A Horseback Riding Vacation at Kay El Bar Ranch, Wickenburg, Arizona

Looking for a budget-friendly dude ranch in Arizona? Kay El Bar Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona has the distinction of being one of the first dude ranches in Arizona. Often called the Dude Ranch capital of the world, Wickenburg is also the team roping capital.

 Located 5 minutes from downtown Wickenburg and 1.5 hours northwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Kay El Bar Ranch is a western history buffs dream come true. The all-inclusive guest ranch offers horseback riding, archery, sport shooting, hiking and UTV rides through the Sonoran Desert.

What to expect at Kay El Bar Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona

I first visited Kay El Bar Ranch in January 2010. Now that the guest ranch is part of the True Ranch Collection, I thought it was time for an update. Fortunately, not much has changed at the ranch. There are still no televisions in the rooms and the cell service is spotty. There is WiFi available at the ranch. However, one of the purposes of visiting a guest ranch is to step back to a simpler way of life with less distractions. I consider watching cottontail bunnies and coveys of quail cross the lawn a pleasant distraction.

Homesteaded in 1909, the adobe lodge, a T-shaped building, is made of sun-dried brick with walls 12″ to 18″ thick. A river rock fireplace anchors the living room, with comfortable leather sofas across from the fireplace. Look up to the ceiling beams. The wood is made from the first telephone poles in the Wickenburg area. A circular wood table, toward the end of the adobe building, is a great place to play board games or put together a puzzle. There are several acoustic guitars waiting to be strummed. Western artwork adorns the walls.

The bar is where you’ll find liquor, wine, beer and soft drinks. It’s an honor bar system. You’ll settle up at check-out. This is also where nightly appetizers are served. More on that later.

Wickenburg horseback riding vacation

Most folks come to the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch for a horseback riding vacation. With approximately 50 horses at the ranch, there’s a mount to match every rider’s ability. Guests sign up for next day ranch activities after dinner. In addition to trail rides in the Sonoran Desert, there is an opportunity for cattle work or a lunch ride (upon request.) Rusty or first-time riders may request a horseback riding lesson in the enclosed arena for an additional charge.

All equestrians take a morning walking ride. An arena test is required for a fast ride. Cowboys and cowgirls must be 5 years old to horseback ride. Advanced trail rides are for ages 8 and up. Don’t forget to pack your cowboy boots and a cowboy hat with a stampede string. There is a boot shack by the arena if you need to borrow a pair. Ranch attire is sold in the lodge.

On my first day at the ranch, I had the pleasure of riding with 5 cowgirls. They originally met in Tennessee in 2017. Some ladies have since moved away. However, they still manage to gather together several times a year for a horseback riding vacation. Beverly Copeland from Wyoming told the ladies of some of her favorite places to ride and they’ve been traveling ever since.

“I thought the horses were in great condition and the saddles were comfortable,” said Andrea Tardiff of Ocala, Florida. Her comment speaks volumes as to the caliber of the herd, as all of these equestrians own their own horses.

Valerie Reid of Franklin, Tennessee enjoyed the history of the ranch. “I liked that they maintained the history of the buildings. Also, the staff knows hospitality. They make you feel like you are home. We liked the hot tub, too!”

Kay El Bar Ranch activities

In addition to horseback riding, Kay El Bar Ranch offers archery, sport shooting, hiking, UTV rides and games like corn hole. Additionally, there is an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.

On my visit, 3 sisters gathered for their yearly trip. Much to my surprise, none of the ladies planned to enjoy a horseback riding vacation. Becky Jones of Gilbert, Arizona had this to say about her vacation.

“The Kay El Bar Ranch exceeded my expectations. It’s rustic and very calming. I wasn’t riding here. Just being around the horses was calming. The staff was very welcoming, too.”

Dining at Kay El Bar Ranch

Kay El Bar Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona is an all-inclusive dude ranch in the Sonoran Desert. Each member ranch in the True Ranch Collection is unique. With a maximum capacity of 25 guests, you’ll have a chance to get to know fellow riders over meals. The ranch offers breakfast, lunch and dinner meals served buffet-style. One of my favorite parts of the day, besides horseback riding, was hearing the dinner bell ring.

Morning meals feature eggs, thick cut bacon, pancakes, oatmeal and yogurt with fresh fruit and granola. This might be in addition to biscuits and gravy or waffles with maple syrup. Cowboy coffee, juice, tea and water are also available.

Lunch might be a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fresh fruit, salad fixings and chips. Every day the chef bakes homemade cookies, rice krispie treats or, if you are lucky, brownies.

Dinner was a pleasant surprise, with better food than some of the more expensive guest ranches. Make sure to stay at least five days. This will increase your odds of being on the receiving end of the ribeye steak seared in duck fat, with a baked potato, vegetable medley and yeast rolls. Chef John Blue makes a mean pomegranate glazed cheesecake or New Orleans bread pudding with whiskey brown sugar sauce. The nightly appetizers are not to be missed.

The Kay El Bar Ranch is happy to accommodate special dietary needs or requests with advance notice. Notify the ranch of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.

Lodging options at the ranch

There are 11 guest accommodations at Kay El Bar Ranch, including the multi-room Homestead House. Built in the early 1800’s the Homestead House sleeps 7, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, four beds and a fireplace. Casa Grande has more of a great room feel for families. My husband and I stayed in lodge room #3, with a cozy queen bed and private bathroom with a tub/shower combination.

The Kay El Bar guest ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona is open the beginning of October and closes the beginning of May. The True Ranch Collection offers other Arizona ranches that are open year-round. If you prefer riding in Wyoming, try the Blackwater Creek Ranch near Cody. All True Ranches are members of the Dude Ranchers Association.

A horseback riding vacation at Kay El Bar Ranch, Wickenburg, Arizona review, YouTube video and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of True Ranch Collection for review purposes. All opinions are my own.