The first time I visited Wickenburg, Arizona was for an old Western town style photoshoot at Robson’s Ranch for local and out of town models. I had no clue what I was getting into at the time but was new to the desert and thought it would be a great way to meet some fresh faces and see new places. I has just bought my brand-new Honda whip at the time and remember being a little stressed about driving on long, windy rock roads… it seems that old West town for rent still exists although more rundown but it’s kind of rad concept. Sharing this photo below as it’s one of the only ones that I liked that was captured that day. I had chopped my hair off because of the new-to-me heat. Let’s just say the shootout was a little too Wild West even for me and I can’t unsee what I saw that day…
Model Cassie Hepler poses for Carl Hurst Photography at Robson’s Mining Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona.
I do recall going out into town that night with some new friends, having a fun time playing pool and drinking way too much whiskey but that’s as far as the memories go. Until now with a completely different experience at a place I haven’t even heard of until this year! Originally founded in 1948, Rancho de los Caballeros is a family-owned and operated ranch resort with a whopping 20,000 acres across the High Sonoran Desert. Spanish caballeros means “gentlemen on horseback” which is reflected in the Southwest hospitality and utmost respect for nature.
Shifting ownership through a few decades, the ranch was transferred in 2021 to a duo of families with horse lover Sandy Cutler and his family overseeing the hospitality. All of the said families were frequent guests of the property as well as admirers of the warm, always-present, Southwestern hospitality and wanted to bask in it more frequently. You can sense this space is well loved and I’ve never seen a horse corral so immaculately clean. Ranch hint: If you ever want to know anything about a space, go look at the horses and their barn. Are they fat, fuzzy and happy? Bingo!
And since Cowboy Culture is making a comeback with TV shows like Yellowstone and 1883, experiencing the West is cool again – especially since TikTok trends made it so. (Try to keep up Instagram and Facebook… soon to be a dinosaur like MySpace… mark my words!) But this story is more of the cowgirl kind… meaning every single media invite was a woman and I’m here for it. Not sure if that was on purpose, but it made me like Los Cab even more.
Located an easy hour West of Phoenix, this luxury space offers almost any cowboy or cowgirl style, including horseback riding, roping and barrel racing lessons, combs and tack lessons, team penning, and traditional rodeos led by the Head Wrangler Tony Thompson and his team of professional wranglers. Each day, there is a list of activities available including trap and skeet shooting, archery, cookout under the stars, yoga, swimming and more.
Arriving to Rancho de los Caballeros during a moody storm was one of my favorite parts!Off the main road just down a couple miles is this discreet sign tucked away at Rancho de los Caballeros.Nature in every direction at Rancho de los Caballeros.A duck pond at Rancho de los Caballeros.I had to swing by and see the horses first at Rancho de los Caballeros.The horses were all lined up sunbathing as it was oddly cold and rainy at Rancho de los Caballeros.Then I drove over to find the lobby at Rancho de los Caballeros.A blowing in the wind moment with lavender at Rancho de los Caballeros.The tennis courts adjacent to the lobby at Rancho de los Caballeros.I was slightly obsessed with this door leading to the lobby and the knocker so very Labyrinth at Rancho de los Caballeros.Did I mention obsessed? I need one of these at my house!A pool table greets you in the lobby of Rancho de los Caballeros.The lobby lounge at Rancho de los Caballeros.The fireplace that smells like home at Rancho de los Caballeros.A grand piano for anyone that plays at Rancho de los Caballeros.The game room at Rancho de los Caballeros.Let’s not forget the Trading Post gift store at Rancho de los Caballeros.Get decked out in all your cowboy and cowgirl gear at Rancho de los Caballeros. The historic town along with the ranch has shops full of western wear including large hand forged belt buckles, bolo ties, bandanas, cowboy hats and boots with custom branding options, and more.Hop on a saddle for pics if you must at Rancho de los Caballeros.Just as I was done checking in, a rainbow appeared at Rancho de los Caballeros. I then knew it was gonna be a magical stay!They give you a map which is good at Rancho de los Caballeros because you will get lost!Our room at Rancho de los Caballeros on the corner with outside patio.The interior at Rancho de los Caballeros with a murphy bed hidden in the wall.The view from the table at Rancho de los Caballeros.A peek outside at Rancho de los Caballeros.A mini kitchen at Rancho de los Caballeros with cheese, wine and snacks.A boho chic style dresser snuggled in the kitchen at Rancho de los Caballeros.The master bedroom at Rancho de los Caballeros. The bed was sooo comfy!To the right of the master bed at Rancho de los Caballeros.And the TV I didn’t touch for once at Rancho de los Caballeros.The bathroom boasted this jacuzzi tub which we didn’t have time to use sadly at Rancho de los Caballeros also a standing shower next to it with eco-friendly toiletries.Hers and hers sinks this time at Rancho de los Caballeros.The hidden murphy bed which was just as comfy as the master at Rancho de los Caballeros. I thought it was doors at first.Even the entryway was carefully thought out at Rancho de los Caballeros down to the designer trash can in the master bedroom!The Arizona wine that was gifted upon arrival at Rancho de los Caballeros. Learn more about Arizona wines on Explore with Cassie!We were also gifted these adorable decorative pillows the landscape one lives on my green velvet couch now!A little snack before dinner at Rancho de los Caballeros, we saved the fruits for our horses with a built into the wall desk to work at behind the food.Dark clouds breed beautiful sunsets at Rancho de los Caballeros.We were soon whisked away to 19, the fine dining restaurant at Rancho de los Caballeros.
