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Lowdown

  • Established

    1868. Guest ranch since 1928

  • Owner

    Bob and Rita Cote

  • Manager

    Terry Hanley

  • Tel

    800-234-3833

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $130 - $600

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $130 - $400

  • Minimum Stay

    1 day

  • Maximum Guests

    69

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    Spur Alliance, DRA, Conde Nast, Horse Safety
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Tanque Verde Ranch is one of America’s old time cattle and guest ranches. Located on 60,000 acres of Tucson’s most breathtaking desert landscapes, nestled amongst the Rincon Mountains and adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest. Established in 1868, Tanque Verde Ranch is recognized as the last luxurious outpost of the old west providing guests with plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities and a vast array of exciting activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hiking and more!

La Sonora Spa is the perfect place for a bit of quiet relaxation, and the kids will love all the supervised children’s programs! Exquisite culinary experiences, several event venues, and spectacular views of the mountainous desert landscape, provide the ideal backdrop for weddings and the perfect setting for meetings. Saddle up—getaway at one of the premier, all-inclusive dude ranches in the country.

Ranked in the Top 10 Resorts in the United States by Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2016, Tanque Verde Ranch has earned national acclaim as a signature resort with an unparalleled experience. “Top 30 All-Inclusive Family Resorts” by Travel & Leisure, “Top 10 Family Vacations” by The Travel Channel, “Certificate of Excellence” by Trip Advisor, “Best Dude Ranch” by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and many more. Tanque Verde Ranch not only is the ultimate spot for vacation but also for wedding venues and groups. Tanque Verde Ranch has been awarded “Best of Weddings & Hall of Fame” by The Knot, “Couples Choice Award” by Wedding Wire, “Best Outdoor Reception Venue” byArizona Bride Magazine, and “Best Banquet Facilities” by Arizona Daily Star. Find out yourself what makes us so memorable.

Good time to go

Year-round

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 4 and over

Our activities will engage, educate, and entertain, in addition to teach kids the importance of working together. Our caring and knowledgeable team will ensure a safe and fun experience for your child.

Tanque Verde Ranch offers a Daily Kids Program full of fun and activities for ages 4-12. Cost is complimentary to all guests on an all-inclusive package.

Minimum age children can ride

4 and over

Arts & Crafts

play-doh, coloring, sketching, arts and crafts, outdoor games, water activities, and more

Activities

hiking, biking, picnics, outdoor play area, cookouts, supervised swimming, nature programs

Games

scavenger/treasure hunts, board games, horseshoes, soccer, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, pool table, tennis

Ranch History

Don Emilio Carrillo, born in Santa Cruz, Sonora Mexico, moved his family to Tucson in 1856, shortly after the Gadsden Purchase of 1853 which brought southern Arizona under the control of the United States. He started ranching in the Tanque Verde Valley in 1868 where he had the protection of Tucson’s Fort Lowell patrols from the marauding Apaches.

In 1957 Brownie Cote acquired the Tanque Verde ranch, then Brownie’s son, Bob, took over management in 1969. Bob decided to market heavily in Europe in the early 1970s and to remain open year round. He and his wife Rita have introduced a wide range of activities to cater to the varied interests of multiple families now visiting the Tanque Verde Ranch. Retiring in 2009, Bob and Rita live on property and are seen almost daily visiting with their many ranch friends.

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Ranch-style, Health oriented

  • Meals served

    buffet style, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    available for purchase

  • Enjoy dining in

    dining room (casual attire), dining room (formal attire), bar & grille, in-room dining, private dinners

  • You'll definitely love

    fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free

In the morning you can indulge in fresh fruit and yogurt, or breakfast made to order before you start your adventure. Lunch always brings a delightful taste to the table that will keep you energized for the rest of your ranch activities. By the end of the day, you’ll be anxiously awaiting over the dinner cuisine. Besides the three gourmet meals served each day in the dining room, several indoor and outdoor specialty dining events are held each week. Consume the mouth-watering cuisine while also taking in the authentic dude ranch atmosphere of Tanque Verde Ranch!

Guest Favourites

  • House-made Caramella Pasta
  • Dog House Steak Burger
  • Heritage “Bone-In” Pork Chop

Your Chef, Chef Jones

Janet Jones has great motivation for her journey at the Tanque Verde Ranch. It holds the perfect opportunity for her personal goals as well as making the Ranch better than what it already is. Chef Jones is excited to share experience and knowledge to new staff as well as taking in everything there is to learn about the Ranch. With Chef’s energetic personality she is known to bring out the best in people, which is all around what our guests love to see.

Sample Menu

  • Appetizers

  • Scratch-made Soup

  • Entrées

  • Bone-In 8 oz Chicken Breast

Lowdown

  • Address

    14301 East Speedway
    Tucson
    Arizona
    85748
    USA

  • Remote Location

    No

  • Private Land

    20,000-40,000 acres

Nearest Town - Tucson

Tucson is situated 19 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

For shopping Tucson offers: boutique shops.

