GETTING
AWAY
Tanque Verde Ranch
On our first day at Tanque Verde Ranch, owner
Bob Cote tells a story. Once, addressing a group
of guests from across the United States and Europe,
he posed a question, “What
is the one thing that
most symbolizes America?”
From the American contingent, he heard a variety
of responses: the Statue of Liberty, the Grand
Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the White House.
From the European visitors, he got just one: the
Wild West.
Sure we have our landmarks and monuments, our historic
inns and contemporary hotels, but the one quintessentially
American experience is the dude ranch.
Tanque Verde ranch was founded in 1868 and converted
into a dude ranch in the 1920s. Situated in the
foothills of the Rincon Mountains, bounded by the
Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park,
the ranch has programs for tenderfeet and seasoned
cowpokes alike. And if you’re saddle-sore from
the day’s activities, you can take advantage of
the on-site spa for a massage or body treatment.
The ranch’s rooms and casitas are decorated in
a modern cowboy style, with most 
rooms able to
accommodate families. My suite consisted of a spacious
living room with panoramic views of the surrounding
Sonoran desert. The entertainment unit on the wall
disguised two pull-down Murphy-style beds, perfect
for the kids. The master bedroom featured a king-sized
bed and adjoined a large bathroom with a whirlpool
tub — which I was supremely grateful for after
a few hours on horseback. Other rooms feature two
queen-sized beds.
At the rear of the casita was a large patio and
fire pit, shared by the adjoining two suites. Though
traveling alone this time around, I could picture
lively discussions around the campfire, maybe some
singing (or not), while the kids roast marshmallows
over the open fire. Just like camping, but better,
with comfy accommodations mere steps away.
Tanque Verde operates on the American Plan, meaning
that rates include three meals and most ranch activities.
In addition to horseback riding, which there is
plenty of opportunity for, the ranch offers the
services of a tennis pro, mountain biking, fishing,
guided hikes, a nature center and informative evening
programs like dance lessons or a talk from Tom
Chambers, the ranch’s own “horse whisperer.” Spa
treatments are extra, but access to the facility
is included.
Both the configuration of the accommodations and
an extensive kids program for buckaroos (ages 4
to 6) and wranglers (ages 7 to 11) make Tanque
Verde an ideal vacation spot for families. In fact,
the Travel Channel recently named it one of the
Top Ten Family Vacation Destinations. There are
no televisions in the rooms, but wireless Internet
is available in common areas, and each room has
satellite radio.
If you’re hesitant to jump into the dude ranch
lifestyle because of a lack of experience, the
ranch offers several programs for all riding abilities.
Even beginners can feel comfortable on the walk rides, as the horses pretty much know
the drill. Prior to taking a more fast-paced loping
ride, guests must complete a lesson and/or pass
a test given by the wranglers.
Anyone can participate in the leisurely breakfast
ride up to the Old Homestead, where a hearty ranch
breakfast of dinner-plate-sized blueberry pancakes,
ranch eggs, bacon, sausage and fresh biscuits awaits.
The scenery is incomparable and the breakfast hard
to beat.
I consider myself to be a novice on horseback,
but enjoyed the breakfast ride and even took part
in the ranch’s new team penning activity. For those
not familiar, in team penning, groups of riders
(the “team”) try to round up calves and herd them
to a specified area (the “penning”). Sometimes
the cows cooperate, often they don’t. Hilarity
ensues. Aside from a sore backside, I came out
of the experience unscathed, clutching a third-place
ribbon. (Yes, there were only three teams participating.)
A stay at Tanque Verde Ranch gives you a taste
of the Old West while pampering you with modern-day
style and amenities. And after a long day on the
range, you can sidle up to the bar at the Dog House
Saloon for libation, or sit outside and take in
the fresh air under a blanket of stars. That’s
a vacation.
-Rebecca Antioco
if you go
Tanque Verde Ranch
14301 E. Speedway, Tucson
520-296-6275; 800-234-DUDE (3833)
tanqueverderanch.com
Rates:
Through April 30, 2009: $350 to $495 per day, single occupancy; $475 to $645
per day, double occupancy
Call for suite pricing and discounted
rates after April 30, 2009.
Photos courtesy of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau
