From Hooves to Horsepower: Kick Up Some Dust and Carve Your Own Trail
- SAMPLE ITINERARY
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 4
The best way to meet the range is to ride straight into it.
Whether you’re saddling up a horse, gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, or kicking up dust behind the wheel of a Jeep or RZR, this is your chance to roam wide-open landscapes the way they were meant to be explored — untamed, rugged, and unforgettable.
On hooves or wheels, the horizon is calling.
STAY: Tanque Verde Ranch, AZ
About the Ranch
One of the most distinctive resorts in Tucson, Tanque Verde Ranch offers a variety of lodging options that provide guests with spectacular views of the desert and mountains.
Kick back and relax in the comfort of your room, tastefully decorated in rich Southwestern style. Traditional adobe walls and Santa Fe–style architecture perfectly complement the natural beauty surrounding the ranch.
Tanque Verde’s lodging is both comfortable and inviting, blending the spirit of the Old West with today’s modern amenities.
Dining Options
At Tanque Verde Ranch, every meal is part of the adventure. Start your day with a hearty Southwestern breakfast or saddle up for a Breakfast Ride to enjoy blueberry pancakes under the desert sky.
Lunch brings a gourmet buffet, while dinner features classic ranch-style fare and decadent desserts. Sundays are reserved for a legendary brunch — omelet stations, prime rib, fresh seafood, and more.
In the evenings, the Cowboy Cookout serves up BBQ favorites fireside with live music, and the Dog House Saloon is the perfect spot to toast the day with a craft beer or a signature prickly pear margarita.
Other Amenities
When it’s time to unwind after a long day on the dusty trail, Tanque Verde Ranch has you covered. Relax at the spa with massages and skin renewal treatments using 98% organic Eminence products, or keep your fitness routine on track at the 24-hour gym.
Cool off in the indoor or outdoor pools — complete with a whirlpool and a wading pool for little cowboys and cowgirls — and soak up the Arizona sun or find shade and serenity.
For deeper relaxation, join a yoga class at the Wranglers Roost or Cactus View site, and reconnect with yourself in the fresh desert air.
ACTIVITIES: Explore the Range on Hooves or Wheels
Sunrise & Sunset Horse Rides
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Sonoran Desert at both sunrise and sunset on horseback. Whether you're climbing mountainous trails lined with towering cacti and extraordinary views or riding under endless blue skies with glimpses of wildlife, these hour-and-a-half rides for up to eight people offer a remarkable way to beat the Arizona heat and embrace the magic of the desert.
Jeep Adventure
Come explore the Southwest desert in an open-air Jeep with one of our knowledgeable guides. Learn about the local history, desert plant life, and the wildlife that calls this rugged landscape home. Rincon Jeep Tours depart from the Ranch’s main parking lot in the late afternoon on Tuesdays and Fridays.
UTV Rentals
Guided or on your own, you can rent Polaris RZRs to explore the rugged terrain beyond the Ranch.
Drive Reddington Pass, Avra Valley, or other nearby trails waiting for your adventure. All rentals are curated through Tucson Adventure Rentals and delivered directly to the Ranch for your use.
Mountain Biking
Saddle up on two wheels! Tanque Verde Ranch offers access to a network of mountain biking trails winding through cactus forests, rocky ridges, and wide-open desert plains. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking to cruise under the Arizona sun, these trails deliver heart-pumping climbs, thrilling descents, and sweeping desert views around every turn.
Other Activities
There’s no shortage of ways to stay active at Tanque Verde Ranch.
In addition to those above, choose from guided hiking, swimming, yoga, fishing, archery, artisanal workshops, and even falconry experiences. Guests can also take advantage of on-site tennis and basketball courts.
And if you're craving even more adventure, Tucson offers a variety of unique off-site activities — from golfing and cave exploring to mountain climbing and even downhill skiing.
