USA - Arizona, Kay El Bar Ranch

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Before breakfast, riders have the opportunity to meet and groom their horses in the corral. During orientation, the staff will go over western riding techniques and explain safety precautions with the group. Boots and hats can be provided if necessary. Riding is done on endless trails through federal lands adjoining the ranch providing a spectacular desert backdrop. Ride through river wash beneath sheer canyon walls, or climb rocky ridges for spectacular mountain views. Much of the riding is done at a walk, giving you time to take in the landscape.

Our wranglers select and assign horses to each rider based on his or her experience and comfort level. Wranglers also take the time to get to know each guest and work to accommodate each group's interest for the type of ride and scenery they'd like to experience. After first completing a slow ride and then passing a demonstration test (where riders demonstrate they can safely control their horses), more experienced riders are able to join one of the "fast rides" and experience walking, trotting and some loping as the terrain permits.

Rides go out twice daily except Sunday and holidays, when the horses have the afternoon off.  All-day and half-day rides are available by request, and subject to availability.

Guests who are checking out are welcome to join in for the morning ride before departing the ranch.

The wranglers select and assign horses to each rider based on his or her experience and comfort level. Wranglers also take the time to get to know each guest and work to accommodate each group's interest for the type of ride and scenery they'd like to experience.

Cattle work - Guests can also enjoy a taste of cattle work and cutting demonstrations at the arena with wranglers, and participate on horseback in Team Penning. Team Penning evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring or transport. In this activity, groups divide into teams and work together to separate and move specifically identified cattle from the herd to another area of the arena. This is a popular activity for riders who want to test their equestrian skills with cattle. It attracts family teams, (children ages 8 and up) and group vacationers, requiring coordination with both the horse and teammates. Team Penning and cattle demonstrations are subject to availability.

Non-riders and other activities:
Sport shooting - Live the true wild west cowboy experience with a safe and fun sport shooting programs. Clay pigeon and target shooting available with a shooting instructor. .22 handguns and rifles available for target practice and shotguns for clay pigeon shooting.
Hiking: Enjoy a hike in the tranquil Sonoran Desert to see a few of the many local avian species such as the red-tailed hawk, ferruginous hawk or turkey vultures in the desert sky. The nearby terrain features a variety of cacti, including the incredible giant saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and jumping cholla.

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 about 30 horses at the ranch, mainly Quarter horse type with some draft crosses. The ranch accommodates all levels of riding and have horses appropriate to all levels of experience. 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 in western style!

Two rides are offered per day, except Sundays and holidays when the horses get the afternoon off. Rides are generally about 2 hours depending on the destination. Alternatively stay on the ranch and watch cattle work and cutting demonstrations, or try your hand at team penning cattle in the arena. Riding lessons are an additional charge of $25 per person for a group lesson, paid directly to the wrangler. For those interested in a riding lesson, please enquire on site.

Riders of all abilities are catered for at this ranch. The wranglers will match you with an appropriate horse for your skill level.
Age Minimums: Slow rides — 5 years old; longer trail rides — 8 years old.

The weight limit for this ride is 240 lb/109 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

This is an authentic Western guest ranch with modern accommodation. Established in 1926, the ranch's original large adobe brick buildings and Spanish architecture are a picture postcard and offer inviting quarters for approximately 25 guests. There are different types of accommodation available at the ranch depending on availability and preferences. 

Lodge Rooms

Simple but charming, each unique guest room in the Main Lodge has a private modern bath, hand-painted Monterey furniture and a collection of western artwork. Choose from king, queen, double or twin-bedded rooms. Some rooms also have a rollaway option. The Lodge houses a bar where guests can enjoy a cold drink, ample seating and lots of books and games to enjoy.

Casa Grande

Casa Grande is a large suite, with access by a private entrance, with a fireplace and a cozy sitting area. It sleeps up to four with a king-sized bed (or two twin beds), and a trundle that can sleep up to two.

Homestead House

The Homestead House is ideal for a group of up to seven people. It offers spacious private housing with a private entrance and a private living area. There are two bedrooms – one room has a Queen-size bed; the second bedroom has a King or, optionally, two twin beds. Additionally, there is a sleep alcove with one twin and the living room has a full size bed. The spacious private living room has a cozy fireplace, a large table and chairs, and generous seating.

