This horseback riding vacation is based at a family-run ranch set in 5 square miles of desert adjacent to the Saguaro National Park. The True family have lived here for 50 years, and their personal touch and hospitality of a traditional dude ranch is carefully blended with the service and amenities of a fine resort.& Reconnect with nature, family, friends and serenity while horseback riding through the unspoiled desert, rugged mountains and cactus that have brought Hollywood filmmakers to the ranch for over 70 years.
The horseback riding programme has slow rides both on the flat, and up into the heights of the Saguaro National Park. Brisk lope rides provide a diversion for more experienced riders, and the weekly team penning event is fun for all. Children are very welcome at the ranch and can join all the ranch's regular activities as there is no separate children's programme.
There is evening entertainment every day from roping demos to bonfires and a lively bar. A weekly demo rodeo is a must to watch with roping, barrel-racing and steer wrestling. When not horseback riding, enjoy hiking, rock climbing, tennis, basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, shuffleboard, billiards, and the library. There is an outdoor heated pool and indoor redwood hot tub. The accommodation is spacious and nicely decorated. Meals are taken in the dining room or on the attractive outdoor terrace. The food is plentiful and varied. This is a truly memorable equestrian vacation.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from DD of Hull on 27/11/2024
On this horse riding holiday, riding for all levels of rider is offered every day of the week except Sundays. More experienced riders are separated. After having done a slow ride, and passed a lope check, experienced riders can join the faster rides. All-day rides, weekly team penning, and breakfast cookouts all add variety and adventure to the regular riding schedule. Specialty 'Beer and Cheetos' and 'Wine and Cheese' rides are available for adults only. There are over 120 well schooled and gentle horses of all levels on the ranch.
The accommodation consists of 43 spacious guest rooms that have; air conditioning, private bathroom, private patio with views of the cactus gardens, mountains, or corrals. Adjoining Deluxe King Twin rooms can be combined to create Deluxe Family Suites. Deluxe suites have a jacuzzi bath tub and king-size bed. Washer and dryer facilities are available at the ranch. The Hacienda, is a lovely and private four bed, three bathroom home perfect for larger families or small groups. Three meals are served daily, breakfast is a mix of continental buffet or cooked breakfast. Lunch is buffet style and dinner is 3 courses, varying between buffet and served. Substitutions are available on request and special dietary requirements can be catered for (please discuss with your agent at the time of booking).
Please note that all the ranch prices are fully inclusive of taxes, charges and gratuities. Extras commonly charged locally at ranches, but are included in the prices are: state taxes (2-8%), local town taxes (1-5%), accommodation tax ($1-5/night) and gratuities (12-15% is commonly expected as the staff are paid largely via tips). The prices include all of the above and are guaranteed not to be affected by currency fluctuations once booked.
Summer Extravaganza - please enquire
Relax in the early summer sun surrounded by the blooming desert plants. Palo verde trees, saguaro, ironwood trees and cholla cacti all provide the backdrop for the playful new born longhorn calves, and a host of photo opportunities.
Cactus Kids Special - please enquire
Bring the family to celebrate summer and keep the kids busy with a great variety of activities; horse riding, swimming, tennis, stargazing and art classes as well as opportunities to learn more about horses, critters and desert rocks. This special is designed for families with children 14 years and younger based on a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) sharing rooms. Rates for families of all sizes are available – please enquire.
Non-rider and other activities:
For non riders there is plenty of alternative activties on offer; hiking, tennis, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, horseshoes, shuffleboard, billiards, and the extensive collection of books in the library and of course the sparkling and refreshing heated pool and indoor redwood hot tub. The petting zoo has deer, miniature horses, llamas, potbellied pigs, and pygmy goats. Evening activities include moonlight bonfires with cowboy entertainment.
There is a weekly rodeo demonstration where cowboys and cowgirls rope, ride cutting horses, barrel race, and steer wrestle.
