Yearning for wide open spaces? Craving good food and fabulous company? Consider booking a vacation or staycation at Tanque Verde Ranch in northeast Tucson, Arizona!
With plenty of history and knockout mountain views, this 60,000-acre property is equal parts serenity and energy.
Bordered by the Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park East, you'll experience cowboy living at its finest. From horseback rides in the great wide open to mountain biking adventures to five-star dining experiences, you'll be able to get away from the city while enjoying all that the Sonoran Desert offers at Tanque Verde Ranch.
Accommodations are in charming southwest-style casitas. No high-rises here! Instead, you'll find cozy rooms with a variety of bedding configurations available. One thing we love is that none of the rooms have televisions, which will allow you and your loved ones to soak up your time together.
* Don't worry if you have digital work to do, however. Free WiFi is available throughout your stay.
As one of the only all-inclusive resorts in Southern Arizona, Tanque Verde Ranch offers guests a host of on-site activities.
Adventure and relaxation await you.
* $ = Available for an additional fee.
Three meals are prepared daily by the master chef and his team of talented Ranch Cooks. Besides the three gourmet meals served each day in the dining room, several indoor and outdoor specialty dining events are held each week. These special events include the Breakfast Ride and the Cowboy Cookout in Cottonwood Grove (both events are included with your nightly rate if you book an all-inclusive package)!
The menu changes daily and seasonally, featuring a variety of freshly made entrees and side dishes. Don't miss the dessert table. Decadent desserts are prepared on-site - cheesecake, lemon bars, macaroons, baklava, fudge, and signature treats like Cactus Cookies and Horseshoe Cookies.
If your family has dietary restrictions, don't hesitate to let the chefs know. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu items can be prepared upon request.
Note that the Dining Room is open to the public, but it's a good idea to call in advance to confirm pricing and availability.
Which of the following dining options are open to the public (aka: locals): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Cowboy Cookout, etc?
All meals and activities are open to the public, including the Cowboy Cookout and Breakfast Ride. Hours and costs for adults and children for the various meals can be found under the ‘dine’ tab of Tanque Verde Ranch’s website.
Access to the Buckaroo Bunk House is also included in your nightly rate if you book an all-inclusive package. Drop off your children (ages 4-12) for daily activities that will keep them laughing and learning. They'll play lawn games, splash in the swimming pool, hike in the surrounding wilderness, feed the ducks, and go on trail rides.
The Dining Room also features a Kids Dining Room. Families can dine together or kids can "rule the roost" (with their best manners, of course!) in the adjacent dining room for pint-sized eaters.
Given the term "ranch," it is probably obvious that one of the main draws at Tanque Verde Ranch is the horses! As a guest, you will be introduced to many four-legged friends who you can groom, ride, and get to know during your stay. There are approximately 100 horses on the property.
Weather-wise, your best bet would be to enjoy the heavenly winter and spring months – November through mid-April. That said, you can enjoy better rates in the warmer months.
Rates are per person, per day and range between $450-$1,000+/night, depending on time of year and type of room. Kids under 5 always stay free. If you want to get the very best rate, book in the summer.
Weddings are a sophisticated and beautiful affair at Tanque Verde Ranch. Tie the knot on a breathtaking patio overlooking the mountains or choose to wed underneath twinkling Cottonwood trees near the lake.
The ranch is also available for meetings, corporate retreats, family reunions, and milestone birthday celebrations.
Leave your fancy gowns, starchy shirts, neckties, and stilettos at home. Tanque Verde Ranch is mostly casual. There is no need to dress-up for meals or activities. Instead, pack: jeans, t-shirts, and flannel shirts.
As far as shoes go, we highly recommend that you wear boots since you'll be walking and riding in dusty conditions. Cowboy boots are ideal, but work boots will work just as well. Tennis shoes are great to have with you for use on hikes, bike rides, or at the fitness center, but boots will likely be your go-to shoes for most of your waking hours.
Here's a short packing list:
Tanque Verde Ranch is a beautiful property for locals to enjoy, as well as out-of-town guests.
For date night with your spouse or an evening out with friends, consider a meal in the Tanque Verde Ranch Dining Room or stop in for drinks and light bites at The Doghouse Saloon (see menu). Tanque Verde Ranch also offers breakfast rides and sunset rides, which are a memorable way to enjoy excellent weather and new memories with the people you love.
Tanque Verde Ranch offers a fun Day Camp program for kids, which is open to locals at a rate of $90 per day. Summer hours are 7:00am to 3:00pm. Winter hours are 8:00am to 3:30pm. Please contact Tanque Verde for availability of specific dates, as blackout dates apply.
An all-you-can-eat Cowboy Cookout is held every Wednesday and Saturday at Cottonwood Grove. $45/adults, $22.50 for children (ages 4-11).
The best way to fully experience the ranch is to schedule a 3, 4, or 5-night all-inclusive staycation. It's the perfect, upscale way to "play tourist" and experience the wonders of Tucson scenery without leaving town! Watch the Tanque Verde Ranch website for deals, but note that you can get screaming deals during the summer months.
Check out our complete list of Tucson Resorts.