Sample Itinerary -
subject to changes
Note: This Sample Itinerary illustrates the variety of weekly activities available, it is subject to change according to Seasons and Weather. On Sundays, there are no riding activities.
Monday
8:00am: Shooting (.22 caliber)
9:00am: Slow Ride
10:00am: Shooting (.22 caliber)
10:30am: Cattle Sorting
11:00am: Fast Ride
1:00pm: Lessons
2:00pm: Archery
2:00pm: Slow Mountain-Sidewinder
4:00pm: Fast Ride or E-Biking Intermediate or Archery
Tuesday
8:00am Rock Climbing
8:30am:Nature Walk or Breakfast Ride w/ Echo Mountain continuation or .45 Caliber Shooting
9:00am: Slow Ride
10:00am Rock Climbing
10:30am: Cattle Sorting
11:00am: Black Powder Shooting or Fast Ride
1:00pm: Lessons
2:00pm: E-biking Beginner or Slow Ride
2:15pm: Wine & Cheese Ride
4:00pm: E-Biking Intermediate or Black Powder Shooting (5ppl) or Fast Ride or Team Penning
Wednesday
8:00am: Shooting (.22 caliber)
8:30am: Mesa Vista Hike or E-biking Beginner
9:00am: Slow Mountain-Lookout
9:15am: Slow Flat Ride
9:30am: Fast Flat Ride
10:00am: Shooting (.22 caliber)
10:30am: E-biking Intermediate or Fast Mountain- Lookout
12:00pm: Hayride Lunch
2:00pm: Guided Movie Tour or Natural Horsemanship Class or Archery or E-Biking Beginner or Lessons or Slow Ride
4:30pm: Rodeo
Thursday
8:30am: Shooting (.22 caliber) (5ppl)
9:00am: E-biking Beginner or Slow Ride
9:30am: All Day Ride
10:30am: Black Powder Shooting or E-biking Intermediate
11:00am: Fast Ride
1:00pm: Lessons
2:00pm Shooting or Horseshoe Decorating or Cattle Sorting or Slow Ride
4:00pm: E-biking Beginner or .45 Caliber Shooting or Fast Ride or Team Penning
Friday
8:30am: Guided Hike- Panther Peak or Shooting (.22 caliber)
9:00am: E-biking Beginner or Slow Mountain- Suicide Pass
9:15am: Slow Flat Ride
9:30am: Fast Flat Ride
10:30am: E-biking Intermediate or Fast Mountain- Suicide Pass
1:00pm: Lessons
2:00pm: Interactive Indian History or Leatherwork Workshop or Slow Ride or Archery or Cattle Sorting
2:30pm: Beer and Cheetos
4:00pm: Fast Ride or Archery
Saturday
8:00am Rock Climbing
8:30am: .45 Caliber Shooting or Breakfast Ride w/ Panther Peak continuation
9:00am: Slow Ride
10:00am Rock Climbing
11:00am: Fast Ride or Black Powder Shooting
1:00pm: Lessons
2:00pm: Slow Ride or E-Biking Beginner
2:15pm: Half Day Ride- Perimeter
4:00pm: E-biking Intermediate or Fast Ride or Team Penning
Sunday (Horses’ Day off- No Horseback Riding)
8:00am: Rock Climbing or Shooting (.22 caliber)
9:00am: E-biking Beginner
10:00am: Rock Climbing or Shooting (.22 caliber)
10:30am: E-biking Intermediate
2:00pm: Archery or E-Biking Beginner
4:00pm: Archery or E-biking Beginner
Riding Activities
The ranch has one of the largest herds of horses in Arizona and are bound to have one just right for you. We can accommodate the experienced horse-owner to the "first-time" rider and everyone in between. When needed, our professional wranglers can help guests overcome bad experiences and instill confidence at any skill level. Our greatest reward is seeing guests and horses working well together. Children 8 and older may qualify for our fast rides, mountain rides and all day rides. Those 5 years and older will enjoy the slow rides. We offer a wide choice of rides every day except Sunday, which is always the horses’ day off.
Please, note that the rides at this ranch are mostly nose to tail due to the terrain surrounding the ranch.
Mountain Rides
What better way to explore the rugged Tucson Mountains than by horseback? Exciting and beautiful, our steep, rocky trails take you to the top of our surrounding mountains where the panoramic views are breathtaking. Ride through Movie Pass surrounded by Saguaros, if it looks familiar, that’s because Hollywood has been filming here for over 50 years.
