Back in May 2019, I was on the radio with my East Coast fam, Small Bites Radio on Wildfire Radio. And everyone kept asking about the Wild West… like the gun shooting, horseback riding, free-range roaming desert seen in all the movies. Shortly thereafter, I was at a Visit Phoenix tourism lunch meeting a lovely lady who represented two amazing ranches in Arizona and invited me to stay and play. Little did I know the White Stallion Ranch is consistently voted one of the best ranches in the United States. But I soon experienced exactly why…
We had a pretty cool June for Arizona and I was thankful for that, especially when we booked this press trip for the end of June/beginning of July. Yes, it was hot but it’s a dry heat is the ongoing joke in Arizona usually accompanied with a skeleton dying of some sort. I came early on a Friday to check in as I was trying to get immersed as soon as possible into the ranch lifestyle. Growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania, the farm life was familiar to me. When I was about 6 years old, I had a pony named Lollipop which bucked me off my first try and I immediately got back on, telling her we’re going to do this. Not much has changed in my personality since then… I also helped my mom feed the horses and shovel horse poop. So the smell of horses – and yes, the poop, too – has a sort of nostalgia attached.
This dude ranch has a history of more than 50 years of ownership and daily management by the True Family and over 75 years as a guest ranch. The True family is hands-on and its not uncommon to see everyone pitching in from tending to the horses to serving guests for dinner. The tagline of a “personal touch and hospitality of a traditional dude ranch is carefully blended with the service and amenities of a fine resort” is exactly spot on. My room wasn’t ready upon my early arrival but I was welcomed to the buffet lunch which I loved so I delved into tacos and then the tour before my room was ready.
Welcome to the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Submitted PhotoThe freezing cold dining room which we loved at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Submitted PhotoThe lodge next to the check in at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. There are also horse treats next to the check in desk and don’t forget to vote for you favorite horse of the month. They will give you a water bottle too because hydration is key in the desert heat! Submitted PhotoInside the honor system bar at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Submitted PhotoThe back patio at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Submitted PhotoThe outdoor back patio at night where we were serenaded by cowboy musicians and some local talent at White Stallion Ranch. Submitted PhotoThe pool with mountain views at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Submitted PhotoThe hot tub building and much needed shade for those that burn in the sun at White Stallion Ranch. Submitted PhotoThe gift shop next to the pool at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona where first time riders get a pin. There is also an adults only building with fitness center and spa where you can arrange a massage or other services at the front desk including professional photography if you so please. Submitted PhotoMy room was much like this deluxe king, more like a casita at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Submitted PhotoAnother view of the deluxe king room at White Stallion Ranch with a bed for another guest or child. Submitted Photo
You can watch the room tour video on our YouTube channel too for a full experience!
The ranch has several room options, from a single room to a hacienda for a family or friends to rent. The room was rustic yet luxury western style with excellent beds. It was nice to have a mini-fridge to crank your water to ice cold as well. Tap water out of the desert is always blazing hot in the summer but drinkable. The main reason to be at the ranch is riding horses obviously. They offer slow and fast rides (just what they sound like), cattle sorting, team penning and specialty rides like the beer and cheetos ride and sunset ride. The wranglers at the ranch are so happy to be there and offer lessons at an extra $20 charge for those who want to fine tune their skills.
There are sign up forms in the office each morning to make sure you get on the list of what you want to do for the next day. At first I had signed up or a slow ride in the evening but upon hearing the beer & Cheetos ride was a social hour (and included some Arizona beer… and Cheetos which seemed weird but oddly intriguing), I switched to that one. At this point the last time I rode a horse was years ago in the Poconos in Pennsylvania but I figured it was much like riding a bike and would all come back to me.
