All About Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona is a dude ranch that combines Wild West history with modern luxury, and is regularly named a top resort in the southwest. It also just happens to be our home base for the Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat! This property offers access to all the wonders of the desert and an authentic cowgirl experience, which is why it was an easy decision to incorporate Tanque Verde into an AGC tour. So where is Tanque Verde Ranch and what sets it apart? Let’s explore! 

Where is Tanque Verde Ranch? 

Tanque Verde Ranch is located near Tucson, Arizona, in an area first settled by the Pima Indigenous tribe. The ranch itself covers 640 acres, but its cattle have access to about 60,000 acres. This tranquil slice of the Sonoran Desert is ideally located near outdoor adventure, bordering three significant natural sites: the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park, and Coronado State Forest. 

To get to Tanque Verde, you can catch a quick ride from Tucson or drive two and a half hours from Phoenix. If you’re joining us on our Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat, we’ll pick you up right from the Tucson airport.

What Makes Tanque Verde Ranch Special?

Tanque Verde has been around as a dude ranch since the 19th century and served as a guesthouse for nearly 100 years. In the 1920s, the property owner started welcoming travelers from the East to experience ranch life, and generations of visitors have been wandering dirt paths past Saguaro and Ocotillo or riding horseback through the hills nearby ever since.

It’s no surprise that this property has been a travel destination for so long—Tanque Verde guest ranch offers one of the best ways to experience the Sonoran Desert. Views from the property are an idyllic representation of the southwest’s arid beauty, comfortable accommodations are decorated in true Arizonan fashion, and there is excellent on-site dining and activities. Plus, don’t forget the easy access to all kinds of desert adventures! (More about that below.) 

As one of the last real old-time ranches in the US, Tanque Verde serves as a gateway to a simpler time—isn’t that what we all could use a little more of on our travels? AGC guests who’ve stayed at Tanque Verde during the Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat have listed the ranch as one of their favorite parts of the experience, thanks to its cultural and historical significance and its convenient location for outdoor exploration. 

What Experiences Are Available at Tanque Verde Ranch? 

At the Tanque Verde guest ranch you can participate in classic ranching activities as well as other indoor and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the experiences available, many of which we’ll partake in during our Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat experience!  

• Horseback Riding. Horseback riding is an essential part of ranch life, so of course there are plenty of chances to saddle up during your stay. From breakfast excursions to sunrise and sunset rides, there are many different ways to explore the desert as the original cowboys did. 

• Horse Skill Lessons. No need to be nervous if you’ve never ridden a horse before. Tanque Verde guest ranch offers lessons for equestrians of all levels, so you’ll feel prepared to relax and enjoy the ride. That includes lessons covering all the basics to intermediate horsemanship, guiding cattle into pens, and even horse psychology for those hoping to further hone their horse skills. 

• Jeep Safaris and Slingshot or UTV Rides. If you don’t want to explore the Sonoran Desert by foot or hoof, the ranch offers guided jeep tours and can help set up Slingshot or UTV rentals for independent exploration. 

• Hiking and Mountain Biking. There are several trailheads right on Tanque Verde property that snake through the scrubby hills, passing several species of cacti, through canyons, toward waterfalls, and taking you to witness the best of both desert and mountain scenery. Mountain bikes are also available for those who prefer exploring on two wheels. During the Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat, we’ll do a lot of hiking—from a quick jaunt into nearby Saguaro National Park to a loop through Madera Canyon and more. 

• On-Site Activities. With both an indoor and outdoor pool, Tanque Verde Ranch offers multiple options to cool down after a day out in the desert, so make sure to pack your swimsuit! You can also play tennis or pickleball on the ranch’s courts. 

• Relaxation. While a stay at Tanque Verde Ranch offers plenty of adventure, there are also opportunities to slow down and take it easy. Relaxing activities include watercolor painting, outdoor yoga, and even a full, on-site spa where you can recuperate from a long day outside. 

• Fishing. Catch sunfish, bass, and catfish in Tanque Verde’s very own fishing lake! 

• Archery. Tanque Verde offers archery each week, with lanes between 15-30 feet where you can test your skills. 

• Presentations and Workshops. Take advantage of the educational experiences at Tanque Verde Ranch and learn about falconry, visit the nature center to discover local flora and fauna, attend a presentation put on by knowledgeable staff, or take part in a craft workshop. 

How to Explore Tanque Verde Ranch in a Desert Retreat

One of the best ways to experience Tanque Verde Ranch is on our Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat. It kicks off with a Cowgirl Cookout under the vast desert sky, and each day brings a new adventure alongside a small group of like-minded women. Some of the highlights include private lessons and horseback rides on Tanque Verde property, scenic hikes in the surrounding area, a visit to the art community of Tubac, and more. You’ll get the full Tanque Ranch experience, AGC-style! 

Interested in learning more? Check out the trip itinerary and get in touch with any questions! 

Photo credit: Tanque Verde Ranch