Historic Arizona Guest Ranch

Arizona USA: (GRAZ01)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/az_historic_guest_ranch.aspx

Introduction
Arizona USA
The charming adobe ranch was built in the early 1900s, and is listed on the Arizona and National Historic Registers. While providing modern conveniences, lodging are in buildings made of adobe brick hand-made by the Maricopa Indians who lived on the nearby reservation. 
Go back in time, experience the splendor of the Sonoran Desert on horseback, enjoy unhurried time with family and friends and make some unforgettable memories. 

Accomodation


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

Description
Your package includes accommodation in the Casa Monterey and the Lodge rooms. You can choose to upgrade to Casa Grande or the Homestead House, tucked away under towering salt cedar and eucalyptus trees, for an extra fee.
Free Wi-Fi access is available at the ranch.
Laundry facilities are available for guest use for a fee.



Lodge Rooms - max 3 pax
Comfortable and charming, each guest room has a private modern bath with shower/tub combination, hand-painted Monterey furniture, custom cowboy bedspreads and drapes, and a collection of western
artwork. Choose from king, queen or twin-bedded rooms. Some rooms also have a rollaway option.



Casa Monterey - max 2 pax
This cozy suite has two twin beds and a walk-in closet. The newly-refurbished bathroom has a walk-in shower. It offers great views of the Bradshaw Mountains.



Casa Grande - max 4 pax
The spacious casita has a sitting area with fireplace and one bedroom with private facilities. There is a king-sized bed (or two twin beds), and a trundle that can sleep up to two children.



Homestead House - max 7 pax
It was built in the early 1900s and served as headquarters. Today, it retains the original thick-walled adobe ranch style and is a two-bedroom (one with Queen bed, second with King or two twin beds), two-bath cottage. It also has a sleep alcove with one twin and two twins/convertible to corner couch. Spacious and comfortable, with its own living room and fireplace, it’s perfect for families, two couples or small groups. 

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



Meals
All meals are included in this trip.

Each delicious meal is cooked by our professional chef in the homey ranch kitchen. Our guests rave about the food, which always includes plenty of choices and is served family-style in the dining room, on the patio, and on the trail. And we never skip dessert—fresh-baked cookies and pastries hot from the oven after each lunch and dinner.

A fresh pot of coffee is always ready in the lodge for our early risers, followed by breakfast before the first ride. We serve cowboy-hearty breakfast, including fresh fruit, cereal, and home-made specialties of the day.

Dinners feature home-cooked goodness, including garden vegetables and crisp salads and warm rolls, as well as choice meats, fish and poultry.

Due to state law, no outside alcohol is permitted on property. The ranch offers a private licensed bar with an excellent selection of alcoholic beverages for purchase.

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
We have a well-trained string of horses for every experience level - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Our wranglers select a horse for each rider based on his or her experience.
Before breakfast riders can come down to the corral and groom their horse if they'd like.

Riding Group
We generally have about 6 riders per wrangler. We can sometimes split rides by experience level, but you should keep in mind that we do always have to ride to the least experienced rider in the group.

Child policy
Each child (age 7 and older) is assessed for individual ability. It is not required that children are on the same ride as their parents or guardians. There is no minimum age for a child allowed to sit on horse if the parent or legal guardian is present.

Itinerary



Life at the ranch centers around our horses and riding program. 

During orientation, the staff will go over western riding techniques and explain safety precautions with the group.  Each rider is assigned to a ride group based on individual riding abilities, experience, and the type of ride that they want. More experienced riders may ride at all paces, including lope.

Favorable weather, varied terrain, and spectacular scenery make the ranch ideal for some of the finest horseback riding anywhere. Riding is done on endless trails through federal lands adjoining the ranch. Riders may canter or trot through the wash of the Hassaymapa River beneath sheer canyon walls, or climb rocky ridges for spectacular mountain views.
In addition to the stunning landscape, you may also spot some of the local wildlife. Keep a lookout for the desert tortoise, jackrabbit, or banded gecko. You may even catch a glimpse of a coyote or the poisonous but sluggish Gila monster.

Rides go out twice daily except Sundays and holidays, when the horses have the afternoon off. The morning ride departs at about 9 a.m., and the afternoon ride at about 2 p.m. All-day rides are available by request. 
Riding is included on the arrival and departure days with notice and also long as guests can arrive in time for lunch (included) on arrival day. 
On Sundays, riders have a light breakfast before hitting the trail and enjoy a cowboy cookout style brunch in the desert before their return. Guests who are checking out on Sunday are welcome to join us for the morning ride and stay for lunch (no extra fee). 



Cattle Penning
Cattle Penning, also known as Team Penning, evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring or transport. In this activity, groups divide into teams and work together to separate and move specifically identified cattle from the herd to another area of the arena.
This is a popular sport for riders wanting to test their equestrian skills with cattle, with family teams, (children ages 7 and up) and group vacationers; it requires coordination with your horse and with your teammates.



