Rancho de la Osa Arizona USA Rancho de la Osa is located in Sasabe, Arizona, about an hour and a half southwest of Tucson. We are situated on just under 600 acres of high desert grassland and surrounded by nearly 120,000 acres of the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. Rancho de la Osa is the most historic ranch in Arizona. A visit with us will allow you to ride trails frequented by U.S. Presidents and legendary figures like Pancho Villa; relax in the same rooms where notables like John Wayne and Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell once stayed; and enjoy a cool drink in the Cantina—the oldest continually occupied building in the state of Arizona. Our ranch offers an unparalleled experience with exceptional food and wine and unmatched hospitality from our staff. In addition to horseback riding, we offer guided off-road tours, guided fat tire electric bike tours, sport shooting and archery. We also have a sparkling pool for your enjoyment and plenty of quiet, scenic locations for relaxing. Because we are surrounded by the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, Rancho de la Osa is a prime location for bird watching. Nestled among huge eucalyptus trees, the lifestyle of the Old Southwest is captured in the 1800’s Hacienda. This elegant building welcomes each guest with a warm and inviting ambience. Furnished with Mexican antiques the Hacienda is a gentle reminder of the fascinating history of Rancho de la Osa. The territorial-style guest rooms are serene and welcoming, furnished with antiques and vintage furniture. Each of our guest rooms is incredibly unique, both in layout and Southwestern design. All are named after the historical figures that have enhanced the ranch’s colorful history. Be a part of the history and join us for a truly unique and extraordinary experience. Single travelers: Love to travel, but enjoy having someone to talk with during meals? Rancho de la Osa is the perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate while meeting people from around the world. The Ranch is very private and peaceful, which lends itself to rejuvenating your mind and spirit. It is a wonderful place to spend your holidays and never be lonely. Serving as a Guest Ranch since the 1920’s, Rancho de la Osa became a secluded gathering place for many well-known figures. Past guests include: President Lyndon B. Johnson, Adlai Stevenson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William 0. Douglas, Hollywood Cowboy, Tom Mix and Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind. Guest Ranch Short Getaway Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Sasabe Airport:   Tucson International Airport (TUS) Transfer: Tucson Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity: 15 %

Tax: 9.015 %  

 

Rates Note:

** Minimum of 3 days 2 nights stay

Transfer and Other Charges:

Sold Out Dates (as of 6/13/2023): Jan. 8-14, Feb 4-8, Feb. 18-22, Feb 18-22, March 7-9, March 13-23, May 1 - Sept. 30, 2024.

Daily Schedule- subject to changes

8:30am- 9:30am            Breakfast
10:00am-12:30pm         Riding/ activities (ex. sport shooting, archery)
12:30pm- 1:30pm          Lunch
1:30pm- 5:15pm            Afternoon ride/ activities (ex. UTV off-road tour, fat tire bikes, cattle work)
5:15pm- 6:15pm            Happy hour & orientation in the cantina
6:15pm- 7:00pm            Dinner
7:00pm                           Movies/ cantina/ cowboy poetry

Many guests stay for 7 nights at the ranch, but we can offer stays as short as 2 nights. Throughout a single week, we’ll offer a variety of activities including horseback riding, guided off-road tours, fat tire electric bike tours, sport shooting, and archery.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Rides are not necessarily based on experience level, but rather on riding pace with options for slow and fast rides. Faster riding (trotting and some loping) is restricted to areas where the terrain allows. The terrain is quite varied (with some hills and outcroppings), so that does limit the amount of fast riding that can be done at this ranch. 



Activities

Scenic Rides
These rides are available to all levels of riders which and last a minimum of 1 hour. These are great for bird watchers as we ride through waist-high grasses, sandy washes, and marshy ponds that attract birds not normally indigenous to the desert. The surrounding Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge is known for its variety of birds, antelope, deer, coyotes, quail, hawks, golden eagles, white egrets, and more.

Fast Rides
For more experienced riders, we can offer trotting and loping during rides where the terrain allows. We’ll check your ability in the arena before heading out on the trail.

Cattle Work
We have a small herd of Criollo cattle, which is a Spanish breed historically significant to Southern Arizona. We offer opportunities to work the cattle in the arena and learning how to sort them and read their body language. We will focus on the history and significance of cattle ranching in the area and give a hands-on taste of ranch life in the desert southwest. We offer cattle work multiple times per week, offering our guests a true western heritage experience.

Lessons (available at extra cost)
During your stay, let our expert wranglers increase your enjoyment and understanding of horseback riding. 

Guided Fat Tire Electric Bike Tours
Trade one saddle for another and experience the southwest on a fat tire electric mountain bike. You can peddle on your own or get assistance from a high-powered motor capable of 20 mph speeds. Guided Fat Tire Electric Bike Tours are available to children 12 years and older.

Sport Shooting and Archery
• Clay Pigeon Shooting – with biodegradable targets and special 20 gage semi-automatic shotguns
• 22 Range – We’ll have more than a few bottles and targets to shoot at in a safe location.
• 3D Archery Range – Newly built archery range right on the ranch featuring 3D targets and the latest and greatest equipment.
Sport Shooting is available to children 12 years and older. Some firearms are restricted to children 16 years and older.

Hiking
Walk a few yards from your room and you’ll likely run across the same trails forged by legendary figures like Pancho Villa. Walk on red clay trails towards the famous Baboquivari Mountain. Tour Buenos Aires wildlife refuge and run into giant jackrabbits, roadrunners and deer. Hike along old western ghost towns that still feature intact buildings.