Executive Chef Jacob Ellis spearheads 19 showcasing farm-fresh cuisine, an amazing view and a 2,000 bottle wine cellar built into the wall. It’s the new fine dining concept since the golf course has 18 holes and the last stop is dinner at 19! One of the only upscale dining options in Wickenburg, Arizona, this spacious location with perfect sunset views offers farm-fresh cuisine, restful and refreshing cocktails and more. Guests can enjoy an a la carte dinner, or indulge in the ever-changing five-course tasting menus. And for large parties, there is a separate dining room for privacy. Dress code is expected here, no Arizona flip flops or shorts allowed. Our media group ate our way through the menu and enjoyed the wine list and loved every bite, laughing along the way. Certainly worth the fancy pants (or dress)!
The fine dining eating area of 19 at Rancho de los CaballerosA peek at the wine “cellar” at Rancho de los Caballeros.We were tucked back into the long table in the nook near the Exit sign at Rancho de los Caballeros.Outside offers the best sunset views at Rancho de los Caballeros.Imagine some wine by the fire here at Rancho de los Caballeros. Heavenly!A view of the storm passing through at Rancho de los Caballeros.And so dinner began after a cocktail hour at 19 at Rancho de los Caballeros.A peek at the wine by the glass menu at Rancho de los Caballeros.Our hostess enjoyed sending wine bottles to the table which we all enjoyed at Rancho de los Caballeros. This was perfect for my palate!Jamie Cerreta of Arizona Family News enjoys this Zinfandel wine with Ribbitt cork at Rancho de los Caballeros.An amuse bouche to start at Rancho de los Caballeros was perfection.The quiche was outstanding as well at Rancho de los Caballeros.Lobster bisque on point at Rancho de los Caballeros.Fresh tuna is one of my favorites at Rancho de los Caballeros.The biggest burrata we devoured at Rancho de los Caballeros.Christina from Write on Rubee got this massive tomahawk at Rancho de los Caballeros… to share we swear!My guest enjoyed this massive sea bass at Rancho de los Caballeros.And I was obsessed with the venison and beets at Rancho de los Caballeros.Wining down for dessert with this red at Rancho de los Caballeros.And enjoying all the chocolate layers at Rancho de los Caballeros.Creme brûlée is always a classic at Rancho de los Caballeros.Executive Chef Jacob Ellis killed it that night at 19 at Rancho de los Caballeros. Bravo!Breakfast was served buffet style in the dining hall at certain times and I made sure to get recharged with even more food!Lots of wine was flowing for dinner so it was a light breakfast for me in the morning but there’s always room for bacon at Rancho de los Caballeros.We then moseyed on over to the horse stables and found our furry friend fast, Rivet at Rancho de los Caballeros.
Did you know I had a pony growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania? Her name was Lollipop and she did not want me to ride her, would kick me off and I’d get back on – rinse and repeat which is kind of a metaphor for my life! We also had a barn with horses as well as chickens, random cats people would drop off with kitten hunting in the hay each Spring and a sheepdog mix, Bo from Dukes of Hazard who would take us on sled rides in the winter. Nostalgic times which is why I am so comfortable with these beautiful beasts during our morning horseback ride.
We saddled up for a 2 hour tour through the High Sonoran Desert the next morning. Arriving at the immaculately clean corral at Rancho de Los Caballeros full of fat, happy horses, the trained wranglers pair you with one of the over 85 steeds based on personality and individual skill level, beginner for our group. Make sure to wear your cowgirl (or cowboy) boots, jeans, long sleeve shirt, hat and sunglasses for all those desert cacti and stabby plants. Once saddled and set, we meandered out into the desert where we saw breathtaking views of the vast Sonoran Desert including unique landscapes, diverse wildlife and sweeping mountain ranges are just a few sights you’ll see under the warm desert sun. My horse wanted to run and was the butt biter of the group, I always get the feisty ones which honestly fits my spirit too! Once we returned, we were so relaxed as your heartbeat matches that of the horse which is why they’re so therapeutic. Even if you’re scared af, at least try it once and see all the fun rides (and cattle penning) they offer. Yee-haw!
