Horseback riding in fresh air outdoors and social distancing are a match made in heaven, but day-to-day guest ranch life requires adjustments to decrease risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our plan focuses on ranch guests and crew. It describes the measures Elkhorn Ranch takes to minimize risk and adhere to federal Center for Disease Control (CDC), State of Arizona and/or Pima County guidelines or rules.  It is adaptive by design and we welcome feedback.

What can we do to increase your confidence and comfort before and during your Elkhorn visit? We welcome your ideas!

RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN COMMUNICATION

Our COVID-19 Risk Management Plan is published here and available upon request. Guests’ advance review of this plan is indicated by initialing the Application for Reservation form. Ranch crew members’ advance review is indicated by a question on the ranch job application. Pre-arrival communication will ask about travel and special needs and request that you monitor your health prior to your ranch visit. If COVID-19 or other infectious disease symptoms are present, we respectfully ask that you choose not to travel to Elkhorn Ranch. Expect a phone call or email 2 – 3 weeks ahead of your visit to check in about your visit!

If you must cancel at the last minute, the Elkhorn Ranch cancellation policy enables you to carry over your deposit to a future reservation (less $100 per person).

ELKHORN RANCH AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

Until further notice, airport transportation services are limited to those who truly need our services, with age and ability as primary considerations. Separate parties are not mixed on airport runs unless both parties agree in advance. This limits the number of airport transport runs we can take and our ability to minimize wait times. Masks are not required, but the policy may be changed at any time in response to local conditions and/or local or federal recommendations or mandates.  The ranch office keeps a list of reputable shuttle services willing to travel to our location. Contact us or call 520-822-1040 for the current list.

For the 2022-23 guest season, we request that you rent a car or use Tucson based car services if you are able and comfortable doing so.

DAILY LIVING

Hand sanitizer is widely available at communal locations. Masks are not required, but the policy may be changed at any time in response to local conditions and/or local or federal recommendations or mandates.

 (In the event of masks becoming necessary again, the policy from our  previous two seasons would be utilized again.  Elkhorn’s mask policy included wearing masks any time you’re indoors in a public space such as the office, computer room or dining room (except when eating), riding in ranch vehicle, and mounting or dismounting your horse. The same guidance applies to ranch guests and crew ~ masks are provided to our crew. Professionally made two layer masks (made of natural fiber materials by www.nakmasks.com), designed to hang around your neck when not in use, are sold at the ranch office in various sizes. You are welcome to wear your own masks as well ~ please note that a bandana will not suffice as a mask. We sincerely hope that these mask wearing policies will not be necessary, but feel it is important to evaluate this closer to your visit.)

Mask wearing policies will be determined in the fall of 2022.

DINING

Hand sanitization supplies are available at all entrances to the dining room. Seating is more spread out in the dining room and outdoors.  An awning can cover part of the patio. The “party tent” over the picnic tables remains. Outdoor patio style heaters take the chill away in the evening.  Take-out service may be requested. Portable “TV tables” are available in all cabins for more comfortable dining in ~ rest assured there are still no TVs!

The patio heaters have been a big hit and are here to stay!

HOUSEKEEPING AND GENERAL CLEANING

Following research and consultation with experts, new cleaning products and practices are in place that meet national disinfectant standards. “Hot spots” where people touch often (like door knobs or light switches) will be disinfected multiple times per day in common areas. Normal housekeeping practices involving daily service in the morning and evening bed turn down continue. Each cabin has a housekeeping kit should you wish to take care of things yourself. We welcome your ideas and insight!

Note that Elkhorn buildings do not have air conditioning nor recycled air – you can open windows to let in fresh air!

ILLNESS WHILE AT THE RANCH

Should someone become ill, the individual is isolated in their cabin and care is arranged in coordination with the individual (and other members of their party). Care arrangements address both the needs of the patient and others residing at the ranch.

Strategies include: providing take-out meals, minimizing housekeeping, and excluding the person from riding and other group oriented ranch activities. These practices are extended to other members of the party as appropriate.

VACCINATION AND TESTING

We strongly recommend full COVID vaccination and testing prior to your visit.