White Stallion Ranch

Run by the True family for three generations, The White Stallion Ranch is all about family fun and outdoor experiences, immersing guests in the world of ranch life from the moment they enter the imposing stucco gate. A traditional dude ranch with resort touches like an outdoor pool and day spa, the White Stallion ignores no detail, from the western saddles used as stools in the honor bar to the landscaped cactus gardens (with botanical labels), grand stone fireplaces, horse imagery throughout common areas, and room numbers made from horseshoes. 

The main building contains the lobby, dining room, and honor bar, while rooms are spread out in individual casitas separated by wide, red-dirt pathways dotted with neat cactus gardens. Dusty pink adobe architecture is surrounded by cactus-studded landscape that seems to go on forever. In fact, the White Stallion Ranch spans 3,000 acres and borders Saguaro National Park, which provides the spectacular backdrop for frequent trail rides, hikes, and rock climbing excursions.  

Horseback riding is, of course, a major ranch activity, and guests are assigned a suitable horse for the duration of the stay. Near the stables, an Old West-style town is home to evening entertainment like line dancing and bonfires with cowboy songs, as well as stargazing and astronomy talks from the mountain-view patio. Meals are served family-style in a fun, western mess hall, cooked up and dished out by the family hosts. Once guests arrive, most find no reason to leave for the duration of their stay, and many return to the White Stallion year after year.

The White Stallion Ranch sits on 3,000 acres of Sonoran desert north of Tucson, in a rural area with few neighbors in sight. A car is necessary to visit nearby tourist attractions, but most guests are happy to stay at the ranch for the duration of their stay. Area highlights and activities require a drive and include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (30 minutes) and Old Tucson Studios (35 minutes). Golfers will find several courses within a 15- to 30-minute drive. Downtown Tucson is 30 minutes away by car. Tucson’s airport is about a 35-minute drive, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is around 90 minutes away. The ranch can arrange airport transfers -- they’re free for stays of four days or more, and free on-site parking is provided.

Renovated in 2015, rooms at the White Stallion Ranch are clean and spacious standalone casitas that run the gamut from Standard Single Rooms to Deluxe Suites that sleep four to two-bedroom Family Suites. There's also a five-bedroom, three-bathroom Hacienda with a full kitchen and laundry room as well as a backyard. It sleeps up to 10 people. The decor in all categories is rustic and Southwestern, with exposed wood beams, Santa Fe-style furniture, local paintings, and horseshoe hooks for hanging cowboy hats. Many rooms have gas fireplaces and most are large enough to include lounge sitting areas.

All rooms have private patios with comfy seating and some have patio fireplaces. Other standard amenities include air-conditioning, iPod docks, mini-fridges, bathrobes, hairdryers, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no TVs as guests are encouraged to fully connect with the ranch's Old West spirit. Little extras like shoe polishing cloths (riding is dusty) and bootjacks add to the authentic ranch atmosphere. Bathrooms are fairly large, with wide granite vanities, shower/tub combos, and eco-friendly toiletries. 

The White Stallion Ranch is all about horses and the outdoors, with a wide variety of trail rides including all-day trips into the canyons, as well as “wine and cheese” or “beer and cheetos” rides. All riding levels are catered to with slow rides and fast rides on offer. Lessons are available at extra cost. There are also hayrides, team cattle penning competitions, and rodeo demonstrations. Guided hikes and nature walks are offered throughout the week, and the front desk can provide self-guided routes and suggestions. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced rock climbing expeditions are also available throughout the week at an additional charge. 

The Ranch features a heated outdoor swimming pool with deck chairs, as well as an indoor hot tub. White Stallion’s spa offers an extensive range of specialist massage, facial, and bodywork treatments. The air-conditioned fitness room is fairly basic and doesn't offer much equipment -- it's just a handful of machines. There is a sauna, though, and outdoor workouts by way of a tennis court and versatile sports court (for basketball, volleyball, and badminton) that are illuminated for evening use. Tennis lessons or competitive matches can be arranged with a tennis pro, at extra cost. The game room features shuffleboard, foosball, air hockey, and billiards. Other features include a movie screening room and a small petting zoo. 

Full-board rates include lodging, three meals, all-day snacks, soft drinks, riding, most activities, and evening entertainment. Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and riding lessons are not included. For those craving an aerial perspective, helicopter tours can be arranged through an outside vendor at extra cost. Free family-friendly evening entertainment can include anything from stargazing through telescopes, to line dancing lessons, to watercolor classes, to bonfires with live country music, or a Wild West show. 

Buffet-style dining is the norm, and guests can sit inside the dining room or outside on the patio. Breakfast offers a continental buffet along with cooked-to-order options. Lunch and dinner come with hearty Southwestern inspired fare (with vegetarian options) that’s all cooked in-house. Meals are included in rates, though limited bed-and-breakfast rates are also available. A range of snacks is always on offer and includes homemade trail mix, fresh fruit, fresh baked cookies, and chips and salsa. Coffee, tea (hot and cold), and lemonade are also readily available. The bar is a highlight with its line up of saddle bar stools, solid wine selection, beer, spirits, and delicious house-made margaritas which are all available on a self-serve, honor system basis.