Ranch shuttle

We provide free airport transportation between the Ranch and Tucson International Airport for all guests staying 4 or more nights on an all-inclusive rate plan. Transfers are available for a fee of $55 per trip for those guests staying less than 4 nights, on other rate plans, or in a corporate group. Please inform the Ranch of your arrival and departure information at least 7 days prior to arrival.

Nearest Airports

Tucson Airport, Tucson

Distance

19 miles / 30 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Allegiant, Alaska, American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country,

Ranch shuttle

yes, extra fees apply

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix

Distance

127 miles / 2 hours 15 mins

Airlines

Delta, Alaska, United Express, American Airlines, Advanced Air, Air Cananda, Boutique Air, British Airways, Condor Airlines, Contour Airlines, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Volaris, WestJet

Ranch shuttle

yes, extra fees apply

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Most riders are

    Beginner

  • Rides are grouped by

    Age, Ability, Rides tailored to guest requests, Families ride together

  • Max riders per ride

    25

  • Wranglers per ride

    1

  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot, Lope

  • Guest Horses

    165

  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 2 hours
    Afternoon - 2 hours
    Evening - 2 hours

The Setting

Private Land (20,000-40,000 acres)

Our Riding

Scheduled rides

Lunch Ride

Breakfast Ride

Harmony with Horses

Mountain Adventure Ride

Team Penning

Basic Lesson

Horsemanship

Intermediate Horsemanship

Lope Check

Sunrise Ride

Sunset Ride

Lope Ride

Walk Ride

Unscheduled rides

Private Ride

Good to know

For Lope Rides, Guests will need to participate and pass a Lope Check.

Why our riding stands out

  • There are so many options! From walking rides to the mountain adventure ride, team penning, horsemanship fundamentals, lope check and more!
  • Harmony with horses is the chance for guests to advance their equine knowledge and horsemanship skills. The instructors will discuss equine behavior and psychology, round-penning a horse, saddling a horse Western-style and riding. *Fees apply
  • Sunrise/sunset rides are also available. *Fees apply

Riding Lessons

Details

basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons

Given by

wrangler

Location

on the trail, in the arena

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Activities

penning

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $130 - $600

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $130 - $400

  • Nightly Rates (non-rider)

    $130 - $400

  • Minimum Stay

    1 day

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Glamping, Western rustic chic, Luxury 5-Star
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Tanque Verde Ranch can cater for up to 69 guests. Accommodation includes Houses, Cabins and Rooms. See below for details and indicative rates.

House | Desert Garden

Rates (Per Person)*

$130 - $600
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 night

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Cabin | Road Runner Ridge

Rates (Per Couple)*

$130 - $600
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

Facing the Saguaro National Park, units located on Roadrunner Ridge provide guests with fantastic views. The Rincon Mountains provide a great backdrop to incredible sunsets as you watch off your deck. Room types are Casitas in this area. Perfect for multiple people, the Casitas feature details perfect for any Western experience. Enjoy looking out to the mountains while you escape on a western cascade.

Room | Qual Hollow

Rates (Per Couple)*

$130 - $600
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

Located on the north side of the property, Quail Hollow is unique because all the rooms surround a beautiful grassy courtyard. This nice secluded area is perfect for families or groups to relax and to enjoy a campfire in the evening. Compliment your adventurous vacation with the simple living space of a Salas or for a more robust stay in the Casita. Either way, be impressed with the peace you find at Quail Hollow.

Cabin | Javelina Heights

Rates (Per Couple)*

$130 - $600
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

These pink adobe giants face west with a great sunset view while sitting up a little higher allowing great views and overlook the Saguaro National Park. Room styles in this area range from the cozy Salas that provide you with a space to relax after a full day of fun and adventure to Casitas with private patios and incredible sunset views. No matter which space best fits your needs, Javelina Heights is sure to provide you with a great atmosphere and views that won’t disappoint.

Room | Ramada Salas

Rates (Per Couple)*

$130 - $600
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

Ramada Salas are quaint and cozy rooms with one queen conveniently located on the main walkway.

Cabin | Rincon Vista

Rates (Per Couple)*

$130 - $600
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

Facing the north side of Tucson, the vista views on these patios provide the most amazing sunrises. With the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and Rincon Mountains to the east, you will always have a beautiful background to look at. Each of these rooms have large bay windows and most have fireplaces to relieve that winter evening chill. Whether you are an early riser or night owl, you are sure to have fantastic views of the mountains and features that provide for a tranquil experience.