All aboard on my horse Tonto at White Stallion Ranch. He was checking me out here wondering who this lady is and attempting to nibble on my boot. I liked him immediately. They pair you with a horse for your stay so you can get to know each other and why they picked this goofball for me… well, is obvious. A few obvious rules: wear jeans, wear long sleeves to protect from the sun, wear cowboy boots and a hat. Ladies, cut your nails short both fingers and toes. And always keep ahold of your reigns, I got the side eye a lot shooting a Nikon on a horse.And we’re off past the stables into the desert at White Stallion Ranch.Out we go on a slow ride and the horses know where they’re going so no need to steer much at all at White Stallion Ranch.Beautiful desert mountains at White Stallion Ranch.Soon we start nearing the stopping point for beer & Cheetos at White Stallion Ranch.The saguaro cactus were blooming at White Stallion Ranch.We were lucky to have some cloud coverage that afternoon at White Stallion Ranch.Cheers to Arizona beer, Cheetos and pork rinds at White Stallion Ranch. With an international clientele, you meet people from all over the world like this crew from England and Australia.Our wrangler Shania was in charge of keeping us in line at White Stallion Ranch.Some of the best Arizona beers right here from Huss Brewing at White Stallion Ranch.And the runners up from San Tan Brewing to Angry Orchard to Modelo at White Stallion Ranch.Pretty cool to see cattle roaming around at White Stallion Ranch.Just hanging around getting some water at White Stallion Ranch.With a little bit of a beer buzz, it was soon time to ride Tonto back to the White Stallion Ranch.There’s my good boy with all his white spots at White Stallion Ranch.Never thought I’d do tipsy horseback riding, but when in Rome… and I can still shoot a Nikon on a horse. Sweet!Almost back to the ranch and happy with my first ride of the day at White Stallion Ranch.Our shadow at White Stallion Ranch.The large stallion statue that is amazing and impressive at White Stallion Ranch.We had just barely a drizzle that night at White Stallion Ranch.These pineapple looking cactus blooms are actually edible at White Stallion Ranch.Trying to capture some of that first night sunset magic at White Stallion Ranch.I heard the dinner bell ring and was summoned like cattle at White Stallion Ranch.What’s better than a buffet? Smoked meat ready to slice at White Stallion Ranch.I pretty much went for all the meats and was loving all the food for dinner at White Stallion Ranch.After dinner, I went to a watercolor painting class taught by Ute Vaughn who helped us create art with our horses in mind. Since I could only see other horse butts in front or behind me, I had to guess and missed Tonto’s white spot on his butt but think I did pretty good! Painting and drawing has been on my mind for a long time with no time to do it so was thankful I delved in to create.Up and at ’em the next morning for breakfast where you can order anything you want on the menu and mark the quantity down at White Stallion Ranch. I went for blueberry pancakes with bacon of course!The ceiling is made out of saguaro cactus in the dining hall which I just noticed that morning at White Stallion Ranch.We met up with Wade from Wild West Climbing that morning after breakfast for a quick hike in the desert and to rock climb on the many acres of property at White Stallion Ranch.If you get there before 11 a.m. the desert will not kill you with Wild West Climbing.Some pretty epic views with Wild West Climbing.And back toward the ranch with Wild West Climbing.Here was our intermediate 30 foot boulder to climb with Wild West Climbing. I have gone cliff jumping in the Dominican Republic so thought this would be a breeze and haven’t been rock climbing (indoors) since Philadelphia.Letting the kids go first seemed like the right thing to do at Wild West Climbing after a tutorial by Wade.The dad was like a spider monkey just speed climbing his way to the top with Wild West Climbing.After my turn of making it to the top with not enough sleep, I realized my upper body strength is not that strong plus you need your core to move and being half robot slowed me down with Wild West Climbing. Wade goes into instructions on climbing the harder part of the rock here.Wade from Wild West Climbing also has plans of making this part of his climbing options for those seriously skilled, it’s about 100 feet.After wrapping up, Wade freestyle climbs up the rocks and gives a wave as he releases the ropes.Feeling significantly fatter after rock climbing, it’s tacos for lunch after some pool time and a quick shower at White Stallion Ranch.A healthy salad seems fitting and hits the spot in the heat at White Stallion Ranch.
After lunch I meandered back into the office to try my hand at a puzzle I had been eyeballing. Once it proved more frustrating than relaxing, I opted for a nice afternoon nap. The early mornings and heat make you very cat like and I wasn’t gonna fight it. But before I went back to my room, I looked at the sign up sheets. Other activities including fat-tire e-bike riding, shooting Western style guns, the pool and hot tub, spa services, pool table, library and puzzle room were available. Most evenings had entertainment from cowboy singers, a rodeo, hayride, line dancing lessons and crafting opportunities. I chose the sunset ride!
Tonto and I are off again on another adventure at White Stallion Ranch with these adorable little guys from the start.Blessed with some clouds, we were all in for a slow ride to see those epic Arizona sunsets at White Stallion Ranch.The sun hiding behind the clouds at White Stallion Ranch.Making new friends was awesome as well like my Scottish pool buddy in front of me at White Stallion Ranch.Classic Tucson, Arizona photo at White Stallion Ranch.No editing needed at White Stallion Ranch.Surreal sunset at White Stallion Ranch.Getting harassed for not having my hands on the reigns at White Stallion Ranch… but the sunset!Just wow at White Stallion Ranch.My last shot before heading back to the stables at White Stallion Ranch.
