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Cattle Ranch in Pleasant Valley
Arizona
USA
Set in the heart of the Tonto National Forest along the Mogollon Rim, this lodge is part of a working 55,000 acre cattle ranch that offers something for every visitor and level of rider. It is also rich in old west history and culture – located near the site of one of the gunfights of the infamous Pleasant Valley War. The war is one the most famous of the range feuds in the American West, the subject of a number of nonfiction books, as well as the source of a number novels (including one by Zane Grey) and movie plots.
The lodge is a study in rustic elegance, providing all the modern comforts, while staying true to its working cattle ranch history. Guests will enjoy the accommodations at the lodge – the spacious great hall with its fireplace and leather couches, the supremely comfortable bedrooms, the deck overlooking the lake and the patio with its fire pit. The lodge is the perfect place to relax when not out on the trail on well-trained, responsive horses, or taking advantage of the many activities around the ranch, including the roping arena, rifle range, 3-D archery course, sporting clay course, four-wheeling, fishing, hiking and more.
The family-owned lodge opened to the public in 2008 and now offers a variety of riding opportunities that accommodate every level of experience including 'cowboy skill' classes, trail rides, half-day, day-long and camping excursions to explore Indian ruins, remote line cabins, or to the sites of gun fights in the Pleasant Valley War. Experienced riders can also go out with the ranch hands to experience the cowboy life, monitoring livestock & range conditions, riding fence lines, rounding up, driving and working the livestock.
The trails wind through diverse and breathtaking terrain: Ponderosa pine forests, running streams, riparian valleys and canyons, stands of aspen, juniper, oak and chaparral, and open grass lands. Beginners will enjoy wide, slow-curving trails that wind around the hills and through the gullies around the lodge. These trails are relatively flat, mostly graded and very easy to follow. More experienced riders will want to take advantage of the more challenging trails and cross country excursions. Trails climb across ridges, gullies, valleys, mesas, hills and peaks. Some of the paths are fairly narrow, full of switchbacks and traverse steep rocky slopes, but provide some of the most spectacular views of Pleasant Valley and the wildlife hidden deep in the woods.
Guest Ranch Working Ranch Riding with fishing options Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Young
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Airport:
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Phoenix
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Transfer:
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Phoenix by private transfer
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
20
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
Travel Stories
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
Lodging, all meals, one activity (trail ride, riding lessons, or ATV tour) in each riding day
A | 2019 | 7 day Ranch, AP - The Wrangler | 7d / 6n | $1250 |
B | 2019 | 7 day Ranch, AP - The Owner's Hideaway | 7d / 6n | $1695 |
C | 2019 | 7 day Ranch, AP - The Cow Boss | 7d / 6n | $1445 |
D | 2019 | 7 day Ranch, AP - The Buckaroo | 7d / 6n | $1190 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Tax:
6.6
%
Rates Note:
Shorter stays possible with minimum of 3 days 2 nights
* Each day includes one activity which can be trail rides or an ATV tour
Transfer and Other Charges:
2019
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Transfer from/to Phoenix pp return (min of 2)
- to be paid locally
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$160
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2019
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Transfer from/to Phoenix - one person only, return
- to be paid locally
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$320
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2019
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Cowboy add-on package, pp
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$265
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2019
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Group half-day cattle drive add-on package, pp
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$140
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2019
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Child 6-12 yrs -- 50% discount
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$0
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2019
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Child 5 and under are FREE
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$0
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2019
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Single room by request only (no supplement)
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$0
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2019
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Individual half-day cattle drive add-on package -- please inquire
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$0
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Check in 3 PM - Check out 1 PM
If you decide to drive in - please note that it is partially on dirt roads and a 4x4 or SUV is recommended - especially during winter months.
Tour Dates for 2019
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A |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch, AP - The Wrangl...
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2
/12
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Reserve
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B |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch, AP - The Owner'...
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2
/12
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Reserve
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C |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch, AP - The Cow Bo...
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2
/12
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Reserve
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D |
2019
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch, AP - The Buckar...
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2
/12
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Reserve
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Arrival can be any day of the week - open all year.
It's best to come between April to October as there's chances of snow and bad weather between November to March.
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities. Drinks. Overnight excursions, additional riding, Cowboy package add-on, Old West Competitions, Sporting Clays & Archery Course
There is so much to do at our lodge! Buried deep within the Tonto National Forest, guests are able to experience the full natural beauty of the Arizona highlands.
Whether you feel like strapping on a pair of jeans and cowboy boots and hopping in the saddle of one of our beautiful horses, flying around in our four wheelers, or venturing out on your own for a hike, you’ll take in the Arizona wilderness like never before.
Feel like experiencing rustic Arizona but don’t want to leave the comfort of the lodge? You don’t have to! There is plenty to do right outside our front door including fishing on Lake Sharon (watch out the fish bite like piranha!) or practicing your archery or shotgun skills.
Our all-inclusive packages each activity day includes one trail ride or an ATV tour.
Riding clinics available -- please inquire.
A 10 station 3-D target archery course are also available (extra charge).
Meeting:
Young
Airport:
Phoenix
Transfer:
Phoenix by private transfer
Distance:
150 miles
Check in 3 PM - Check out 1 PM
If you decide to drive in - please note that it is partially on dirt roads and a 4x4 or SUV is recommended - especially during winter months.
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter horses, Mules
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Pace:
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Slow with some trots and canters according to riding level. Working cattle may require fast canter and occasional gallop. Trail rides are in mountainous trails.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels
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Age:
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Min
8
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
20
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Experienced riders and beginners alike will find everything they need to enjoy and take advantage of the lodge’s miles of trails, beautiful horses and professional equipment.
Our horses were bred to traverse the diverse terrain of Pleasant Valley. Any level of riding expertise can be accommodated.
Our staff will help find the horse just right for you! Each staff member has grown up with horses and taken care of them all their life. They take pride in the quality and care of each animal at the lodge.
For more experienced riders ready to hit the mountain trails on arrival, there are over 100 miles of trail on 55,000 acres of land around the lodge. Some trails are gentle and wide enough for wheeled vehicles. Others are steep, winding paths that cut through the hills on their climb to the top. Riders will need to have a moderate level of experience before tackling the steeper trails. There are a variety of trails to take that will keep guests entertained for days exploring the beautiful country around the lodge.
Or, if a guest would like to experience an actual day in the life of cowboy, he or she can accompany the ranch hands as they tend to the actual business of the ranch, monitoring the horses and cattle, riding the fence lines and so forth. In Arizona, we calve year-round and practice stringent range management. The working the cattle often includes roundups, branding, sorting, weaning, vaccinating, castrating, moving to new pastures.
Our program is very flexible -- make sure you talk to our ranch manager about what you would like to do during your stay!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
Young area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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55
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58
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62
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70
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78
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88
|
91
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88
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84
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74
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63
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55
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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22
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24
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27
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31
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37
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45
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56
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55
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47
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36
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26
|
21
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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13
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14
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17
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21
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26
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31
|
33
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31
|
29
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24
|
17
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13
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-6
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-5
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-3
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-1
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3
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7
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13
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13
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8
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2
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-3
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-6
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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4
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4
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4
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2
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2
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1
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8
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8
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4
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3
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2
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3
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Average temperatures do tend to vary at the lodge over the year, giving a very temperate climate compared to most of Arizona. The lodge receives a dusting of snow each year, but has seen up to three feet of snow before! Temperatures reach just over 100°F in the summer. Please be sure to pack correctly for the season.
For a brief but spectacular three weeks in September, the foliage undergoes a magical change around the Valley. Brilliant reds, oranges and yellows cover the deciduous trees.
December through late February the lodge receives a dusting of snow and the occasional winter wonderland storm. Temperatures reach below freezing at night, so be sure to pack plenty of warm winter clothing and cozy up by the fire.
Spring and fall temperatures are very temperate with an average between the low 70s to mid 90s (degrees Fahrenheit). It’s the perfect escape from the still blazing heat in Phoenix.
July and August are the hottest months of the year, while August and September receive the most rainfall of the year.
Summer temperatures can climb well into the high 90s F during the heat of the day in Young, Arizona, while winter nights can plunge below freezing. Depending on when your stay is, always come prepared for the seasonal weather and temperature! Please see the climate section for the chart on average temperatures.
That being said, here are some items you will want to bring year round.
Broken-in riding boots (new ones will really hurt)
Riding jeans (preferably without leg seam to reduce chaffing)
We recommend full or half chaps
Any riding gear you own and wish to bring
Comfortable clothing for indoors
Sunscreen (High-SPF)
Hat for shade
Sunglasses
Camping or pocket knife
Flashlight
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips

ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE RANCH...
The handsome lodge accommodation here in Pleasant Valley can be well suited to just about everyone - it's a great place to discover whether you're taking a big family trip with the kids, a riding getaway with the girlfriends, a romantic trip with a significant other, or even just looking to get away from the city on your own! The lodge has five guest rooms - with king, queen and double beds available pending. A crib and pullout bed are available for families with young children. There are two rooms that share one bath room (these are the rooms included in basic package), two rooms each with private en-suite bathroom (upgrade required), and one superior suite (upgrade required). Adjacent to the main lodge near the barn is another 3-unit facility. There are two separate rooms here - both with private bath. The dorm style "bunkhouse commons" is suitable for 4 to 6 people with one private bath to share and a kitchen unit (the bunkhouse commons is offered at a reduced per person rate). These units are perfect for multiple families or extended stays. These quarters are not of the same luxury standard as the lodge rooms, but still very clean and comfortable.
Free wi-fi internet is available to all guests, as well as a washer and dryer.
To maintain the natural environment around the lodge we are solar-powered and green friendly!
Accommodations available for the different packages are as follows:
The Wrangler Package: 60 Cal, Queen Anne, Rustlers Roost, and Wranglers Rack
The Owner’s Hideaway Package: Owners Hideaway
The Cow Boss Package: Lakeview Retreat & Ambush Hill Loft
The Buckaroo Package: Bunkhouse Commons

60 Caliber Room - Lodge Room
Double French doors that swing out to the lodge’s back deck and fire pit. The room features two double beds, shared bathroom.

