Rancho de la Osa

Rancho de la Osa calls itself Arizona’s most historic ranch. It sits in the high desert grasslands of the Sonoran Desert at Sasabe, near the Mexican border and next to a 120,000-acre national wildlife refuge, less than an hour and a half from Tucson. Its Cantina is described as the oldest continually occupied building in Arizona, and over the years its guest rooms have hosted presidents, Hollywood stars and well-known authors.

This is a small ranch, with room for about 30 guests and a three-night minimum stay. It is open from October through April, when the desert weather is at its best. Riding is offered for all levels, from beginner rides and horsemanship lessons to faster rides, and children can trail ride from age 5. Guided UTV tours, hiking, archery and shooting sports, birdwatching and a swimming pool fill the rest of the day, and the ranch runs wellness weeks and horse clinics.

Guests stay in historic rooms and suites, each with a fireplace or wood-burning stove, and meals lean toward hearty, southwestern ranch cooking, with special diets accommodated. Tucson International Airport is about 70 miles away and the ranch offers an airport shuttle. Ask the ranch for current rates.