There is a heated pool and a hot tub at the ranch available for guests to enjoy on warm Arizona days, or to soothe tired muscles after a day of adventuring.

Food: Each meal is cooked by professional chefs in the ranch kitchen. Meals are served family-style in the dining room, on the patio, and on the trail - and they never skip dessert - fresh-baked cookies and pastries hot from the oven after each lunch and dinner. A fresh pot of coffee is ready in the dining room for the early risers, followed by breakfast before the first ride. The hosts serve cowboy-hearty breakfast, including fresh fruit, cereal and homemade specialties of the day. Lunch is often enjoyed on the dining patio between the morning and afternoon riding and adventures.

There’s a social hour every evening in the lodge; it’s a great way to swap stories and mingle with fellow guests and the wranglers. Dinner is served family style in the dining room or on the patio. Savour home-cooked goodness, including garden vegetables and crisp salads and warm rolls, as well as choice meats, fish and poultry. The hosts are glad to accommodate special dietary needs or requests with advance notice. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

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 climate includes bi-seasonal rainfall, making it one of the lushest deserts, with giant cacti, short trees and a great variety of shrubbery and animal life. Arizona, the sixth-largest U.S. state, encompasses diverse climates and topography. The deserts in the south are some of the hottest and driest areas of the country, while the higher terrain of the Colorado Plateau in the northeast has a cooler climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The mountain ranges that run from the northwest to the southeast experience heavier precipitation and wide temperature variations.
In Wickenburg summer start in June and ends in September. May and September are considered the best time to visit. The month with the highest relative humidity is December, June is considered to have the lowest. June also has the lowest amount of rainy days. The month with the highest number of rainy days is August. The climate in Wickenburg is referred to as a local steppe climate. There is not much rainfall in Wickenburg all year long.

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.

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 cell/mobile phone service at the ranch, but it can be spotty. WiFi is available. 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.

Ranch attire is casual, but if you wish to dress up for evenings, western wear is appropriate. We always suggest dressing in layers as desert temperatures will vary throughout the day.

- Riding Helmet – We strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Riding Boots/Cowboy boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Boots with a slight heel are the safest if you do not have riding boots, we do have loaner boots available
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts/Sleeveless tops/Comfortable shirts
- Long sleeve shirts – we highly recommend riding in long sleeve shirts to block the sun
- Comfortable western or denim shirts
- Bike Shorts/Tights/Underclothing – To minimize possible chafing from riding
- Jeans/Long Pants – Pairs for riding and pairs for evening/daytime wear
- Shorts/ Skirts
- Belt
- Outerwear – Jackets, vests and layers are suggested for cool desert mornings and evenings
- Hoodies or pullovers
- Walking/Hiking boots
- Sandals/Flip flops – For the pool/hot tub area
- Long socks for riding
- Cowboy Hat (w/Stampede String) and/or Ball Cap
- Bathing suit
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- After-sun moisturizer
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Plug in converter – If you are traveling from outside the USA
- Reusable plastic or stainless-steel water bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Lightweight backpack – allows you to carry your essentials during the day while keeping your hands free
- Flashlight or headlamp

Provided by hosts
Riding helmet
Riding boots

The ranch is open all year round. Any length of stay can be booked but there is a minimum of 3 nights. Arrival can be any day of the week but please note that Sunday afternoon is time off for the horses.

2025 Mid Season: 2 Jan - 15 Feb, 1, 27 Apr, 12 Oct - 15 Dec
2025 High Season: 16 Feb - 31 Mar

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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

In the tranquil Sonoran Desert nearby, you might see a few of the many local avian species, such as the red-tailed hawk, ferruginous hawk or turkey vultures in the desert sky. The nearby terrain features a variety of cacti, including the incredible giant saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and jumping cholla.
Keep a lookout for the desert tortoise, jackrabbit or banded gecko, a coyote or the poisonous (but sluggish) Gila monster.

AMENITIES Pool and Hot Tub - Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub on warm Arizona days, or to soothe tired muscles after a day of adventuring.

Lodge - The Lodge houses the bar where guests can enjoy a cold drink, ample seating and lots of books and games to enjoy. Guests can buy branded apparel and ranch items at the lodge.

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.