That night for dinner I had more delicious meat… so tasty I had seconds that I could barely finish. And during dinner, we were serenaded by this musical cowboy. And again after dinner behind the main building on the back patio.
David Rychener sings “Don’t Try to Tain a Woman Like a Horse” which was a crowd favorite among other old school cowboy tunes. He said I wouldn’t be able to find him online but here he is on YouTube below! Helpful hint: Never listen to a cowboy.
Even one of the wranglers got up and sang an original love song that blew everybody away, jaws dropping, tears and all. If you’re reading this, please go get signed you are so very talented!
The next morning for breakfast we discovered there was a special item spot on the menu and found out it was this big ass burrito which was fantastic at White Stallion Ranch.Soon we were off to go shoot guns at White Stallion Ranch, also located on the grounds.Shooting the rifle was my favorite part and I was a sure shot. The pistol gave a kickback and just when I got adjusted, it would be out of bullets. Rinse and repeat! They chose these guns to reflect the true Western style cowboys would have used.Sharon and Bob Callan were our instructors and former Tucson police officers. I loved their humor on their T-shirts too!
During shooting, I was having such a great time at the ranch that I didn’t want to leave. So I reached out to the friendly staff to see if I could stay another night and they replied with yes! I was elated and instantly relaxed again. All I had to do was get a new keycard and I was all set. So back to my room to unpack and snarf down a quick lunch before nap time (again). That afternoon I went exploring Tucson with a friend who was renting a Mustang Convertible off the Turo app and I got to drive it which was a sweet ride!
The sky was absolutely gorgeous that night at White Stallion Ranch and my Nikon barely captured the hues.Chicken parm with pork roll for dinner with my new international friends that night and we all realized we are the weird kid table at White Stallion Ranch.Chocolate mousse for dessert that night at White Stallion Ranch hit the spot and gave us energy for line dancing later.Keeping these photos dark because it was super sweaty, I can’t remember all the names of dances we learned but it was fun at White Stallion Ranch.Toward the end, I just enjoyed watching everyone else dance as I was a sweaty Betty at White Stallion Ranch. There are videos… that you will never see!Our fearless dance leader and I cheesing it up after dance lessons at White Stallion Ranch. During our dancing time, one of the coordinators came over to ask if I wanted to do the fat tire bike ride and I said I was fine missing out on that. I asked when to leave the next day and she said whenever… I was blown away! Most places would be kicking you out to the curb… or bale of hay here.
The next morning I signed up for the morning ride followed by a fast ride where you had to take a test to pass first. I was barely awake for the morning ride which was good because everyone was pretty quiet. For the fast ride, I trusted in Tonto and the ranch wranglers to know what they were doing. Tonto liked running, that I could tell so had to put some faith in the universe. We slowly made our way through the test. I asked about my spinal fusion, the wrangler looked a little concerned but asked if my back hurt. I said no and figured let’s do this. And lo and behold, we would do fast spurts in the middle of the desert, then trot, then slow ride and I was absolutely fine – elated even. I trusted him with my life at the same time thinking this horse could easily kill me. I loosely signed up for lessons after that but opted for… you guessed it, a nap instead. I think my adrenaline high was crashing and lack of sleep for constant adventure was catching up with me! (You can follow along on all the horseback rides and more behind the scenes fun on our Instagram story highlights).
That afternoon after lunch, we were making leather crafts at White Stallion Ranch.Some of the samples you could make in leather making class at White Stallion Ranch.You have to wet the leather first to make it moldable then bang away at it with tools at White Stallion Ranch. This was my end of the table’s creations… one does look like a whiskey bottle and chicken leg.
And that was the end of my amazing experience after another delicious lunch. At White Stallion Ranch, the personal touch and hospitality of a traditional dude ranch is carefully blended with the service and amenities of a fine resort. The True family welcomes you to the ranch that has been their home for over 50 years. Reconnect with nature, family, friends and serenity. Ride through the unspoiled desert, rugged mountains and cactus that have brought Hollywood filmmakers to the ranch for over 70 years. No wonder it’s recognized nationally for excellence in service and value!