Choose from three different mountain rides to reach the summit, where you’ll take in the panoramic view of our 3,000 acre ranch and the miles of farmland beyond. The trails can be steep and rocky, but out horses are surefooted and adept at picking their way through the rocks. Rides can be slow to fast to get to the mountain, with walking once we reach the pass. Mountain rides are available to children 8 years and older.
Slow Rides
The perfect introduction to riding and for those who prefer to soak up the sun and scenery. This is the best way to see the desert flora and fauna and experience the ecosystem of the Sonoran desert. You’ll ride all week and never use the same trail twice on our walking rides. Our wranglers use walking rides as an opportunity to share their knowledge of the desert and our horses. We ask that every guest complete a slow ride to become better acquainted with your horse and the trails before moving on to more strenuous riding activities.
Fast Rides
For those who like a little excitement, our fast rides are a great way to get the adrenaline pumping. Loping through the desert on horseback you’ll begin to believe that you really should have been born a cowboy. Intermittent walking and trotting allows you to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. Experienced riders love these rides and we pride ourselves on helping beginners gain the skills necessary to participate as well. With our wide variety of trails, fast rides are always an adventure. Our fast rides require that you be 8 years or older and have passed a lope test in our arena. This test is conducted for your safety as well as the riders around you.
All Day Rides
This ride is a combination of loping and walking, you’ll be making contact with your saddle for almost 8 hours while covering 20 – 25 miles. Lunch is served on the trail at a Ramada in Saguaro National Park West. There’s a bathroom break and plenty of water for the horses while you lunch. Highlights of this ride include traveling through rugged canyons, sandy washes and seeing Native American petroglyphs ~ not to mention some pretty great bragging rights if you come back happy!
Half Day Rides
You may choose to do one or both Half Day rides offered weekly at White Stallion Ranch. Our Half Day rides are approximately 3 1/2 hours of saddle time. One ride follows the perimeter of the ranch property while the other takes you to Javelina Canyon in Saguaro National Park. Similar to our All Day rides, Half Day rides are suited for fast riders who would like to explore more of the ranch and spend more time in the saddle.
Lessons -
extra cost
For beginners and experienced riders alike, everyone learns from our patient and knowledgeable wranglers. Work on improving your control and communication, learn western equitation, or overcome challenges you may be having. Riding lessons will quickly increase your confidence and improve your riding experience.
Lessons are the only riding activity with an extra charge.
Cattle Penning
You will acquire the skills and understanding of cattle work while doing it. Learn how to turn or stop a steer, by applying pressure as you put your horse in the right position. With a just little practice, you’ll see an improvement in your timing and ability to read a cow. It’s rewarding, fun and challenging.
Team Penning*
This guest favorite is as much fun as you can have on the back of a horse, it is a total adrenaline rush! You and three teammates ride “Bonanza” style into a herd of cattle in our rodeo arena and separate out three to move to a pen. To up the stakes, this is a timed event, but you are welcome to ride at whatever speed you find most comfortable. It’s all about teamwork, so our wranglers will give you tips and instructions. Team Penning lasts about one hour, and each team gets three rounds to better their time. It’s exciting and challenging, and you will rely on everything you’ve learned about riding – when you finish, you’ll feel like a real cowboy/cowgirl! If you don’t have a team, don’t worry, we will match you with others, and our wranglers are always happy to ride! This is a fast ride.
Hayrides
Every Wednesday, climb aboard our hay wagon, decked out with hay bales for seats and powered by a magnificent team of draft horses. You’ll be transported to lunch the old fashioned way, through the desert to our cookout site with Panther Peak as your backdrop. Enjoy “All American” hamburgers and hotdogs cooked over a fragrant Mesquite fire with all the trimmings – Delicious vegetarian options are always available. Russell presents a brief but very entertaining overview of the ranch – past and present – while you soak up the sunshine and fresh desert air.
Tuesday evenings in the summer, perfectly timed for our brilliant Arizona sunsets, we offer a Monsoon Mule hay wagon ride complete with Moscow Mule adult beverages and Prickly Pear Lemonade for the kids. You’ll be amazed by the colors of the desert as it glows in shades of red and orange.
Wine & Cheese Rides
Enjoy a scenic walking ride to a secluded corner of the ranch, surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. Here, you’ll be presented with a unique selection of wines and enjoy assorted cheeses, crackers and bread. Your horse waits patiently only a stone’s throw away while you relax and enjoy the company of your fellow riders.