Off site and available at an extra charge there are five golf courses. Car rental is available and the town of Tucson with its many bars, shops and activities is on the doorstep. Day excursions from the ranch are set out for you on your arrival should you wish to explore the area.
Visits to a target shooting range can be arranged.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There are 120 horses of all types on the ranch. Most are quarter horses with some draft crosses and some arab crosses varying in height from 14.2hh to 16.2hh. The saddles and riding style is western - riders are given pointers if not familiar with the style, and most English riders find it easy to adapt to. Learning to ride is also a lot easier western style! There are slow rides of 1-1.5hrs, mostly walking with the occasional trot; fast rides of about an hour where about half the distance is covered loping (cantering); mountain rides of 1.5-2hrs on very steep and rocky trails (no drop offs); team penning and all day rides into the Saguaro National Park.
Riders of all levels are taken on this ride, everyone has a good time and rides to their ability level. All ages are welcome and there are plenty of facilities available for children. There is no weight limit for riding within reason.
The ranch has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. Rooms are spacious and charming, and situated throughout the ranch. There are 43 guest rooms and The Hacienda, a lovely and private four-bedroom, three-bathroom home perfect for larger families or small groups. Every guest room has a private patio with views of the cactus gardens, mountains, or corrals. Generous floor plans offer sunny, comfortable rooms with plenty of closet space. All rooms have air conditioning and private bathroom. Adjoining Deluxe King Twin rooms can be combined to create Deluxe Family Suites.
The friendly housekeeping staff care for guests needs daily and all guest rooms are supplied with eco-friendly soaps, shampoos and lotions. Hair dryers, mini-refrigerators, bathrobes, alarm clocks and personal safes are found in all rooms. Each room has access to high speed Wi-Fi. Laundry facilities are available on the ranch for guests.
There is a full size swimming pool on-site and a hot tub. Other facilities include: lodge/lounge area, bar, dining room, guest business centre, gift shop, game room, shuffle board & horseshoe throwing. The meals at the ranch are of a very high standard and freshly prepared. Lunches are often taken on the terrace buffet style, full American breakfast and four course dinners.
Standard queen twin: Perfectly placed for viewing the spectacular Arizona sunsets, these rooms include tile floors, solid wood furniture, and granite vanities. They offer one Queen bed and one Twin bed and bathroom with separate vanity area. Guests are right next to the horses and conveniently located near the main lodge and dining room. 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed, occupancy 1-3.
Deluxe queen twin: offer one queen bed and one twin bed, a spacious bathroom and comfortable sitting area with couch and coffee table. These rooms are appointed with tile floors, solid wood furniture and granite vanities. Conveniently located near the pool and fitness centre with views of the cactus gardens. 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed, occupancy 1-3.
Deluxe King/Twin: offer picture-perfect mountain or cactus garden views. The comfortable sitting area is a perfect place to relax after a busy day. Private patios with gas fireplaces let you enjoy Arizona evenings under the stars. 1 King and 2 Twin Beds, occupancy 2-4
Family Suite: the newly renovated Family Suites offer two bedrooms and are perfect for families or friends travelling together. In the master bedroom, you’ll find a king bed, while the adjoining bedroom offers two twin beds and a twin day bed. These rooms accommodate up to 5 people and feature a large bathroom, with separate vanity/dressing area. You’ll also find a large closet in the master bedroom and a ranch-rustic sideboard in the front bedroom. Family Suites come with a private patio and views of the cactus gardens;1 King and 3 Twin Beds, occupancy 1-5.
Deluxe Suites: offer the highest level of comfort and luxury on the ranch. Equipped with a large living room, with comfy sofa and working beehive fireplace, these rooms are the perfect place to unwind after a full day of activities. A luxurious pillow-topped King Bed in the spacious Master Bedroom provides a restful night’s sleep. These rooms also feature a beautifully appointed bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and a large vanity/dressing area. Private patios with views of the cactus gardens and East corrals let you enjoy the tranquillity of the ranch and the warmth of the Arizona sun. 1 King Bed, Living Room with Gas Fireplace, Jacuzzi Tub, occupancy 2.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. You should be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, you are normally not eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The Tucson area of Arizona has a dry desert climate with a wealth of cactus type vegetation. There are very few days with any rain, the climate is warm and sunny in the day time, cold at night in winter, hot in the summer with warm nights.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.