Booking Policy

Rates based on double-occupancy

Check-in time: 4:00pm Check-out time: 12:00pm

LATE CHECK-OUT POLICY Late check-out up to 3:00 pm* may be available for an additional $75

*Depending on the business levels of the Ranch

Cancellation Policy (Non-peak Season) Deposit: First night deposit. Final payment due at checkout. Cancellation: Canceling within 7 days of arrival will result in forfeiture of deposit. Cancellation prior to 7 days, deposit is refundable.

Cancellation Policy (Peak Season) Reservation dates that fall on: March 15-April 27, 2019; November 23-30, 2019; December 20-31, 2019. Deposit: 2-night deposit. Final payment due at checkout. Cancellation: Canceling within 7 days of arrival will result in forfeiture of deposit. Cancellation prior to 7 days, deposit is refundable.

It is strongly recommended that every guest purchase Travel Insurance. This website lets you compare and buy travel insurance with quotes from different providers.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, Riding, Fully-supervised kids ranch and riding program We provide free airport transportation between the Ranch and Tucson International Airport for all guests staying 4 or more nights on an all-inclusive rate plan. Transfers are available for a fee of $55 per trip for those guests staying less than 4 nights, on other rate plans, or in a corporate group. Please inform the Ranch of your arrival and departure information at least 7 days prior to arrival.

Extras

Tax

Subject to sales tax

Gratuity

Gratuities not included

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Riding helmets

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi.

  • Business Services

    Executive business center , Conference center.

Onsite

Shopping

Gift Shop - Be sure to stop in and check out the newly renovated gift shop. Located between the main dining hall entrance and the Ramada Salas. Find new Tanque Verde Ranch t-shirts, sweatshirts, souvenirs, and kids toys. The shop has been rearranged to better the traffic flow throughout and provide more space for a better stock of good quality items. Plus a lot of new trinkets and outwear have been added for your shopping adventure!

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, tennis, Yoga, ATV Rentals - guided, bird watching, hiking, volleyball, jeep adventures

Water based Activities

indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, Kids Water Games

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, facials

Fishing & Wildlife

Fishing on offer

stocked pond, equipment available, guided inclusive, instruction available

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 50-75.

With a variety of meeting venues, exceptional catering, an array of team building activities and deluxe, southwestern-style accommodations, your group is sure to have an incredible meeting experience.

Tanque Verde has the ability to handle small and large groups. Our experienced conference staff will help you personalize every detail of your conference or event. 

The Ranch also offers awe-inspiring scenic views – an Arizona dude ranch setting is sure to make a lasting impression.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 100 & over.

Tanque Verde Ranch offers the picture perfect scenic backdrop and professional planning for your Arizona dream wedding. The rolling mountains and gorgeous desert landscape will serve as an unforgettable setting, while our professional wedding planning staff help make your big day seamless and positively unforgettable.

A variety of indoor and outdoor venues are available to accommodate up to 350 guests. Our newest event venue, The Barn, offers a beautiful rustic, yet modern event space. We will introduce you to one of our preferred wedding planners, as well as assist you in the selection of appropriate menus, entertainment, group outings and even your accommodations. If you prefer to use a wedding planner of your own, we will work with them to ensure all the finer details of your special day are perfect. Your wedding party, as well as guests, will have the opportunity to bond with one another while exploring the desert on foot, horseback, or mountain bike.

Local Attractions

Tombstone

Walk the very same streets in Tombstone, Arizona that Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Johnny Ringo, Ike Clanton and a host of other Western Legends walked over 130 years ago. Tombstone is considered the most authentic Western Town left in the United States and includes some great museums, gun-fight reenactments and tours. Find out why it is considered “The Town Too Tough to Die.”

Distance

72 miles / 1 hour 15 mins

Highs

  • There's an abundance of horse riding options, from leisurely walk rides to mountain adventures, sunset rides and more
  • The lodging is in traditional casitas and salas, with stylish decor and comfortable furnishings
  • The ranch offers gourmet cuisine created by talented chefs
  • They host weddings and events, the Arizona desert backdrop is perfect for those lasting memories

Lows

  • As there are so many amazing adventures to be had on-site AND off-site, you might find it hard to choose what to do!

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Amazing place to vacation!

This is much more than a dude ranch! This amazing ranch/resort includes a wide variety of activities for every age group or interest! The ranch has historical connections and sits in a beautiful peaceful location! The property constantly had staff working hard to keep the place clean, landscaping cared for, etc.! The ranch is set up to be especially family friendly! Staff were all upbeat, energetic, helpful and fun! The kids’ program was super and staff working with the kids were superb! Being a retired school teacher, I can recognize outstanding children’s staff! Wranglers were hard working and truly care about the horses as well as the guest riders! Food was excellent and included many options! The fun breakfast up on the mountain and the cowboy supper were big hits with my family! The Doghouse Saloon was a fun place to wind up our evenings! In all, we couldn’t have asked for more! Our family truly enjoyed ourselves, appreciated the incredible staff at the ranch, and made memories of a lifetime!

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Tanque Verde Ranch on TripAdvisor