Queen Anne Room - Lodge Room
This rustic Victorian room features a four-post queen bed, double French doors with access to the lodge’s fire pit and deck, shared bathroom. Quick access to the lodge’s kitchen and grand room make this the perfect room for visitors constantly up and about.

Ambush Hill Loft (with upgrade only) - Lodge Room
The loft provides a direct view from a private balcony on to the infamous Ambush Hill, where the Grahams fired upon the Tewksbury cabin. It features a king size bed, private shower and walk-in closet. The open loft entry area can be equipped with a day bed and trundle (for a small extra charge).

Lake View Retreat (with upgrade only) - Lodge Room
Aptly named, this room for four overlooks the length of Lake Sharon. You can watch the sun reflect off the water as it dips below the horizon from the deck. Lake View Retreat features two queen size beds, a private bath and shower, exterior entrance to the lodge’s main deck. Private bathroom.

Deluxe Hideaway (deluxe suite upgrade required) - Lodge Suite
This luxurious room is the most spacious at the lodge and is outfitted with everything that will truly make you feel like the owners. The room features a king size bed, French double doors out to a private redwood deck, stone fireplace, plasma screen TV. Private bathroom - After a long day riding the trails, sit down and relax in the large soaking tub or over sized shower.

Rustlers Roost - Bunk House Accommodations
Located in the bunk house apart from the main lodge, this room features a king size bed, private bathroom, an exterior entrance. This room is perfect for mom and dad, with access to the kid’s bunk house commons.

Wranglers Rack - Bunk House Accommodations
This room for up to four is located in the bunk house apart from the main lodge. It features two queen size beds, private bathroom, an exterior entrance.

Bunkhouse Commons - Bunk House Accommodations
The bunk house commons is the perfect room for your kids! Apart from the main lodge, this room features six twin beds, two bunk beds and two trundle beds, a kitchen, an exterior entrance. (reduced rates)
MEALS AT THE RANCH... Meals prepared are family-style or buffet!
Samples of Lunches served:
Hamburgers – grilled out back and served with salad.
Chili dogs – These are not your typical hotdog. These giant dogs (1 pound) are grilled out back and topped with chili, cheese and onions.
Pulled pork sandwich with slaw on homemade buns.
Sliced brisket of beef sandwich on homemade buns and served with salad or slaw.
Asian Chicken Salad – Grilled chicken breasts with fresh greens, fruits and nuts served
with a ginger soy dressing.
Some of our adventurous guests need to take their lunch out on the trail – be it a horseback ride, jeep tour, or nature hike! Usually it would consist of something similar to: Shaved ham or turkey sandwich on homemade bread with all the trimmings, homemade potato salad or coleslaw, fresh veggies and brownies for dessert. Water and house beverages.
Samples of Dinners served:
Ribeye Steak – This is a Prime 16 oz Ribeye steak grilled out back (or ready for you to grill in the pre-prepared meals). It is served with salad, a twice baked potato (or ready to heat), fresh baked garlic bread and dessert du jour.
Grass Fed Beef from the Ranch -- When available -- Ask the Chef about availability and the particular cuts of beef that are available.
Chicken Piccata - Chicken breast sautéed in butter with lemon and capers and served over angel hair pasta. Served with a fresh green salad, freshly baked French bread and dessert.
Cherry Creek Chicken and Dumplings – Our version is a thick and creamy chicken stew served under a lattice work of puff pastry. A mixed green salad with berries and goat cheese and dessert are included.
We always finish with something sweet from our kitchen!
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
|
|
Quarter horses, Mules
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow with some trots and canters according to riding level. Working cattle may require fast canter and occasional gallop. Trail rides are in mountainous trails.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels
|
Age:
|
|
Min
8
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
250 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
20
|
Experienced riders and beginners alike will find everything they need to enjoy and take advantage of the lodge’s miles of trails, beautiful horses and professional equipment.
Our horses were bred to traverse the diverse terrain of Pleasant Valley. Any level of riding expertise can be accommodated.
Our staff will help find the horse just right for you! Each staff member has grown up with horses and taken care of them all their life. They take pride in the quality and care of each animal at the lodge.
For more experienced riders ready to hit the mountain trails on arrival, there are over 100 miles of trail on 55,000 acres of land around the lodge. Some trails are gentle and wide enough for wheeled vehicles. Others are steep, winding paths that cut through the hills on their climb to the top. Riders will need to have a moderate level of experience before tackling the steeper trails. There are a variety of trails to take that will keep guests entertained for days exploring the beautiful country around the lodge.
Or, if a guest would like to experience an actual day in the life of cowboy, he or she can accompany the ranch hands as they tend to the actual business of the ranch, monitoring the horses and cattle, riding the fence lines and so forth. In Arizona, we calve year-round and practice stringent range management. The working the cattle often includes roundups, branding, sorting, weaning, vaccinating, castrating, moving to new pastures.
Our program is very flexible -- make sure you talk to our ranch manager about what you would like to do during your stay!
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 |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Cattle Ranch in Pleasant Valley
Tour Code:
WRAZ02
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,250.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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