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Activities
The desert of Arizona has become one of the premiere vacation destinations in the world. Nestled up in the foothills of the Rincon and the Catalina Mountains between the Coronado National Forest and the Saguaro National Park, Tanque Verde Ranch provides an oasis of relaxation in a desert mountain setting redolent with opportunities for physical challenge as well. Through hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking with experienced trail guides, wranglers, and bikers, interacting with an often times lush and inviting desert becomes a safe, enjoyable, and thrilling experience for everyone. With 5 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, weight room, basketball, volleyball, catch & release fishing, and miles of hiking trails, fitness and vacation don’t have to stray apart. And all ranch activities are included as part of the American Plan cost.
Horseback Riding
WELCOME TO THE FINEST IN WESTERN RIDING!
The Tanque Verde Ranch has the largest stable of riding horses in Arizona, and we can certainly match your riding ability to the right mount. Every day of the year a full-time Wrangling Staff is ready to treat you to the best in Western riding. Visit our Horseback Riding page for more details on our riding program and on the riding lessons we offer here at Tanque Verde Ranch.
Hiking in the Sonoran Desert
Our guided hiking program offers miles of breathtakingly beautiful trails. Hikes range in level of difficulty to allow everyone to participate! Hiking options include level desert hikes as well as excursions into the Coronado Mountains with elevation gains of up to several thousand feet.
Pack your hiking boots to experience the beauty of the lush Sonoran desert on foot! See the unique cacti such as the giant saguaro (suh-WARE-oh), the rugged canyons and mountains of the Rincon and Catalina ranges, the desert wildlife and hidden waterfalls up close. Tanque Verde Ranch offers world class guided hiking right from our doorstep into the adjacent Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest. Let our experienced, knowledgeable naturalist guides show you the secrets of the Sonoran Desert. We offer half day hikes, sunset and sunrise hikes. Longer, more advanced hiking for a minimum of three hikers is possible upon advance request.
As an extension of our hiking program, we sponsor annual hiking trips to the Swiss Alps in September and to Scotland in May. For more information about these wonderful trips visit our Download Page and print the trip brochure out at home! The brochures give trip details and pricing.
Mountain Biking
The mountain biking program provides a fun & different way to explore the desert. Specialized mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves provided by the ranch ensure great biking experiences even for new riders! More level trails are for the novices, while steeper, rocky trails inspire the more advanced. Off ranch excursions provide an even greater perspective.
Tennis on the Omni Court
The ranch has 5 tennis courts, including three artificial turf courts, one of which is lighted for night play. A staff tennis pro(October thru April) is there to help you with your game! Group lessons in the morning provide a foundation for the afternoon mixers.
Swimming Indoor/Outdoor
The facilities include both indoor and outdoor heated pools and whirlpools, a separate children's wading pool, an exercise room, and men's and ladies' saunas. Any of these provide the perfect way to relax after a long day in the saddle!
The Nature Center
Our Nature center, open most days, allows you the close up view of some of the less approachable desert fauna such as spiders, snakes, and a rather large, ghoulish looking beetle. The Sonoran desert is one of the world's most vibrant deserts. Because of the severity of climate, hot in the summer/cold in the winter, drought ridden much of the year, both plant and animal life have evolved unique survival adaptations that are fascinating to study and appreciate.
Desert Art
Weekly classes offer instruction in landscape painting with watercolors, charcoal, pencil and other traditional desert media including mixed media and pottery. Enjoy the informality of our landscape and the excitement of seeing your creation materialize before your eyes.
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