Tucson AZ: Top 5 Guest Ranches - 2

Circle Z Ranch

Located in Patagonia, 65 miles south of Tucson and 15 miles north of the Mexico border, the Circle Z opened in 1926. It is considered the oldest continuously operating dude ranch in Arizona. With seven charming Mexican-style adobe cottages, this intimate guest ranch (and small cattle operation) on the banks of Sonoita Creek is situated on 6,000 acres in the Santa Rita Mountain foothills, bordered by the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Sanctuary, Patagonia State Park and Coronado National Forest. This is a particularly beautiful part of the state, where family members can take advantage of world renowned bird watching opportunities, as rare species nest and migrate in the area.

The Circle Z is known for its excellent ranch-bred horses and the variety of trails and terrain available to guests. Children must be 6 and older to join in the trail rides (with or without parents) or spend time in the corral with the Shetland pony. The game room, swimming pool and hiking trails are also popular with young guests.

Circle Z Ranch; www.circlez.com; tel. 888-854-2525.

• Riders at the White Stallion Guest Ranch.
• Courtesy of Dude Ranchers Association

White Stallion Ranch

This family-owned-and-operated, 42-room working cattle and guest ranch is located on 3,000 acres in the Tucson Mountains, adjacent to Saguaro National Park West. The site of numerous western films, here family members learn to ride and to expand their horizons. There are “slow rides” for the novice or full days in the saddle for the more experienced, spent exploring the mountains in search of wildlife and hidden petroglyphs. While there is no formal children’s program, kids are encouraged to enjoy the setting and take part in cookouts, moonlight bonfires, hayrides and the petting zoo. The weekly rodeo is a decades-old favorite with riding, roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling.

White Stallion Ranch; www.wsranch.com; tel. 888-977-2624.

• Cattle on the Price Canyon Ranch.
• Courtesy of Price Canyon Ranch

Price Canyon Ranch

For a taste of genuine ranch life, this southern Arizona working cattle ranch is a good choice. Families with children 12 or older are welcome to experience the thrill of authentic cattle drives, calf branding and weaning, or a day in the saddle searching for a lost calf.

Originally built in 1879, Price Canyon Ranch is now home to 200 head of Texas longhorns. Located 150 miles southeast of Tucson in a box canyon, the ranch is also known for great stargazing. The rugged Chiricahua Mountains, which once provided refuge for the Apache, tower in the distance and provide a wonderful backdrop for storytelling and exploring the area's rich history. The ranch environment, at 5,400 feet, is cooler than the Tucson desert, enabling a diversity of wildlife, flowers, trees and a replenishing spring for fishing.

Price Canyon Ranch; www.pricecanyon.com; tel. 800-727-0065.