Elkhorn Ranch | Arizona

Stays are generally 7 nights starting on a Sunday. Cabins are equipped with private baths, electric heaters and good reading lights and some have separate sitting rooms or fireplaces. There are no television, phones or Wi-Fi in the rooms. The cabins are scattered throughout the mesquite to provide privacy.

Great meals are offered at this ranch and there are opportunities for sunning on chaise lounges, writing, reading or socializing with friends or family. Home cooked meals are served buffet style at the Long House three times a day and you can order a hot breakfast for a hearty start to the day. Meals are well-balanced, nutritiously prepared and the variety appeals to most appetites.  Breakfast may be a self-service to avoid staff touching. There is no Bar at the ranch but your are welcome to bring your own alcohol.

Horseback riding at the Elkhorn provides plenty of opportunity for adventure and a great way to see the incredible scenery of the Baboquivari Mountains.

There’s a variety of scenic mountain trails as well as desert country for faster riding. Rides are arranged just ahead of time at mealtimes so they are sure who is participating.  They also keep the rides pretty small – generally 6 people or less.

This also gives the staff the chance to help people learn and adapt to the riders’ needs and interests. When families stay, members may ride together, separately or both. Families will stick together the first few rides and then the kids branch off into a “pack” of their own and mostly ride together, as well as a lot of playing!

Another charming thing about Elkhorn is that all the horses live there year round and are owned by the Miller family.  They get the summer off so are in great condition. The owners raise and train many on the ranch.

You keep the same horse and saddle throughout your stay, unless there’s a problem in which case  they make whatever change is needed. Horseback riding at the ranch provides plenty of opportunity for adventure. Maximum riding weight is 17.8 stone or 250 lbs.

Gentle or loping rides through the desert and more vigorous trips up into the mountains are offered almost every day except Sunday, when the horses a given the day off. Thursdays are also just one ride in the morning.

The Elkhorn does not supply riding hats so if you wish to wear one, you will need to take your own. There are lots of wide brimmed hats to borrow.  They also require you to ride in Western boots with a heel, the short elasticated ankle boots are not acceptable. There is a cupboard full of boots to borrow as well.

The majority of visitors stay at The Elkhorn to take advantage of the better riding. There is a Teens and Kids Programme and young children are supervised around the barn and while out riding. There is an ample supply of board games and puzzles, Ping-Pong, Shuffleboard, tennis and basketball to enjoy. Bird watching and hiking are also popular pastimes. There is also a 50ft heated pool to relax in after a day of riding.