RIDING & ACTIVITIES

Daily life during an Elkhorn Ranch vacation experience revolves around guided horseback rides or hikes, gathering for meals at Longhouse, and the freedom to be as busy or relaxed as you please in-between. Horseback riding and guided hikes are organized by the Miller family and their crew. Other activities are self-directed. Workshop weeks are an exception, where there are organized activities in addition to riding and hiking.

Horseback riding with ranch guides, tailored to your interests and abilities
Hike with the ranch guide or on your own
Birding on the trail and around your cabin
Heated 50’ swimming pool, tennis, pickleball, table tennis, shuffle board
Natural setting inviting outdoor play for children and rejuvenation for adults
Reading, table games and puzzles ~ browse the ranch library
Be creative ~ sketch, take pictures, make music. Try a workshop week!

HORSEBACK RIDING

Western style horseback riding individually tailored to your interests and abilities on ranch raised horses. Go horseback riding high into the Baboquivari Mountains, a Sonoran Desert Sky Island, and into the grasslands of the Altar Valley.

GUIDED HIKES

Hiking adds another dimension to your Arizona dude ranch vacation experience at Elkhorn Ranch. Experience the Sonoran desert landscape at your pace hiking with the Elkhorn guide or on your own.

FUN AROUND THE RANCH

Fun and relaxation for kids of all ages takes place around the ranch buildings and especially at the heated swimming pool. Children enjoy freedom and hours of outdoor play. Adults appreciate the opportunity to slow down, rest and rejuvenate.

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Combine your creative interests with a riding vacation! The Elkhorn Ranch Workshop and Events Program invites talented people into the ranch community to inspire, teach and entertain with adult oriented and family friendly workshops.

WORKSHOP & EVENTS
SCHEDULE 2027

FAMILY FRIENDLY

OLD-TIME MUSIC

JAN 3 – 10, 2027

FOLK & BLUEGRASS MUSIC

JAN 10 – 17, 2027

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

JAN 17 – 24, 2027

DESERT LANDSCAPE ART

JAN 24 – 31, 2027

HORSEMANSHIP

JAN 24 – 31 & JAN 31 – FEB 7, 2027

HUMAN HISTORY OF THE ALTAR VALLEY

FEB 7 – 14, 2027

OPEN ART STUDIO

APR 11 – 18, 2027

DESERT CREATURES

APR 18 – 25, 2027

A MAGICAL PLACE

“Thank you, thank you once again for a most wonderful week at Elkhorn. It is truly a magical place a place that I now call, home away from home. I love visiting the Ranch and to see the Miller family and crew. This week was no exception, in fact it just reconfirmed it all once again, why this is such a special place for both me and S. We met new like minded friends and revisited with old friends. The boys had such a great time.”

~ Kerstin E, San Francisco, CA

Birds and cottontail bunnies frequent the bird watering spots around the cabins. You may find yourself becoming a birder!

LOCAL SIGHTS

Part of the joy of the Elkhorn Ranch vacation experience is that you truly do not need to leave the ranch and many people do just that. For those who want to explore the region, there are many great destinations within a 1-2 hour drive. The Visit Tucson website is a great resource.

THE ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM IS A MILLER FAMILY FAVORITE!

Miller family and Elkhorn Ranch guest favorites include:

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum ~ combination botanical garden, museum and zoo that is our #1 pick
Kitt Peak National Observatory ~ daytime tours, amazing views, and nighttime viewing experiences (must reserve in advance)
San Xavier del Bac Mission ~ tours available or drop by this active parrish
Tubac and Tumacacori Mission ~ walk amidst art galleries and shops with a southwest flair
Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens, Galleries and Bistro
Kartchner Caverns State Park is a very special place to visit — call ahead for reservations
Pima Air and Space Museum
Golf courses ~ many outstanding courses within 1-2 hour drive from the ranch
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros ~ Tucson’s professional rodeo held annually in late February