Tucson Treasure: Tanque Verde Ranch

 
 
 

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So there is a myth circulating about Arizona in the summertime: that when the hot temps come, we scurry indoors seeking air-conditioning and ice-cold beverages for months on end. Well, that simply isn’t true when destinations like Tanque Verde Ranch exist.


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Located in Tucson, on 60,000 desert acres weaving in and out of the Saguaro National Park, Tanque Verde Ranch is an historic property that greets guests with complete warmth, hospitality, great food and fun adventures.

A variety of accommodations are available to those checking in at Tanque Verde, each with adobe walls, Santa Fe-style architecture and Southwest-inspired furnishing that complement the desert beauty that surrounds. Couples can cozy up in the Desert Garden or Javelina Heights casitas whiles families will be more than comfortable in a large Mountain Vista hacienda. Though the interiors are ultra-comfortable and a great place to kick back after a long hike or day of horseback riding, Tanque Verde offers too many must-try alfresco pursuits that beckon guests to the great outdoors.


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Hiking, mountain biking, fishing (Tanque Verde has its own lake), yoga, tennis and pickleball are just a few of the activities that guests are invited to take part in. In fact, the ranch resort even has a weekly activities schedule for both children and adults so guests know exactly when tennis clinics or mountain biking adventures commence. There is even an on-site nature center that is a huge hit with the younger guests who want to visit the various desert creatures—including a variety of snakes—who are kept there. (Be sure to check the activities schedule to see when the center has scheduled lectures on hummingbirds or rattlesnakes, for instance.) And this time of year, simply sitting poolside makes for the ultimate day outdoors.

 

A trip to Tanque Verde simply isn’t complete if you don’t put a little giddy-up into it. The ranch resort is home to more than 160 horses, and guests of all levels of horseback-riding expertise are invited ride (even kiddos). During the walking rides (perfect for novices), the staff guides riders on an easy, gentle ride through the desert where not only the horses are beautiful, but so are the surroundings. A can’t-miss experience is the walking ride to breakfast on Sunday mornings. At 7:45 a.m., guests are invited to be a part of a guided ride to the hilltop Old Homestead (again, another easy trot). There, the staff then whips up an incredible feast of its famous blueberry pancakes, bacon, fruit, coffee and much more before the ride back to the ranch commences.


 

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A day at the ranch is certain to work up an appetite and, in addition to the remarkable breakfast ride, Tanque Verde offers up incredible buffet-style offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a truly indulgent way to end the day, request a private chef’s dinner from the amazing Executive Chef Justin Macy, previously of Miraval Resort & Spa. The six-course, wine-paired feast takes the ranch’s western style into consideration but with a modern twist. This exclusive experience will make any guest feel like a million bucks.

Another hallmark of the Tanque Verde experience, the outdoor barbecue at Cottonwood Grove takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night. As the sun goes down and temps start to ease, families gather ‘round picnic tables for a hearty meal of ribs, steak, cornbread, salads, fruits, cookies and more while enjoying living music and, most importantly, time together. 

To Learn More

Tanque Verde Ranch http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/