Arizona Sonoran Desert Ranch Retreat

Welcome to the beautiful southwest! Please plan to arrive at the Tucson International Airport by 3 PM or if you're driving, at the Tanque Verde Ranch by 4 PM. After brief introductions, we'll settle into the illustrious Tanque Verde Ranch, our home base for the trip! Located on the edge of the Rincon Mountains and overlooking the rolling foothills of Saguaro National Park, Tanque Verde Ranch offers charming, southwestern lodging, and is one of Tucson's top destinations for horseback riding and other outdoor activities. We'll take a short hike to familiarize ourselves with the ranch and then gather for a cowgirl cookout! After dinner, relax around the campfire or enjoy the sunset from the courtyard outside our rooms. (D)
Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch

What could make a delicious breakfast even better?! Riding a horse, mountain biking, or guided nature walk to it! We'll saddle up this morning and ride out to our awaiting breakfast cookout. Enjoy pancakes fresh off the griddle and a full spread of breakfast options before heading back to the ranch in the same manner in which you came. We'll change our clothes and then stretch our legs on a hike in neighboring Saguaro National Park to take in stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. With a picnic lunch and daypacks for a 5-6 mile hike of Gardwood Dam and Little Wildhorse Tank trail, the afternoon is ours to explore. The first 30-minutes are fairly flat and then we'll have a few challenging ups and downs but the views and variety of cactus and wildlife along the way are worth it! This hike will also take us to Little Wildhorse Tank – a natural pool and one of the only perennial areas for water in the park. We'll have lunch on the trail and time to marvel over all the interesting plants and animals. We will get back to the ranch in time to take a quick dip in the pool or hot tub and freshen up before heading into Tucson for dinner and a margarita, if you choose!
Hiking: 4 miles, 334 feet of elevation gain. Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch (B, L, D)

We will have an early morning, so we can explore a totally different ecosystem in the Santa Rita Mountains, a 90-minute drive south to explore Madera Canyon. The canyon is one of the most renowned birding locations in the United States and we'll have ample opportunities to add to our bird lists on the 6.1-mile Josephine Saddle Loop via Super Trail. The trail follows a moderate grade for 3.6 miles before reaching the Josephine Saddle. This is the perfect spot to enjoy our lunch and keep our eyes and ears open for wildlife, including the stunning Elegant Trogon! At Josephine Saddle, the trail branches in several directions and we'll return via Old Baldy trail, descending the 1700 feet we just climbed up but in only 2.2 miles. After our hike, we will head to Tubac to explore this thriving artist community with over 100 galleries, shops and great restaurants. You'll have the option to stroll the town at your own pace before dinner at Elvira's - an iconic, vibrant and award-winning Mexican restaurant with a touch of Fusion. If you want to try mole while in Arizona, this is the place to do it!
Hiking: 6.1 mile loop, 1,637 feet elevation gain, 3-4 hours Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch (B, L, D)

Today we drive about an hour to the top of Mt. Lemmon, stopping along the way at a few of the highlights and viewpoints. Our trail is the 4.2 mile Aspen/Marshall loop with many viewpoints and an intro to fire ecology, and witnessing the incredible regrowth after the 2020 wildfire in the area. We'll be back at the ranch by mid-afternoon with the option to see the desert in the golden afternoon light by horseback. Alternatively, you can relax at the pool, schedule a massage or partake in one of the numerous activities and amenities at the ranch. Tonight, you can dine at the ranch at your leisure!
Hiking: 4.2 miles, 914 feet elevation gain, 2-3 hours Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch. (B, L)

Today begins with another early breakfast and plenty of cowgirl coffee! We'll then drive a short distance to Sabino Canyon and catch a shuttle to the Seven Falls trailhead. It's one of Tucson's most popular hikes (it's easy to see why) and worth getting there early to beat the crowds. On this 6.1-mile out and back trail, we'll be surrounded by saguaros, cholla, ocotillo, and the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. After a gradual and steady climb, we'll be rewarded with the views of Seven Falls and time to relax and dip into the cool pools. Once we finish our nutritious trail lunch, we'll hike back to the trailhead for the short shuttle ride down the canyon. Sadly, our time together is coming to end but we'll share a tasty final dinner together at a Tucson landmark restaurant! Hiking: 6.1 miles, 794 feet elevation gain, 4-5 hours Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch (B, L, D)

Wow, it's our last day, already? We sure packed a lot of fun into these 5 days together! You are free to leave any time after breakfast. We will have you to the airport by 11 AM for flights out after 1 PM. Or there are shuttles and ride-shares available for a fee if you would like to leave at another time.