Founded in 1880, Tombstone Monument Ranch cowboy culture in Arizona is alive and well. In fact, the historic town of Tombstone, just 2.5 miles away, is described by some as “too tough to die.” Built to replicate an Old West town, dude ranch guests may sleep in the hotel’s Jail, the Grand Hotel, the Post Office or even the Cochise Courthouse. No matter the room you book, you’ll have a grand time on this rustic working cattle ranch in Tombstone, Arizona.
I confess that I’m not a fan of Disneyland or Dollywood theme hotels, but Tombstone Monument Ranch cowboy culture works well in thispart of Arizona. Surrounded by the Dragoon Mountains, Tombstone Monument Ranch & Cattle Company sits on 13,000 acres of Sonoran desert land, at 4,500 feet elevation. You’ll want to wear your cowboy boots, denim jacket and cowboy hat during this authentic Arizona horseback riding vacation.
My husband and I drive to the ranch from Oregon. He’s like a cowboy, in that he doesn’t like to be separated from his Ford truck. We visit the ranch in mid-January for a 4-night stay. If you plan to fly to Tombstone Monument Ranch, you’ll want to arrange transportation directly with the ranch staff.
Tombstone Monument Ranch cowboy culture in Arizona
We check in, sign the ranch liability waiver, for insurance purposes, and are given a tour of the grounds and shown to our room. We land in jail. Our standard room, with 2 queen beds, is designed to replicate a jail cell. Fortunately, our room includes heat and air conditioning, as well as a mini fridge, satellite television, coffee maker and complimentary WiFi. We also have a private bathroom with shower. My favorite item at all True Ranch Collection ranches is the in-room boot jack, a true necessity when you ride multiple times a day and you like slipping out of your cowboy boots.
This 17-room dude ranch offers 4 room categories; standard, deluxe, junior suite and premium suite. Rates fluctuate depending on season, rate package and room type. Tombstone Monument Ranch offers all-inclusive style Full American Plan, as well as a less expensive Bed & Breakfast rate.
While a few of the True Ranch Collection Arizona dude ranches are open year-round, including Tombstone Monument Ranch, some of the other dude ranches are open seasonally. We visit the historic Rancho de la Osa in southern Arizona on our winter dude ranch vacation, as well.
Tombstone Monument Ranch cowboy culture includes horseback riding
Tombstone Monument Ranch attracts cowboys and cowgirls from near and far. I meet a Tucson, Arizona couple who came to Tombstone Ranch several times a year. New Zealanders and New Yorkers also like the ranch. “I like the fact that this ranch is small and authentic,” says the woman from New York.
I met a California cowgirl who drives from San Diego yearly for the horseback riding and I met a Central California mom here with her young daughter.
“The reason we always come back is the atmosphere, the amazing food, all the different activities you can do through the day, poker and music nights. The people who work here are great,” says Jessica Rebhahn.
“Everyone has always been so welcoming and friendly. All around amazing people. The atmosphere here brings people together. People are more inclined to talk with people they don’t know. We have met so many guests from around the world and have talked with them as if we had known each other for years. Plus, the peace and quiet always seems to calm the mind, a good way to self reset.”
“The horse rides are also another reason we return. The trail rides, be it a slow ride, fast ride or one of the half day ones like the one where you ride into town, is always fun and relaxing. The wranglers are very knowledgeable about the area. The ranch has become our home away from home. We come back multiple times throughout the year. My kids got their nicknames here. My daughter, Anna, got the nickname Lemonade from Cliff who works in the saloon. It’s the only thing she will drink here. Many people here at the ranch, including the musicians, know her by Lemonade. Cliff also gave my son, Cyrus, his nickname of hard chargin’ because he always goes all in on poker nights.”
Cowboy Culture at Tombstone Monument Ranch
You don’t need to be an expert equestrian to ride at Tombstone Monument Ranch. Riders must be 5 years of age and older to ride horseback. All horseback riders, regardless of experience will take a slow introductory ride. If you prefer to trot and lope out on the trail, you’ll need to pass a riding test in the arena. Guests also have the option to take a horse riding lesson with a wrangler to gain confidence in the saddle.
Tombstone Monument Ranch activities
In addition to archery, sport shooting, UTV tours around Tombstone Monument Ranch and card playing, there is a heated swimming pool and a hot tub. There is musical entertainment in Old Trappman Saloon. I highly recommend the 2-hour history ride on horseback.
A twice-yearly cattle drive is offered at Tombstone Monument Ranch. These rides sell out in advance.
Eat like a cowboy at Tombstone Monument Ranch in Arizona
Belly up to the bar and order a glass of Tombstone Monument punch if you like rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and a hint of grenadine. If you’re lucky, the bartender might share some ranch history and show you the root cellar.
Breakfast is served buffet style, as is lunch. Dinner is served in the dining room and saloon. On our visit we enjoyed honey garlic pork, fajitas, stuffed chicken and steak. I confess that I missed the homemade cookies that we enjoyed at the other True Ranches.
Tombstone Monument Ranch Cowboy Culture in Arizona review, YouTube video and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Tombstone Monument Ranch for additional magazine articles and a hotel review. All opinions are my own.
