WILD WEST BY ROGER NAYLOR In Arizona, wide-open spaces are left just like they’re meant to be— well, wide and open. Cowboys still ride the range and coyotes serenade the rising moon. Here, the West still lives and breathes. All you need to be part of this heritage is a hat and a horse. Both are waiting for you. Unplug and slow down in the Arizona backcountry. Let stress melt away with each creak of the saddle when you cowboy up with one of these Western adventures. White Stallion Ranch, Tucson : You know you’re in Arizona when you ride among the rising saguaros in this sprawling desert outback. The luxurious property stays true to its roots as a traditional dude ranch but adds the kind of amenities you expect in a high-end resort, such as spa services, tennis courts and a heated pool. White Stallion owns one of the largest private herds of horses in Arizona, which means the right horse for every guest. And when it comes time to ride into the sunset, you won’t find any that are more spectacular. Tombstone Monument Ranch, Tombstone : For an authentic taste of the Wild West, imagine saddling up and riding to the O.K. Corral. Built to resemble a Western town, Tombstone Monument Ranch sits just outside the most famous Western town of all. Sleep in a recreated Grand Hotel, Marshal’s Office or even the Jail. High-end rooms are decorated in turn-of-the-century style. You’ll want to be well rested for all the riding options and other activities offered, like cattle penning, archery and Jeep tours. When the 16 VISITARIZONA.COM sun goes down, push through the swinging doors of the saloon to enjoy the evening’s entertainment. Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, Yucca : Hone your cowboy skills at Stagecoach Trails, where guests are encouraged to help saddle horses, groom and feed them, and put them away at night. Located in northwestern Arizona, this all-inclusive ranch features a variety of riding options, including loping and trotting through desert washes. Oversized rooms are filled with Western décor, and there’s also the Pioneer Wagon for families that yearn to sleep under the stars, though quite comfortably. Sprucedale Ranch, Alpine : Nestled in a pine-wrapped valley, Sprucedale Ranch welcomes guests eager for a taste of simple mountain life. Rides wind through sun-dappled forests and meadows drenched in summer wildflowers. Thirteen rustic yet comfortable cabins surround a main lodge at this family-owned working ranch, which offers a full slate of activities. Serious cowpokes can sign on for four-day horse drives in May and October, helping to drive the herd between seasonal pastures. Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg : Rancho de los Caballeros translates loosely to “Ranch of the Gentlemen on Horseback,” and that tells you what to expect. This is part guest ranch, part resort, where casual luxury is the norm. Rooms are scattered about the grounds in lovely casitas. Sumptuous meals are served in the festive dining room. The ranch features daily horseback rides, a full-service spa, PLAY VIDEO trap and skeet range, tennis courts, swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course considered one of the best in the state. In Arizona, that’s high praise indeed. O.K. Corral Stables, Apache Junction : Even if you’re not booking a guest ranch getaway, experienced outfitters can still put you in the saddle. Less than an hour east of Phoenix, venture into a dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape—wide-open skies, towering cacti and mountain peaks—as your experienced guide leads you through the Goldfield Mountains or the Superstition Mountain Wilderness. Beginners (and travelers short on time) can ride through the foothills on an easy half-hour ride, while more adventurous riders can opt for an all-day ride through challenging terrain. No matter which adventure you choose, the views are spectacular. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SPRUCEDALE RANCH; HEARD MUSEUM; JILL RICHARDS/EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE; WHITE STALLION RANCH
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