FAQs - Circle Z Ranch



Q: How many horseback rides will I go on during my stay?
A: If you stay from Sunday to Sunday, you will ride between 10-12 times. Our rides vary depending on group size, weather and riding ability. There is no riding on Sundays.

Q: How long are the horseback rides?
A: Our typical rides last for 2-3 hours. When we offer all day rides, we average 5-6 hours in the saddle. We do alter our riding times for young children or those wanting a shorter riding experience.

Q: Can beginners ride?
A: Absolutely! We have top notch wranglers that will provide you with complimentary lessons and instruction so you are safe and confident on your horse.

Q: Do you offer a kid’s program?
A: Although children have many areas to enjoy (ie: pool, game room) we do not offer an organized kid’s program. We do have lots of open lawn space, where children can run and play and meet new friends. Children must be at least 6 years old to ride, and may need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. While children are directly supervised while riding, once back at the ranch, the parents or guardians are responsible for their supervision.

Q: Do you offer day rides?
A: Circle Z Ranch is an experience, and not just a horseback ride. All riding is exclusively for our guests, therefore we do not offer day rides.

Q: Do you offer tennis lessons?
A: We have a beautiful tennis court and plenty of racquets for your enjoyment. However, we do not offer tennis lessons.

Q: Is Circle Z open in the summer months?
A: Like many guest ranches, we are a seasonal ranch, open from the end of October through April of each year.

Q: What time is check-in?
A: Check-in is between 4p.m. and 6 p.m. Please contact the office if you will arrive at a later time. Sundays are our turn-over day, so we do not allow early check-ins on Sundays. If your flight arrives early in the day, please let us know and we may be able to suggest some entertaining activities for you.

Q: What time is check-out?
A: For the week long stays we ask that guests be ready to check out of their rooms by 9 a.m. unless other arrangements have been made. For Sunday to Thursday Stays, Check out is 2 pm.

Q: Do you offer transportation to and from the ranch?
A: We do not offer transportation at this time. Please call the office for the contacts for local drivers which you can arrange an airport pickup and return with.

Q: When do I need to make a deposit?
A: A 25% deposit is required when you book your reservation. If we do not receive a deposit, your reservation will NOT be secured.

Q: Do you have laundry facilities at the ranch?
A: Yes, we have complimentary laundry facilities available for our guests between the hours of 8 a.m and 8 p.m.

Q: Do you have a business center?
A: Yes, we have a computer and printer in the lounge of our Cantina.

Q: Do you have wifi at the ranch?
A: We have wifi available in our Cantina but unfortunately it does not reach the guest cottages. If guest want to stream in their cottage it is best to have a personal hotspot.

Q: What is the Cantina social hour?
A. Every evening at 6 p.m. adult guests are invited to our cantina for BYOB cocktail hour. We provide the hors d’ oeuvres. Many friendships are formed here, and everyone is quickly welcomed into the social fabric with story- telling and laughter.

Q: Do you sell alcohol?
A: We do not have a liquor license. Please bring your own alcoholic drinks, which can be purchased in Patagonia at the Market or at a variety of stores in Nogales. We have plenty of mixers and other non-alcoholic beverages in our Cantina.

Q: How many acres of land does the Circle Z own?
A: We have 5600 deeded acres, plus 1500 acres that we lease from the state for our summer horse pasture. We are surrounded by the Coronado National Forest, as well as state land, all of which we are able to horseback ride on , literally in all directions from the ranch. We ac have access to thousands of acres beyond what we own.

Q: How is Circle Z Ranch being protected?
A: The owners are conservationists, and have protected two miles of Sonoita Creek and much of the deeded property with a perpetual conservation easement. Development on Circle Z property will be limited to ranching operations only.

Q: What is the ranch’s elevation?
A: 4,050 feet

Q: How many horses does Circle Z own?
A: Our herd is approximately 100 horses strong. Not all are used for guests, such as brood mares, young colts under the age of 7, and our retired horses.

Q: Do you lease out your horses during the summer when you are closed?
A: We strongly believe in giving our horses the summer months to roam and graze in their pastures. They work hard during the guest season, and deserve the time to just be horses.

Q What movies have been filmed at the Circle Z Ranch?
A: Broken Lance (1954), Young Riders series (early 90’s), Monty Walsh (1970), Gunman’s Walk, and the Final episode of Gun Smoke. Many more were filmed in areas where we frequently ride, such as the San Rafael Valley, where the filming of Oklahoma and Tom Horn took place.