Elkhorn Ranch

In 1945 the Miller family came down from Montana to establish a winter ranch. Today Charley and Mary Miller are the third generation to run this "Riders Ranch". Elkhorn is an hour south west of Tucson (approx.50 miles) and only a few miles from the Mexican border. Located on 10,000 acres of high Arizona desert, the ranch caters to the more competent rider. To the east of the ranch in the Altar Valley, long loping rides may be taken, either on a morning and afternoon basis or on an all day ride with a picnic lunch. The ranch itself is surrounded by the Baboquivari Mountains and slower rides are taken up here onto land that borders an Indian reserve. Riding is offered every day except Sundays and occasionally a Thursday afternoon if extra shoeing is required.

The ranch has some 120 horses for guests to ride; you will need to be a reasonably competent rider to get the full enjoyment out of this charming ranch. Riders must not be over 250lbs in weight.

The accommodation is in a selection of cabins hidden amongst the mesquite bushes around the main ranch buildings. Some date from the forties and fifties but are all comfortable with en-suite bathrooms. Local furnishings have been used to maintain a southwest atmosphere. Meals are taken in the Long House which has a dinning area at one end and a large sitting room with large fireplace at the other. Plain home cooking is on the menu here, a hearty hot breakfast, light lunch and either a barbeque or two-course supper.

As Elkhorn is some distance from the road, a hire car is recommended. Nearby attractions are the Sonoran Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios and Kartchner Caverns, which have some fabulous limestone pillars in a pristine underground environment. A new cavern is due to be opened in the next two years.

The ranch is open from January to the end of April; you may start your stay any day. Transfers are available from Tucson for a charge of $48 per person each way.

 

• Licensed bar Riding
• Skeet range or riflery
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Guest capacity - 32
  
  

  Prices available on request from Just America 08448 806 802 or email enquiries@justamerica.co.uk