Do you dream of having a fun dude ranch experience, riding horses, shooting guns, and cutting cattle? Are you curious about what it’s like to stay at a luxury dude ranch that combines the traditional ranch lifestyle with more upscale service and amenities?
I’ve always dreamt of going to a dude ranch! Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved horses and loved playing a cowgirl. I got to fulfill my dreams recently at White Stallion Ranch, an upscale dude ranch in Tucson, Arizona.
White Stallion says they aren’t a luxury dude ranch, but I was thoroughly impressed and found it to be a very luxurious experience! I’m sure there are higher-tier luxury dude ranches around, but if you’re looking for an upscale feel with a family-owned environment, then White Stallion Ranch is the ranch for you!
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My Experience at a Luxury Dude Ranch in Arizona
How do you go from wanting to have a dude ranch vacation to booking your vacation? There’s so much to consider, including where to stay, what to do, what to wear, and what to expect. I learned a lot during my time here, even though I thought I knew what to expect already!
So, I’ll share what I learned with you, including the history of the ranch, the property itself, all of the activities you can do here, and tips and ideas for your stay. Hold onto your hats and get ready to giddy up (put some up in your giddy up, as Shania Twain would say)!
I flew to Arizona for free with my favorite travel credit card! Click below to learn how you can, too.
Where I Stayed: White Stallion Ranch
White Stallion Ranch is an award-winning, family-owned ranch just outside Tucson that combines the traditional and historic with the modern. The family is truly incredible and part of what makes this such an amazing property. Everyone is so friendly and happy to help you enjoy your stay!
The ranch has been owned by the same family since 1965, starting with about 165 acres that has since grown to 3,000 acres. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenery full of cacti and two mountain peaks. This area is the Sonoran Desert, known as the greenest desert in the world and the only place for Saguaro cactus.
If you’re looking for the perfect family dude ranch vacation where your kids can have riding lessons or the best place for a group of girlfriends to ride horses but also relax with a pool and spa treatments, then look no further!
Book your stay today, and don’t forget to pack your cowgirl hat, boots, western shirts, and denim!
Dude Ranch Accommodations
Oh my gosh, y’all! The architecture on the property here is just gorgeous. The clay Pueblo-style buildings mixed with cacti and native plants blend so well with the desert landscape. It’s all done in such a nice, elegant way that adds to the luxurious feel of the ranch.
There are 43 guest rooms, ranging from standard and deluxe rooms to larger suites. You can also book a Spanish-style hacienda that holds up to 10 guests (call or email them for availability).
There’s a private patio for every room, and some even come with a fireplace – perfect for those cool desert nights! You’ll find eco-friendly toiletries in your room, a bathrobe, a hair dryer (no need to bring yours!), an in-room safe, and a mini fridge.
Now, the rooms themselves are more rustic in style than in-your-face luxury, but they’re still beautiful and good quality. I got an excellent night’s sleep on the super comfy bed and was ready for my adventures each day!
Dude Ranch Activities
White Stallion Ranch has a wide range of activities to choose from, with some offered more frequently than others. It’s recommended that you stay for 5-6 days as some activities are only available once a week.
I would also recommend signing up for everything at 7:00 am the day before, especially if you have a larger group or kids. Call or email ahead to schedule your activities for the day of your arrival. Here are some of the things you can look forward to doing while you’re here:
- Horseback riding (not on Sundays)
- Team penning
- Cattle sorting
- Rodeo show
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Archery
- Ax throwing
- Shooting range practice
- E-bike riding
- Leather workshop
- Line dancing lessons
- Watercolor classes
- Nature programs
- Petting zoo
There are at least 3 horse rides offered a day (except Sundays), and sometimes up to 5. You can do slow or fast rides for all levels of experience. and you can even enjoy breakfast, wine and cheese, or beer and Cheetos while you do it!
It’s best to show up at least 10 minutes before riding horses and 5 minutes before the other activities so you don’t miss out. And please don’t forget to bring tips for the staff – they’re all so friendly and helpful, and they go above and beyond!
Relaxation & Entertainment
If you’d prefer to relax at the ranch, then enjoy the pool, hot tub, and sauna, or book a pampering session at the spa. Mingle with other guests in the common areas, play ball on the sports court, play some pool or board games, and settle in with a good book in the library. There’s also a 27-seat movie theater and a petting zoo on-site. Something for everyone!
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Dude Ranch Meals
In the mornings, there is a continental buffet available, as well as made-to-order breakfast. For lunch, you can enjoy your selections from the buffet inside or outside on the gorgeous patio. Dinner is also a buffet, typically grilled outside, and you can get snacks anytime you want throughout the day.
The food options always looked and tasted so delicious; I never went hungry! I absolutely loved making my own tacos and piled my plate high with fresh fruit every day. It was easy to get all the fuel I needed for a full day of activities.