I was excited to see who my horse would be at Rancho de los Caballeros. They’re all saddled and ready to ride here.And here we are together as always the sassy butt biter of the bunch at Rancho de los Caballeros.Our trusty cowgirl leader gets ready to ride at Rancho de los Caballeros.We had a nervous group so were going at a beginner pace at Rancho de los Caballeros.At this point I think it has been 3 or 4 years since riding last at Rancho de los Caballeros for me.Soon we were climbing to the top of a mountain at Rancho de los Caballeros.With spectacular views at Rancho de los Caballeros!Rivet was being a good boy eating the Palo Verde tree and not biting butts, prompting a snack session among the horses.A fun photo on top of the mountain with fellow cowgirls at Rancho de los Caballeros.Our shadow moving as one at Rancho de los Caballeros.Heading back down was beautiful at Rancho de los Caballeros.At this point I was so relaxed it was uncanny at Rancho de los Caballeros.Heading home and my heart rate had synched with the horse at Rancho de los Caballeros.People live on the land in houses as well at Rancho de los Caballeros.You could feel the horses happy to be home at Rancho de los Caballeros.Giving my good boy some more love at Rancho de los Caballeros after I dismounted. They say they can make you walk like a cowboy and that’s for sure!My guest loving on her good boy too at Rancho de los Caballeros.A bird watches us from his cactus perch at Rancho de los Caballeros.A picture perfect moment at Rancho de los Caballeros.And for lunch, picnic style sandwich hit the spot at Rancho de los Caballeros. I was starving as horseback riding burns tons of calories! They also had hot dogs and burgers on the grill including veggie burgers.After we checked out, it was time to learn to golf finally at Rancho de los Caballeros. It’s been on my bucket list for years!Into the gift shop we went and were immediately greeted by Justin at Rancho de los Caballeros. You can buy anything you need here and sign up to play!
Initially built in 1980, 18-hole luxury course Los Caballeros Golf Club has been operating alongside Rancho de los Caballeros. Players are greeted with the sprawling, luxe greens of championship-caliber 18-hole golf course along with breathtaking views of the nearby Bradshaw Mountains. Step outside the norm and play a round with family, friends, or fellow guests during your stay at the authentic guest ranch. Helpful hint: check their website for deals often. Make sure to swing by the Golf Shop featuring an array of everything you need for golfing and more. Huge shout out to Justin who gave me and my guest a private golf lesson that was so much fun and showing us how it’s done right. I’m certainly hooked and always love learning to hone my skills. It’s tee time!
But first we posed for some pics with our golf cart which is half the fun at Rancho de los Caballeros.While we waited for Justin to finish his day, we tried some practice shots at Rancho de los Caballeros.Memories of mini gold came back to me but it’s nothing like it at Rancho de los Caballeros.These pics took a lot of effort to actually hit the ball at Rancho de los Caballeros.But I did even if it was just a little bit at Rancho de los Caballeros.For the pros, a score keeping card at Rancho de los Caballeros.And so you can see the lay of the land at Rancho de los Caballeros with restroom code because they have some seriously nice bathrooms.Here’s the man to show us how it’s done, Justin DelBianco in Arizona for the peak golfing season at Rancho de los Caballeros.It was probably at this moment he realized I had no clue what I was doing but was patient, encouraging and kind at Rancho de los Caballeros.I learned how to hold and swing correctly at Rancho de los Caballeros.A little put put action here at Rancho de los Caballeros.A snack cart appeared at Rancho de los Caballeros but we were still full from lunch.Justin knocking it out of the park at Rancho de los Caballeros. His ball tracking skills were amazing.Can’t miss the logo at Rancho de los Caballeros.Another space Justin was slaying at Rancho de los Caballeros.Here you can see him rip up the turf with a chunk flying in the air at Rancho de los Caballeros.When that happens, a sprinkle of sand and grass seed from the cart is needed.See the difference here and once you know, you can see new grass growing everywhere.The golf course is pristine and a lovely way to spend a day in the sunshine at Rancho de los Caballeros.My attempt at telling the ball where I need it to go!If I could spend a day whipping around in the golf cart, that would be fun too!Justin attempts to fix my swing at Rancho de los Caballeros. Sometimes you do want to dig into the earth!One last attempt to get it in the hole at Rancho de los Caballeros.I also learned that women have lighter golf clubs that bend more and I’m still not sure exactly why… but did appreciate that Justin matched the bag to my outfit!I could have spent all day out in the sunshine playing on the green however my elderly cat anxiously was awaiting me at home. But with these views, I just might come back to Rancho de los Caballeros and learn more!And lucky me, right before we left to give our horses their fruit snacks, I was able to snag a classic pic with the new owner Sandy Cutler and this treat seeking horse.
Wickenburg is the roping capital of the world, home on the range and this Spanish caballeros’ cowboy culture is a historic dude ranch, resort and spa. Hopefully we’ll be back for more once they add two more swimming pools and to experience the zen spa, yoga and shoot some guns cuz it’s all about balance in the Wild West. And of course to visit Rivet, my newest furry friend!
