RIDING + ACTIVITIES
DAILY LIFE AT ELKHORN RANCH REVOLVES AROUND GUIDED HORSEBACK RIDES OR HIKES, GATHERING AT THE LONG HOUSE FOR MEALS, AND THE FREEDOM TO BE AS BUSY OR RELAXED AS YOU PLEASE IN-BETWEEN.
Favorite pastimes of Elkhorn guests include birdwatching, hiking and wandering, reading, sunning and splashing at the pool, playing games or music, and simply enjoying friendship with others and alone time.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Western style horseback riding at Elkhorn Ranch provides adventure and a great way to see the incredible scenery of the Baboquivari Mountains. The ranch’s ten thousand acres provide plenty of remote canyons and mountain country to explore, a true wilderness experience. With six guides, small riding groups are arranged carefully each day so that you may have the length and pace of ride you desire. Beginning riders of all ages have the chance to build skills and confidence while more experienced riders can find challenge and stimulation. Horses have been raised and trained here for years and we pride ourselves on having the variety that makes for fun and safety. The right horse and saddle remain yours throughout your visit.
RIDING SCHEDULE
Sunday is the horses’ day off and a chance to hike, swim, play tennis, sightsee or just loaf in the sun. Many guests use Sunday as their travel day. Beginning in January, there is no riding on Thursday afternoon to provide time for the barn crew to catch up on horseshoeing, doctoring and training. Thursday is a good day for activities around the ranch or a trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
SAFETY
Your safety while riding is very important to us. Please help Elkhorn Ranch guides keep you safe by reading the riding tips in your cabin notebook, ask questions as you go and pay attention to your guide, your horse and the other people and situation around you. Children must be six or older to ride. There is a 250 pound weight limit for all riders.
EXPERIENCE GENTLE OR LOPING RIDES THROUGH THE DESERT AND MORE VIGOROUS TRIPS UP INTO THE MOUNTAINS – INCLUDING ALL DAY VENTURES WITH SANDWICHES OR A MULE-PACKED HOT LUNCH.
EXPLORE NATURE!
Scenic mountain and desert landscape, as well as the ranch grounds, provide plenty of country for relaxed nature walks or vigorous hikes and other activities for those who chose not to ride. You can hike with the ranch’s hiking guide or on your own — the ranch crew are happy to provide trail finding tips. Bring your camera and binoculars — the wintering birds of southern Arizona are numerous and colorful. Views are magnificent and spring flowers can be glorious.
EXPLORE NATURE!
Scenic mountain and desert landscape, as well as the ranch grounds, provide plenty of country for relaxed nature walks or vigorous hikes and other activities for those who chose not to ride. You can hike with the ranch’s hiking guide or on your own — the ranch crew are happy to provide trail finding tips. Bring your camera and binoculars — the wintering birds of southern Arizona are numerous and colorful. Views are magnificent and spring flowers can be glorious.
WORKSHOPS + EVENTS
Have you ever thought of combining your creative interests with a riding vacation? Look no further! Elkhorn offers a number of special workshop week programs. You’ll get plenty or riding time, plus extra workshop activities. The Elkhorn Ranch Workshop + Events Program invites talented people into the ranch community to inspire, teach and entertain ~ an experiential travel addition to ranch life. The workshop leader(s) or Artist(s) in Residence participates in daily life, alongside our guests ~ dining in the Long House and sharing time outdoors on the trail.
WORKSHOPS + EVENTS
Have you ever thought of combining your creative interests with a riding vacation? Look no further! Elkhorn offers a number of special workshop week programs. You’ll get plenty or riding time, plus extra workshop activities. The Elkhorn Ranch Workshop + Events Program invites talented people into the ranch community to inspire, teach and entertain ~ an experiential travel addition to ranch life. The workshop leader(s) or Artist(s) in Residence participates in daily life, alongside our guests ~ dining in the Long House and sharing time outdoors on the trail.
MORE ACTIVITIES
Our tennis court and fifty foot heated swimming pool supply fun and relaxation for kids of all ages, along with shuffleboard, ping pong and horseshoes. For the less energetic, there are always lazy hours in the sun, the pleasure of burying your nose in a good book and picnics on the desert where you can go by truck out to met the riders for lunch.
MORE ACTIVITIES
Our tennis court and fifty foot heated swimming pool supply fun and relaxation for kids of all ages, along with shuffleboard, ping pong and horseshoes. For the less energetic, there are always lazy hours in the sun, the pleasure of burying your nose in a good book and picnics on the desert where you can go by truck out to met the riders for lunch.
LOCAL SIGHTS
Near by sites within an hour or so drive provide the chance to learn about southern Arizona’s natural and cultural history — the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and the old Spanish missions at San Xavier del Bac or Tumacacori. Tubac offers the opportunity to walk amidst lovely art galleries and a wide variety of gift shops, many with southwest flair. Kartchner Caverns State Park is very special place to visit — do call ahead for reservations. You can find many outstanding golf courses within a 1-2 hour drive from Elkhorn.
THE ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM IS A MILLER FAMILY FAVORITE!