Beer & Cheetos Ride
This is the perfect way to get to know your fellow guests in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere! We’ve chosen a very special spot in the desert, added picnic tables for you and a picket line for your horse and “Voila!” A fun way to spend a lovely afternoon with friends old and new… You’ll unwind with an ice cold beer and an assortment of crispy, orange empty calorie snacks served up by your wranglers.
*Additional cost if staying less than 4 nights
Non-Riding Activities
Rodeo
Once a week the True family and friends present an exhibition rodeo in the large arena. Russell narrates, explaining the objective of each event, noting fun facts and illustrating the history of rodeo. Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Break-a-Way Roping and Bulldogging (or Chute Dogging) are most often presented. The Rodeo opens with the Lee Greenwood song “I’m Proud To Be An American” and a dramatic horseback presentation of the American flag, as well as a mounted honor guard presenting flags for the countries of each of our foreign guests.
Hiking
We offer several guided hikes weekly: from a family-friendly, informative, nature walk to increasingly challenging hikes up Mesa Vista and to the top of Panther Peak. Guests may hike without our guides, directions and suggestions are available at the Front Desk and from our guides.
Rock Climbing*
If you’ve never tried climbing before, here’s your chance to experience it in an incredible setting. If you’re an experienced climber, you will definitely be challenged by our climbs! If you are a beginner, you will experience the accomplishment of completing your very first climb. We provide all the necessary climbing gear; helmets, shoes and hardware. Our Certified Climbing Instructor will guide you climbing boulders and faces on the east end of the ranch. He has designed beginner, intermediate and advanced climbs.
The climbing program is based on top roped bouldering and top roped single pitch climbing. Climbs range from 30′ to 60′ with difficulty ratings from 5.3 to 5.12+ with every rating in between. We currently offer 30 different routes and we’re still expanding. Climbing is offered 3 days a week, with two 2-hour climbs. You’ll experience all the conveniences of a climbing gym with the added thrill and challenges of real rock, fantastic weather and the beauty of the Tucson Mountains. Team Building Programs are also offered through our climbing program, please inquire for details.
Shooting*
If you’re ready to “Get Western” visit the ranch shooting range for professional instruction, honing your skills and some friendly competition.
You’ll be shooting Cowboy style Henry Yellowboy .22 caliber lever action rifles and Ruger .22 caliber single action pistols (Minimum age for .22 shooting is 8 years old). Using small caliber rifles and pistols with very little recoil, you can comfortably practice your skills on the steel reactive targets. These reactive targets let you know you’ve hit the mark by flipping, moving or making noise. A dueling shooting tree is used for competitive shooting – leaving no doubt as to who earned the bragging rights as “top shot.”
Black powder rifles were used by Mountain Men and Pioneers to tame the West in the early 1800’s (Minimum age 14 years old). Now you can try our black powder percussion .50 caliber Hawken rifles. Learn how to load the powder and ball (by pouring and ramming it down the muzzle) and experience the power of these historically accurate firearms.
Shooting .45 caliber firearms offers a very special opportunity to try some of the most famous guns of the West: Winchester 73 (rifle) Colt Peacemaker (pistol) Coach Gun (double barrel shotgun)
This activity (shooting .45 caliber) is not included in the Package – and is available at an addition cost of $75 (minimum age 14 years old).
Fat Tire Bikes*
Now you can travel the Ranch on one of our Radpower E-Bikes. Use the power when you need it and peddle when you want, it’s a brand new way to see the Ranch at your own speed. The power of E-bikes equalizes the experience for everyone, making it possible to explore a variety of trails regardless of difficulty.
Entertainment
You’ll enjoy amazing performances and educational events most evenings after dinner. Our schedule includes: a moonlight bonfire with a cowboy singer, an astronomy show with large telescopes, line dancing lessons, nature and animal programs, watercolor classes with our resident artist Ute Vaughn and Loop Rawlins’ Wild West Show of Trick Roping, Whip Cracking & Gun Spinning.
Archery*
Recurve bows of all sizes for all levels of strength. Minimum age 5 years old.
*Additional cost if staying less than 4 nights
Facilities at the Ranch
- Tennis
- Basketball (full court)
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Heated pool
- Hot-tub
- Movie theater
- Game room
- Petting zoo
- Fitness center
- Gift shop
- Sauna and massage services
There are golf courses nearby, as well as many museums and historic venues to visit in Tucson.