-powered, the property is owned by the Moroneys: Dennis Moroney regarded as one of the founders of the collaborative conservation movement in working landscapes of the West.
The task at hand will involve moving as many as 500-head of cattle including bulls, steers and cows across the rugged landscape, some spectacular vistas spied en route, the elevation ranging from 4,000 to 6,500 feet, many of the rides taking you to the top of mountain peaks. A full day of cattle work training is included at the Tombstone Monument Ranch.
The ranch is one of the first in the USA to raise Criollo cattle. Originally from the arid heat of southern Spain, America’s oldest heritage breed of large livestock are able to subsist entirely on the land and they are well adapted to the arid desert conditions – an important factor for ranchers concerned with sustainability and climate change.
More than just a riding holiday, this is an opportunity to play your part in conservation and help to preserve local livelihoods. The 47 Ranch sits within a protected area, the Moroney family setting up conservation easements, their stress-free traditional, sustainable methods of working the cattle helping to produce 100% natural beef directly from the range (without using artificial methods), their produce sold directly to local co-operatives, businesses and farmers markets.
THE TOMBSTONE MONUMENT RANCH: After your days spent working the cattle, you will return to the Tombstone Monument Ranch where you will be able to relax in comfort and enjoy access to all of the amenities including the bar, restaurant, swimming pool and hot tub. When you’re not rounding up the herd the ranch has plenty of activities on offer including archery and shooting with old style replica guns from the Wild West period. Alternatively, ride into Tombstone and watch a reenactment of the Battle at the OK Corral.
There’s always a story to tell on the trail the scenery coupled with a never-ending history of famous cowboys, Apache Indians, and silver mining, and you can really get into character on the ranch as the entire property, which is just three miles shy of iconic Tombstone, is built to resemble a Western frontier town.
WHITE STALLION GUEST RANCH: On the ten-night horseback adventure, you’ll also be spending five nights at Tucson’s 3,000-acre White Stallion Guest Ranch, the property lying adjacent to the breathtakingly beautiful Saguaro National Park, a riders and hikers paradise. Team penning, barrel racing, rock climbing, and new for 2018, helicopter rides feature on the list of pursuits.
Seven-night Ranch & Round-Up from £1,898pp (two sharing). Departing 27 September 2018
Seven-night Ranch & Round-Up from £2,354pp (two sharing). Departing 07 March 2019
The prices include full board accommodation at the Tombstone Monument Ranch, most guest ranch activities including riding (one day of cattle work training), three days of round-up and cattle work at the 47 Ranch, taxes, all transfers and gratuities.
Ten-night Ranch & Round-Up from £2,598pp (two sharing). Departing 24 September 2018
Ten-night Ranch & Round-Up from £3,015pp (two sharing). Departing 04 March 2019
The prices include full board accommodation at the Tombstone Monument Ranch (five nights) and the White Stallion (five nights), most guest ranch activities including riding (one day of cattle work training), three days of round-up and cattle work at the 47 Ranch, taxes, all transfers and gratuities.
All prices exclude return flight from £879pp. SINGLE OCCUPANCY RATES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. For more information & to book call Ranch Rider on 01509 618 811 or email info@ranchrider.com. ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.
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