Also, I have been gluten-free for many, many years, and they do an excellent job of meeting any dietary restrictions you might have.
Everything I Did on My Luxury Dude Ranch Adventure
I had the most fun ever at White Stallion Ranch! I rode horses, shot guns, did archery, rode e-bikes, did axe throwing, and so much more. Here’s everything I did over the three days I was there.
I arrived around 2 pm, so I was able to start my stay off riding horses. I did both slow and fast rides during my time here, but you do have to take a test first if you want to go on the fast rides.
It was so much fun, but I’m an experienced rider. There were times on the fast ride when we were at a gallop or a canter for at least 30 minutes. You may want to sign up for a slow ride or two first if you’re a beginner!
Then, it was time for happy hour at the bar! The bar stools are actually covered with saddles, which I think is so cute and fun. Everyone gets together here, and there are appetizers, wine, beer, and cocktails.
Fun fact: alcohol and drinks are on the honor system here. All you have to do is fill out a piece of paper with your name and room number, pick out what you want, and it gets tallied up at the end of your stay.
The next day was Sunday, so there wasn’t any horse riding available. They have the day off to rest and relax! Of course, I still went by and said hi, though.
They have treats at the main office, so you can take a treat to the pasture fence. The horses always came right up to me, but that’s probably because they knew I had the goodies. They’re all unbelievable, so well-mannered, kind, and such sweet animals. I can’t get enough!
Then it was time to go shoot some guns. The staff running this activity are very educated in gun safety, what to do, and how to do it. We went out to an on-site range and shot at some targets set up in a safe area.
I shot a 22-caliber rifle and a single-action pistol. They also have replicas of pistols used by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday!
In the afternoon, I went e-bike riding! These things are so much fun to ride, and they’re great – you don’t have to do any work at all. We went on a tour of the property while our guide taught us about the Sonoran desert and the history of the ranch.
I also took some time to visit the gift shop, and I got a pin to commemorate my first trip to White Stallion. They have pins for people who stay up to 50 times – that’s how much people love coming to stay here. There is a woman who has been over 100 times! I can absolutely imagine coming back again and again and again. Everything is just impeccable.
There are so many cute knick-knacks, plus cool Western clothing and gear to buy and wear during your stay! I definitely recommend checking out the gift shop and picking up your commemorative pin for your stay.
Want to know what to expect on a dude ranch vacation and how to have the best time? Check out my other post on everything you need to know before you go to a dude ranch!
I did another horse ride the next morning, and I got to try cutting cattle, which is essentially when you use a horse to maneuver cattle where you need them.
I had an amazing horse for this activity (and throughout my stay!) His name is Chili – he’s a big sorrel with a beautiful stripe, and he was so sweet and kind. He was amazing at this; he loved those cattle!
An important thing to know: whatever horse you start with, as long as you like them, they’ll keep that horse ready for you whenever you sign up to ride. If you’re looking for an amazing horse and you’re relatively advanced, ask for Chili!
That afternoon, I decided to take a break from riding and enjoy a nice, relaxing massage at the spa. It was just what I needed after a couple days of riding, hiking, and adventuring!
They offer several types of massages, plus facials and body treatments. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options. Just be sure to book your session in advance at the Front Desk.
It’s also nice and relaxing to just walk around the property; it’s honestly so gorgeous and peaceful here! I loved taking some time during my stay to admire all the cacti and plant life. My favorites are the ones with these beautiful, bright pink flowers.
I did one last ride for breakfast the next morning before I had to pack my bags and head to the airport. You’re able to do any of the activities up until 2 pm on the day you check out, so take advantage of this if you’re leaving later in the day.
I was definitely sad to leave, and already planning my next visit to White Stallion Ranch!
Other Things to Do in Tucson, Arizona
The White Stallion Ranch is only about a 20 to 30-minute drive from Tucson. If you have a rental car (which I recommend), you can take a short drive and enjoy all that Tucson has to offer, too. While I didn’t have time to explore more, these are some activities I would love to try!
Here are a few things you can do while visiting the area:
Do a Tucson Historical Tour
Learn about the history of Tucson while you enjoy dishes from some of the most delicious, locally-owned restaurants in the Downtown area. I always recommend trying a food tour wherever you go, on the first night if you can.
Be Adventurous & Go Canyoneering
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, this canyoneering trip is suitable for all experience levels. You’ll get the chance to rappel down water features and hang from the ropes while you admire the beautiful desert scenery all around you.
Take a Thrilling Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get the most unique views of Tucson and the surrounding desert with a hot air balloon ride! You’ll also enjoy a champagne toast and continental breakfast served in the Sonoran desert. You’ll never forget what it’s like to soar 2,000 to 5,000 feet in the air.
Plan Your Own Luxury Dude Ranch Vacation at White Stallion!
Ready to have a luxury dude ranch experience of your own? Book your stay at White Stallion Ranch today and start packing with my dude ranch packing guide!
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