BE AWARE: There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the US. The USA Food and Drug Administration website contains further information and advice on bringing medicines into the USA.
Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
You should take suitable steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks. There are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.
Health authorities have classified the USA as having a risk of Zika virus transmission in Florida and a few parts of Texas
You can contact the emergency services by calling 911.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the USA and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
There are no specific health requirements, but do bring plenty of sun block!
In the USA the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).
There is electricity on the ranch to recharge your equipment and film and batteries are widely available for purchase including a small selection at the gift shop on-site. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Provided by hosts:
Riding hats are provided and while not compulsory, they are recommended.
The ranch is open all year round. Sunday is a rest day for the horses, so we suggest Sunday to Sunday stays.
2025 Low Season: 8 Jun - 27 Sep
2025 Mid Season: 2 Jan - 15 Feb; 27 Apr - 7 Jun; 28 Sept - 17 Dec
2025 High Season: 16 Feb - 26 Apr; 18 Dec - 01 Jan 26
Please see single rates in "detailed prices"
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 275 |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 309 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 335 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 365 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - standard room | 209 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 255 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 279 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 319 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | additional person in room | 179 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 349 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 379 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 329 |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 379 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 409 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 445 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - standard room | 255 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 309 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 345 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 389 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | additional person in room | 219 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 425 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 459 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 349 |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 399 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 435 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 469 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - standard room | 259 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 315 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 349 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 399 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | additional person in room | 219 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 435 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 469 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 3,825 |
2025 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 4,369 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 4,705 |
2025 High Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 5,109 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - standard room | 2,925 |
2025 Low Season per night | per night | 1 | Single - Standard room | 3,559 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 3,945 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 4,495 |
2026 Mid Season per night | per night | 1 | additional person in room | 2,505 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | double pp - Standard Room | 4,899 |
2026 High Season per night | per night | 1 | single standard room | 5,319 |
E. Annie Proulx’s three books of Wyoming short stories (“Close Range”, “Bad Dirt”, “Fine just the way it is”)
Mary O’Hara’s “Flicka” triology.
The Virginian” by Owen Wister (a classic one) and
Zane Grey’s Western novels.
C.J. Box (i.e. “Open Season”) and
Craig Johnson (i.e. “The Cold Dish”).
Cowboy poet Baxter Black
“Where Rivers change Direction”, a memoir by Mark Spragg about life on an early dude ranch.
“Where the Rivers Run North” by Sam Morton, a historical novel.
“The Meadow” by James Galwin.
Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans by by T. Fehrenbach
Discovering Natural Horsemanship: A Beginner's Odyssey by Tom Moates.
.Monty Roberts books, particularly ‘The Horse Whisperer’
Notes From A Big Country by Bill Bryson and
Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck.
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com
Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
There are 116 species of bird that thrive in the desert surroundings of the ranch and lists placed all round the ranch to help you identify them. There are other various animals, flora and fauna, including many cacti!
The USA has 4 main times zones - Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Vermont is on EST, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah are all on MST, California is on PST. Weights and measures are imperial although weight is always expressed in pounds, not stone. The US gallon is 3.8 litres in contrast to an imperial gallon which is 4.2 litres. Mobile telephone: 4G and 5G is widely available throughout the US in cities, towns, villages and along main highways with AT&T having the best overall coverage and T-mobile offering better speeds in cities. There is NO cell reception at the ranch, but there is WiFi in our saloon and office. There are still a few rural areas which have the older CDMA telephone networks. To be able to call from these areas we recommend buying a cheap Verizon phone from eg Walmart (from $13) and topping up with credit. Almost all hotels and airports offer free wifi connection.