If you ’ve been looking to hold a flight to Arizona ( and why would n’t you ? It ’s hardly more than an hr , and low-priced round - trip ) , forget partying in Scottsdale or Lake Havasu . There ’s another way to visit our neighboring state that ’s right smart more of a singular experience than a farseeing weekend of orgy imbibing and hungover brunches .

If the close you ever came to fulfilling your puerility dream of being a cowboy or -girl was sitting on a broken - down pony at the state fair , then you should confabulate Tanque Verde Ranch outside of Tucson . After you drop some prison term ride horse and wrangle calf on a dude spread , there will be no question : thisis the only way to holiday in Arizona .

Someone call Robert Redford , becauseTom Chambersis anactualhorse whisperer . As head of the Harmony with Horses computer programme , Chambers has an understanding of a sawbuck ’s behavior , and an ability to communicate with them – a human - creature connection that you might assume only exists in fabrication . Using dim-witted techniques , he teaches ranch guests , regardless of their experience , how to realise a horse ’s corporate trust before they even get in the bicycle seat . I had never ridden before in my life , but after one short session with Tom , I had a horse follow me around like a kid chasing an ice cream truck .

Riding a horse in Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

The cattle farm admit riding lessons for the inexperient , so that once you know the rudiments , you’re able to try your deal at the real rodeo rider stuff liketeam writing . You and a few other riders will exercise together in a clock competition to try and convert a group of cows to let you push them around through obstacles and into one of the pen .

Once you ’ve worked up an appetence chasing cows , head to the dining elbow room . Tanque Verde Ranch recently fetch new talent into the kitchen with the addition of chef Justin Macy , bringing along a respectable coming to " cowboy nutrient " from his hometown of Tucson . He and his squad are make up an impressive spread for Edgar Albert Guest three meal a 24-hour interval .

If you want to act pool or wet your pennywhistle , the Doghouse Saloon open at 4 pm with a full measure and local craft beers . After 7 necropsy , this becomes an adult - only touch where the 21 - and - older crowd can sling back a few of the ranch ’s famous prickly pear margaritas .

Horses in stable Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

The desert hotness can be rough , so take a gap around one of the two pools , or book a hydrating flowered facial nerve in La Sonora Spa on - site . Even a real cowboy could use a Wrangler Deep Tissue Sports Massage after spending a few solar day riding a horse . This is a vacation , after all . No one read you have to impoverish yourself .

The ranch sits on the edge of the Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert , where there are pot of hiking lead to explore . Guides are uncommitted to take you on escapade , or you could trek out into the wilderness on your own , where you ’ll discover everything from wildlife to hidden waterfalls in the Rincon Mountains . If you want to nonplus with the riding idea , Tanque Verde even has mountain bikes for guests , and single - data track wad biking trails through 600 acres of desert . And there ’s nothing quite like hopping on your horse to take in the magnificent desert views from the mountain trails at sunset .

After the sundown track ride , grab a potable from the bar and a seat around the fire – twice a workweek , the spread host a BBQ cookout under the stars in its white basswood grove . They ’re serving up barbeque costa , burgers , steaks , and more cowboy eats , along with all the fixin ’s and homemade cornbread .

man with horse in Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

get up at the crack of morning is totally deserving it on Thursday and Sunday mornings , because you get to saddle up for the breakfast ride . Hop on your horse cavalry to stop off your week with an former horseback rally up to the original homestead that ’s still on the property . By then , you ’ll do by your horse like a pro .

bind up your horse and revel a chuckwagon breakfast of eggs , Roger Bacon , sausage balloon , and blueberry bush pancakes made sweet by the ranch ’s possessor , Bob Cote , while overlooking the dimension . Do n’t worry : if riding a horse up a mountain did n’t wake you up , there ’s always coffee .

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People riding horses herding cows Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

Dining room at Tanque Verde Ranch

Sara Norris/Thrillist

Doghouse Saloon Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

Tanque Verde Ranch Arizona

Courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch

Saguaro National Forest Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

BBQ at ranch Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist

Tanque Verde Ranch BBQ

Sara Norris/Thrillist

Ranch owner Bob cote Tanque Verde Ranch Arizona

Sara Norris/Thrillist