Horseback Rides - Circle Z Ranch

Experience the Extraordinary

Riding through stunning landscapes

Riding on an endless variety of trails on outstanding horses is the main focus at the Circle Z Ranch. With expert wranglers, we take pride in being able to cater to our guests’ individual needs. We can ride in all directions from the ranch on hundreds of miles of trails through private, state, and federal lands. Each ride lets you explore different landscapes –  colorful rock canyons, dramatic mountains, rolling range land, or along the lush Sonoita Creek. Our corral manager is an expert at fitting the perfect horse for your needs and abilities. Whether you are a child who has never ridden, or an accomplished equestrian, we have the right horse for you-who you keep throughout your stay- and the right trail for you.

To ease into the week comfortably, your first ride will be a walking ride so you can get used to your horse. From there, we will customize a riding schedule for you suited to your abilities. We offer All day rides, loping or walking rides, and cook-out rides.

Horseback riding is a physical activity, and guests must be physically able to ride safely. If you have concerns about whether we can accommodate you, please do not hesitate to ask!

Our horses take Sundays off, so there is no riding that day. To experience our variety in our program a Sunday to Sunday vacation stay is ideal.

Our riding program is exclusively for the guests staying with us in our all-inclusive vacation packages. We do not offer hourly or day rides to folks not staying at the ranch.

Regular Rides

During your stay we offer regular morning and afternoon rides on scheduled days, which can be either loping or walking rides. These are 1 ½ -2 ½ hour rides.

Walking and Loping Rides

Once mounted on your horse at the corrals, our corral manager will break the riding groups up according to abilities and desires of those riding. Whether you want a leisurely walking ride or a faster paced loping ride, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Gymkhana Horse Games

At our Creek Ranch Property, a short distance from the main ranch, we offer Team Penning, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.

Kid and Family Rides

Our wranglers are excellent with children, and enjoy taking them on adventure filled rides. We also organize family rides for those interested. So whether wanting time as a family or time separate, we can put together your preferred options!

Bar Z Cookout Ride

On Saturday the ride is an all-day excursion. Join our wranglers on a 2-3 hour ride leading to distant canyons, and ending at our Bar Z Ranch location where you will enjoy a delicious cook out followed by a roping demonstration.

All-Day Ride

Grab your sack lunch and mount your horse for an all-day adventure to distant lands. This 5 hour ride is an excellent way to really explore the country surrounding the ranch.

Trailer Ride

On Fridays we trailer up our horses and load up the lunches and head out for the most popular of our rides to the beautiful San Rafael Valley.

Chuck Wagon Ride

On Tuesdays we head out for our popular chuck wagon ride. Starting at the ranch, guests ride along one of our many trails, and descend on our chuck wagon area for a barbecue lunch prepared over an open fire by our wranglers.

Details & Policies

  • All Posted Rates are Per Person
  • Posted Rates Include Tax and Service Charge
  • The ranch has a 275 pound weight limit for guests.
  • Check-in time is 4-6 p.m. and check-out time is 9 a.m. for week long stays. For Sunday to Thursday stay check out is 2 pm
  • Sunday to Thursday stay includes Thursdays morning ride and lunch with a 2 pm checkout time
  • We are not able to provide transportation to and from the Tucson airport. The airport has all major rental car agencies. Please call the ranch if you would like a list of local drivers.
  • Large families or groups, please contact the office for rates
  • We require a 25% deposit per person when booking your reservation.
  • We ask for full payment 60 days prior to arrival
  • We have a 90 day cancellation policy. Cancellations 90 days before arrival will be refunded less 5% if deposit was made on a credit card or paypal. For cancellations made within 90 days of arrival no portion of your payment is refundable
  • We strongly encourage the purchase of travel insurance to protect all of our interests. We can no longer hold over deposits and payments for cancellations outside our policy period. Travel Guard is the preferred provider for the Dude Ranchers Association and you can find a link on their website at www.duderanch.org