Tanque Verde Ranch

"60,000 acres are probably enough to get your mountain adventure on at this premier Dude Ranch. A variety of accommodations provide desert or mountain views in elegant casita style or traditional courtyard-facing rooms excellent for camp fires. All skill levels welcome for horseback riding, but non-cowboys can choose from a wealth of other activities."

"Why we love it: An all-American dude ranch where guests can play cowboy in luxury Highlights: - A superb riding program that brings over 150 horses to the mesquite corral each morning - Luxury amenities like an outdoor pool and spa to balance out the adventure - Regular dining events like private-chef dinners and barbecues The Review: Founded in 1868, this Tucson guest ranch sits below the Rincon Mountains, overlooking the rolling foothills of Saguaro National Park. It’s often ranked among America’s top resorts and wedding destinations—and for good reason. Not only does it deliver Southwestern charm in the form of pink adobe architecture, but it runs one of the nation’s top horseback-riding programs, with everything from team penning and mountain adventure rides to the signature “Harmony with Horses,” which teaches interspecies communication. The ranch also offers a host of other activities, including yoga, hikes, mountain biking, photography courses, and naturalist-led walks to explore the desert’s edible and medicinal plants. There’s even a kids’ day camp for ages four to 12 with tennis, arts and crafts, swimming, and more. Rooms here feature exposed beams and brick, punctuated with dark wood furniture and pops of Southwestern fabrics. Each has a desk, coffeemaker, and small refrigerator, while the biggest suite also includes a fireplace and sleeps up to six. When guests start feeling saddle sore, they can rejuvenate with a full-body massage in the spa, or grab a prickly pear margarita at the Dog House Saloon. For a full meal, head to the on-site restaurant, which serves Southwestern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or attend one of the specialty dining events held each week, including private-chef dinners and cowboy cookouts."

"If you want a quintessential Southwestern cowboy experience, this dude ranch provides it with unmatched polish. While it’s a popular spot for weddings and private dinners, you can also pop by for prickly pear margaritas in the saloon or join the outdoor Cowboy Cookout on Wednesday and Saturday nights for grilled meats and live country music..." - ByJackie Tran