Bird Watching 
The Ranch borders the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and is a birdwatching paradise. Our ranch and surrounding areas are home to the endangered Masked Bobwhite Quail and 300 other species including Herons, Gray Hawks, Vermillion Fly Catchers, Loggerhead Shrikes and Golden Eagles,

Guided Off-Road Tours
Go on an off-road adventure in one of our UTVs (Utility Task Vehicle). Out guide will take you and up to four other guests on an adventure to the United States-Mexico border, the nearby ghost town ruins of Presumido or to the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge.

                                                Sasabe area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	64	67	71	78	86	95	95	93	90	82	72	64
Average Low Temperature (°F)	36	38	41	45	51	61	67	66	61	51	41	36
Average High Temperature (°C)	18	19	22	26	30	35	35	34	32	28	22	18
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	3	5	7	11	16	19	19	16	11	5	2
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	2	2	2	1	0	0	7	7	4	2	1	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
With more than 320 days of sunshine a year and night-time stars that shine with unmatched clarity within a coal black sky, Rancho De La Osa is a special place that rejuvenates the spirit and invigorates the soul. Low precipitation and clear, dry air makes Arizona one of the world's most ideal climates year round. While the temperatures are highest in the summer, July and August are also the months with the most rainfall in a region that has almost none!

This list is only a guideline for you.

Essentials
- Travel documents and Voucher
- Flight tickets
- Passport
- Visa (check with your consulate)

Riding Gear 
- Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
- Riding boots (short) + Minichaps (recommended but not required)
- Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)
- Riding gloves
- Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
- Lightweight Rain coat

Personal Clothing
- Jacket or heavy sweater for cool evenings
- Long sleeve shirts
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Bag for dirty clothes
- Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
- Swimsuit 

Additional Things to Bring 
- Personal Toiletries
- Insect protection
- Personal medications
- Sore cream (for the emergency)
- Water Bottle
- Handkerchiefs
- Camera and enough extra films and batteries
- Belt pack
- Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Sun tan lotion and lip balm  

Please note that whole meal times are casual, we do expect guests to dress presentable for dinner and not come to the table in their barn/riding clothes.

Average ratings from 1 tour feedback (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date josee beausejour 5/15/2007

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location during the trip.

Description
This is a small, private guest ranch of 19 rooms (all located on the ground level) and it is one of the oldest haciendas in Arizona. There are three guest wings made of hand formed adobe block.
All guest rooms are within a short walk from the Hacienda, Cantina, heated pool, and corrals. 
Complimentary amenities include: wireless internet, heated pool (open daily until 10:00pm- no lifeguard on duty), in-room coffee, library, horseshoe pit, and croquet.

Please, note that cell phone reception can be spotty at the ranch.

Room Options
Each room includes the following features: private facilities with hairdryer and toiletries, mountain views, fireplace and A/C. All guest rooms are non-smoking. Sorry, we cannot accommodate pets. Laundry facilities are possible for an additional fee.


Deluxe:  1 queen bed or 2-3 twin beds


Premium:  1 king bed


Suite:  two adjoining rooms, one with 1 queen or king and the second with 2 twins

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is possible.
Single supplement applies if we are unable to find another rider to share. Single occupancy is only possible in deluxe rooms.



Meals
All meals are included in this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
We aim to provide fresh, hearty and healthy meals with a Southwestern influence to honor the ranch’s heritage. Many of our ingredients have traveled only a few yards from our garden to your plate. Our chefs are passionate about their craft and love to prepare meals with creative and tasty selections highlighting Southwestern cuisine. We are known for authentic dining so we’ve collected the best recipes from owners and chefs.

Guests meet in the Cantina for a social cocktail hour around 5:00pm every evening, shortly before dinner is served at 6:00pm.
Meals are eaten in our main dining room in the Hacienda on our large Spanish style dining table. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is plated. Seating is family style.

Wine, beer and spirits are available for purchase. Wine is available by the glass or bottle. We will also be happy to make you a drink anytime and beverages may be taken to your room. Per our liquor license, alcohol purchased from the ranch may be consumed anywhere on property. If you bring your own alcohol onto the ranch, it may be consumed in your guest room only.

Dietary Restrictions
We are able to cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.
 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter horses and Draft mix
Pace:		All paces. Shorter morning rides (~1 hour) and longer afternoon rides (2-4 hours). Depending on the schedule, mornings can also offer a chance for cattle work in the arena. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(1 to 3 out of 5)    All riding levels
Age:		Min 5 for riding
Weight:		Max None
Riders:		Min 1	Max 8

Riding level
Whether you are an experienced rider or you have never been on a horse, we have something for you! Our wranglers will match you with a horse appropriate to your experience level and lead you on scenic rides. For more experienced riders, loping and trotting can be incorporated into rides where the terrain allows. Lessons are also available.

Daily Schedule
There are 2 scheduled horseback rides per day. We generally run shorter morning rides (about an hour) and longer afternoon rides (2-4 hours), exploring the surrounding area with our experienced and informative wranglers.
Cattle work, guided off-road tours, fat tire electric bike tours, sport shooting, and archery are also offered throughout the week.
All of the above activities are included in the daily rate.

Weight Restrictions
There is no weight restriction for horseback riding.

Horseback riding for children
Horseback riding is available to children 5 years and older. Children 8 years and older may qualify for trotting and loping during rides.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Passport Note

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).



The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

 

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.

Visa Note

(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.

Validity

Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.

Applications to:

Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required

Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes