All-inclusive White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

Are you considering a family-friendly dude ranch vacation in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert? You’ll want to read my White Stallion Ranch review in Tucson, Arizona. What makes this all-inclusive guest ranch stand out from other horseback riding vacations? The family-owned Tucson ranch is not only part of the Historic Hotels of America, it’s a slice of the Wild West based next to Saguaro National Park.

White Stallion Ranch living room with 2 beige cloth sofas. A  ranite coffee table holds a wooden chess set. Wood fire blazes in fireplace. Framed art of a white stallion hangs above fireplace. Adobe brick surrounds fireplace and rock pillar is left of fireplace as a support structure.

What to expect at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

White Stallion Ranch has been a cattle ranch dating back to the turn of the century. Three generations of the True family have worked on the ranch. I enjoy a family-owned guest ranch experience because I feel the hard-working ethics and spirit of the family shines through. Often times ranch guests have a chance to interact with family members. In fact, it was my introduction to Steven True while he interned at Montana’s Triple Creek Ranch, that eventually lead me to Tucson’s White Stallion Ranch.

If you’ve read any of my dude ranch reviews, you’ll know that I typically fly into the vacation destination. I see no reason to rent a car if I’ll be staying on property for the week and the ranch offers complimentary shuttle service. Not only is the shuttle ride a great way to learn about the area, its often a good way to get to know fellow ranch guests. In fact, I got to know Nancy and her husband who had flown in from Illinois. The couple was returning to White Stallion Ranch for their sixth year.

“A cowboy singing at the campfire, steaks cooked on the open grill. Who doesn’t like that?” Nancy said with a grin. She and her husband couldn’t wait to return to Tucson.

My dude ranch visit was in January, an ideal time to experience the Sonoran Desert. While White Stallion Ranch is open year-round, I prefer to visit Arizona in the winter or spring. It’s a great time of year to escape the gloom and rain in the Pacific Northwest.

As is typical of dude ranch vacations, you’ll sign a waiver in advance of your visit, releasing the ranch of any responsibility should you or a family member get injured. As ranch waivers point out, horses are a safety risk. However, the wranglers and horses here will take good care of you.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll want to dress in layers. The days start cold in the Sonoran Desert, but quickly heat up. You’ll want to read my “What to Pack for a Horseback Riding Vacation” article before you depart on your riding holiday.

True hospitality at White Stallion Guest Ranch

Russell True, a member of the True family and a perfect definition of a cowboy, owns the True Ranch Collection. Now that I’ve experienced True family hospitality, my goal is to visit all of the True Ranch operations, from Arizona to Montana and Wyoming. However, this Arizona ranch review will focus on White Stallion Ranch.

The historic Dude Ranch sits on 3,000 acres by the Tucson Mountains, adjacent to Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona. The 3-star hotel is a member of The Dude Ranchers Association with owner Russell True supervising the equestrian part of the program. I don’t know how he works his magic. However, he managed to match most horses with riders perfectly. I couldn’t have been more pleased with my Paint horse named Marlboro.

Casita interior with king bed and wooden carved headboard. A single bed with headboard and western patterned red blanket bedspread are to the right of king bed. A wood bench is at the base of the king bed. Artwork on herd of carillo cattle with long horns hangs on the wall to the right of the single bed.

Southwestern decor and outdoor living spaces at White Stallion

There are 43 casitas, in addition to the 4-bedroom hacienda at White Stallion Ranch. Upon arrival a ranch staff person checked me in at the lodge and offered to walk me to my casita.

The meticulously landscaped grounds are full of Saguaro and barrel cactus, as well as prickly pear cactus. At night, strategically placed spotlights light up the cactus, as well as marking the paths to the casitas. I was fortunate that my casita was next to the turn out pasture. I could keep an eye on the horses morning and night.

Cowgirl in cowboy hat riding a black and white Paint horse. She is herding three long horn cattle toward a pen in the arena. A huge tower of hay bails are to the right of the dirt arena with metal piped fences.

Arizona desert horseback riding at the ranch

There are approximately 180 horses on property at White Stallion Ranch. From Quarter Horses to Paints, Fjord horses to draft horses, there’s a mount for every guest who wants to ride.

Each guest is required to join the slow ride before they graduate to the fast ride. There is a loping test required in order to take a fast ride or participate in the team penning.

New riders or “rusty riders” who haven’t been in the saddle for a long time are encouraged to take a riding lesson before they attempt the loping test. Children must be 5 years or older to join a trail ride and age 8 and up for a fast ride. As someone with two hip replacements, I will add that there is no shame in enjoying a scenic walking ride in the Sonoran Desert.

As an equestrian travel expert, I come to dude ranches for the horseback riding opportunities. White Stallion Ranch did not disappoint. There were breakfast rides, scenic slow rides, challenging rides such as “Suicide Pass” and all day rides for those who want to maximize their time in the saddle.

My favorite equestrian activities were the cattle sorting and team penning. I visited White Stallion Ranch for a solo horseback riding vacation and did not have any problem being paired up with fellow equestrians. Everyone was welcoming at meal time, too.

Team penning, for those who are curious, is where three or four riders line up “Bonanza” style and lope to the end of the arena toward a small herd of waiting cattle. The cut rider’s job is to select 3 cows from the herd and, with the help of the turnback riders and gate keeper, drive the cattle into a pen. This is a timed event where teamwork is required.

It was greatly appreciated that White Stallion Ranch had Carol Bachmann, a professional photographer, on hand to document our escapades on horseback. Carol also captured beautiful keepsake moments of riders in the Sonoran Desert.

The honor bar and bar stools at the ranch. The bar stools are 5 western saddles, each mounted on a sturdy black metal pole.

White Stallion Ranch activities

For the non-riders in the group, or guests wanting to experience the Wild West, there are plenty of activities. Guests may try archery, 22 caliber and black powder shooting, rock climbing, fat tire e-biking, tennis, pickle ball or hiking.

A trip to the spa or fitness center is a possibility, as well as soaking in the redwood hot tub or lounging by the outdoor pool.

While there is no formal children’s program at the ranch, there are plenty of kid-friendly programs such as cookie decorating or arts and crafts classes.

I witnessed a husband and wife utilize the tag team approach. A mother and her 8-year old daughter delighted in a morning trail ride, while the father and son went to the rock climbing wall. Additionally, I saw a multi-generation family dining outside. Grandma and grandpa would take the children to the petting zoo, while mom and dad enjoyed some much needed alone time.

The White Stallion Ranch logo of a rearing white horse is on display at the bottom of the outdoor swimming pool. Fifteen beige lounge chairs are placed in a semi-circle by the deep end of the pool. A metal ladder with hand rail is toward the shallow end of the pool.

Cookouts and dining at White Stallion Ranch

There are several dining plans at the ranch. I opted for the Full American Plan because I wanted access to all activities and three meals per day. Dinners were served buffet style with options ranging from cheese enchiladas, beef skirt steak and chicken fajitas to mesquite grilled sirloin steak or salmon.

Menus are posted daily and the ranch is able to accommodate special diets with advance notice. The breakfast ride included cowboy coffee, juice, scrambled eggs with sausage, potatoes with bacon and blueberry pancakes on a cast-iron charcoal grill.

Social hour is offered nightly in the bar area with complimentary appetizers. An honor bar is available for guests of legal drinking age. A pool table is beyond the bar area, available to guests and supervised children.

On this January visit, guests gathered around the crackling fireplace in the main room, swapping stories of the day’s prior adventures.

Evening activities include nightly cowboy serenades, campfires, or lively line dancing sessions. There’s also a movie theater on property. One of my favorite evening activities was sitting at the outdoor gas fireplace by my casita.

Cowgirl on bay horse with her back to the camera. She is riding up a rocky trail with Saguaro cactus surrounding horse and rider in the Sonoran Desert. A second horse's head is visible behind the first horse. The Paint horse has a black head with white patch of mane and neck.

White Stallion Ranch is a member of the Dude Ranchers Association as well as Historic Hotels of America.

If You Go:

White Stallion Ranch (520) 297-0252

Tucson, Arizona 85743

All-inclusive White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona review, YouTube video and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of White Stallion Ranch for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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