Non Riding Activities
Whether you are a rider ready for down time after a day on the trail, or a non-rider with the whole day ahead of you, there is a whole lot of non-riding activities available.

Hiking
Consider a hike on our ranch trail. The Sonoran Desert is gorgeous, and trails range from flat to gentle hills. Everyone enjoys getting out and seeing the plants and animals of the desert. Up high in the blue desert sky you may see such predator birds as the red-tailed hawk or turkey vultures, and don’t be surprised if a small group of Gamble Quail crosses your path. The nearby terrain features a variety of cacti, including the incredible giant saguaro (pronounced sah-WAR-oh), prickly pear, barrel, and jumping cholla (CHOY-yuh).

Bird Watching
The skies are alive with desert birds, and head cook Keith happily shares his avian expertise with guests.

Evenings at the lodge
Rediscover the pleasures of board games, puzzles, reading, and music in our lodge. There are also many outdoor activities at the ranch, including horseshoes, lawn area, and a pool and whirlpool spa (NOT from the 1900's).

Town of Wickenburg
This historic town makes a great day trip, with a museum full of western artifacts, ice cream parlor, western attire shops and much more! If you’re not sure where to begin, you can pop into the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce for guidance. The Wickenburg folk are so laid back that you’ll find yourself unwinding wherever you end up.


Rates and Dates for Historic Arizona Guest Ranch

Rates include:

Accommodation in Casa Monterey and Lodge Rooms, All meals & 8 days of Activities
Helmets hats and boots can be borrowed locally.

Packages and Options



Gratuity:
10 to 15% recommended. Tips can be paid by card, cheque or card.

%

Tax 1: 6.9 % * prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Gratuity: 15 %
Tax: 6.9 %  

Transfer and Other Charges:



 Description
2023 Children 5 years old and younger stay for free
2023 Child Rate (5-17 years old) - please inquire
2023 Inquire for triple and quadruple occupancy
2023 Upgrade to Homestead House (up to 6 pax) - please inquire

Season Seasons  Min / MaxReserve
B 2023 01/02 - 02/11 8d / 7n 8 day ranch stay - Mid seaso... 1 /28 Reserve
A 2023 02/12 - 04/22 8d / 7n 8 day ranch stay - High seas... 1 /28 Reserve
B 2023 04/23 - 06/10 8d / 7n 8 day ranch stay - Mid seaso... 1 /28 Reserve
C 2023 06/11 - 09/30 8d / 7n 8 day ranch stay - Low seaso... 1 /28 Reserve
B 2023 10/01 - 12/16 8d / 7n 8 day ranch stay - Mid seaso... 1 /28 Reserve
A 2023 12/17 - 12/31 8d / 7n 8 day ranch stay - High seas... 1 /28 Reserve

Dates Note: Shorter stays might be possible - please inquire
Sold Out Dates (as of 6/13/2023): June 12- Sept. 18, Oct. 11-21, Nov. 23-25, 2023

Rates do not include:

Gratuities, Taxes & Transfers

Other Info
Meeting: Wickenburg
Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Transfer: --

Climate:
                                                Wickenburg area
 

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

66

69

75

83

92

102

105

102

97

86

74

66

Average Low Temperature (°F)

33

36

40

44

52

60

70

69

61

49

38

32

Average High Temperature (°C)

19

21

24

28

33

39

40

39

36

30

23

19

Average Low Temperature (°C)

0

2

4

7

11

15

21

21

16

9

3

0

Average Precipitation (days of rain)

3

3

3

1

0

0

3

4

2

1

1

2

Source: NOAA


Seasons

Our Sonoran Desert location is a dry and arid climate. However, keep in mind that winters can warm up by day but be very brisk in the mornings and evenings.

What To Bring:

Our atmosphere is casual with an emphasis on Western wear. Jeans and long sleeve shirts recommended for most activities. 
We suggest layers to adjust to the changing temperatures and for protection from the Arizona sun’s rays. Sun screen and hats are also recommended.

Around the ranch you will need:
  • jeans or other long sturdy pants
  • long- and short-sleeved shirts
  • a warm jacket for cool desert mornings and evenings
  • layering clothing (vests, jackets) provides for temperature changes
  • swimming suit for the spa and pool
  • sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots for the hiking trail
  • gloves will keep your hands warm in the cool mornings, whether you ride or not
  • sunglasses

For horseback riding you will need:
  • long sleeved shirts for riding and hiking
  • jeans or riding pants
  • we suggest an extra layer between jeans and skin, such as tights, pantyhose, long underwear or Lycra shorts to protect you from chaffing. We sell padded skins (similar to bike shorts) in the ranch Emporium.
  • long socks
  • boots with a smooth sole and heel (loaner boots available)
  • riding helmet (loaner helmets available)
  • cowboy hat (loaner riding hats available)
  • sports bra
  • gloves for riding (available for purchase in ranch Emporium)

Bring your own personal toiletries (hairdryers are provided in each guest bathroom):
  • moisturizer is helpful in the dry desert air
  • sunscreen (available for purchase in the Emporium)