Equestrian Vacations Your EquinePost.com Equestrian Vacations Expert is: Cate Stevens-Davis

Riding and Rejuvenation in the Sonoran Desert

by Mark Gochman, Publisher, EquestrianAdventurer.com

It seems there are ever fewer places left where one can truly escape the hustle and bustle of the daily routine. One such place is Rancho de la Osa, a guest ranch located in the pristine beauty of the Sonoran Desert, about an hour outside of Tucson, Arizona.

Surrounded by the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, and with a seemingly endless expanse to ride, the Ranch is a wonderful combination of solitude, warm weather, friendly people, incredible cuisine, and well trained horses. The Ranch is secluded and private, with only 21 guest rooms, and over the years has hosted politicians and movie stars.

Famed for its "five star" cuisine, the Ranch features creative Southwestern fusion cooking. Guests congregate for meals in a friendly atmosphere in the Hacienda dining room. It was a wonderful feeling enjoying the remoteness and scenic beauty of the area with others searching for this same kind of experience.

I visited the Ranch with my family, some of whom are non riders, and there was plenty to do for everyone. While the Ranch offers rides at all different paces, much of the riding we did emphasized walking and taking in the serenity of the region. The horses are gentle quarter horses, suitable for all riding levels.

Some rides take riders up into the surrounding Baboquivari Mountains for a look down at the magnificent scenery. More advanced riders can arrange for trotting and loping/cantering rides. The rides are filled with classic images of the American Southwest, with enormous cactuses and old abandoned ranch houses. Our guides on the rides allowed us ample time to absorb and appreciate the natural beauty and magical serenity of the desert.

The nearby Wildlife Refuge has large deer and antelope herds, as well as many varieties of birds, including hawks and eagles. Birdwatching is one of the main activities that visiting non riders can enjoy. The surrounding area is also great for hiking and the Ranch has plenty of bicycles on hand for those who want to spend some time mountain biking. At different times of year the Ranch also hosts wine and beer tasting and special culinary weekends.

One of the things we enjoyed the most was a guest rodeo the Ranch put on, which was fun for adults and children alike. There is also a hot tub and a pool, for romantic evenings under the stars.

Rancho de la Osa is part of an old Spanish land grant, and much of the flavor of the history of the region is captured in the Hacienda dining room that dates to the 1800's, and is filled with beautiful Mexican antiques. The Ranch has a long and fascinating history, and at one time was home to American Indians and Spanish Conquistadors.

While isolated and somewhat rustic, Rancho de la Osa still offers massages and other spa type activities. The guest buildings are made from clay from the Ranch, and the rooms are simple, with inviting fireplaces and without televisions or phones to interrupt the peacefulness.

Quiet evenings were passed watching the stars, and sipping margaritas, prepared in the historic Cantina, which was built in the 1700's. The sky in this region is famed for its darkness and clarity, which makes for incredible stargazing.

Every evening at dinner the combination of wonderful food and friendly conversation was a perfect cap to our days riding in the desert. We really enjoyed sitting at the long communal dining table in the Hacienda eating with other families, many of whom visited the Ranch every year.

The pleasant company, open expanse, amazing meals and long rides through the serene and beautiful landscape left us rejuvenated, and even after leaving we still felt ourselves carrying some of the magic and wonder of the Sonoran Desert.

To learn more about this and other equestrian vacations, visit www.EquestrianAdventurer.com, and to meet horse enthusiasts from all over the world, join the free social network just for riders, www.YourBarn.com.

Copyright 2006 Equestrian Adventurer Media, LLC

Photo Courtesy Rancho de la Osa

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Past articles by Cate Stevens-Davis:

Equestrian Vacation Update – June (June, 2006) | Equestrian Vacation Update – July (July, 2006) | Equestrian Vacation Update – August/September (September, 2006) | My Kingdom for a Horse – in France! (May, 2007) |