Horseback riding is a popular pastime and livelihood all over Arizona. Take in the gorgeous scenery found throughout the state while making use of muscles you may not even have known you have. Riding horseback through Arizona's rugged terrain is both mentally relaxing and physically challenging. While most Arizona ranches offer riding, some offer non-traditional ranch activities, luxurious accommodations and relaxing amenities to help soothe those saddle-sore muscles.
North
Visit the Bar 10 Ranch in northern Arizona for a genuine working cattle ranch experience. Located nine miles from the north rim of the Grand Canyon, the ranch provides plenty of healthy activities year-round. Take a whitewater rafting trip, ride horseback, hike through the ponderosa pines or take an ATV out on the trails. Buffet-style meals feature the ranch's own all-natural grass-fed beef and allow you to pick and choose your favorite items. The beautiful lodge can accommodate 45 guests in five dorm-style rooms, and 13 Conestoga covered wagons provide a surprisingly comfortable private overnight alternative. A 30-minute scenic flight from Las Vegas, Nevada, will get you there.
West
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch offers large guest rooms and family homes that can accommodate groups of four to eight. Meals are served buffet style, so you can choose healthy options. Cool off in the outdoor pool or drive 45 minutes west to Lake Havasu for more water sports, including jet skiing, canoeing and kayaking. Ride the trails on horseback or hike on foot. Relax in the ranch's hot tub, then have a massage to soothe sore muscles. Fly in to the ranch from Las Vegas or Phoenix. If driving, use the website's directions for accuracy. The ranch is open all year, except June through mid-July as of 2010.
East
At Hidden Meadow Ranch, you'll never run out of recreational opportunities. In addition to the standard riding and hiking trails, you can try fly fishing, paddle a canoe, go rock climbing or mountain biking. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing. Stay in one of the 12 luxury log cabins, and sample some gourmet fare, which the ranch is quickly becoming known for. Try the marinated elk tenderloin, a low-fat alternative to beef steak. Located 10 miles north of Greer in the White Mountains, Hidden Meadow Ranch is open year-round.
Central
Drive 50 miles northwest of Phoenix, and you'll find year-round hospitality at Rancho de los Caballeros. This ranch offers the requisite horseback riding and hiking trails and tours, but goes beyond the ordinary with team penning for experienced riders and an 18-hole championship golf course that was lauded by Golf Digest as "one of America's top 75 resort courses." Take tennis lessons from a pro, cool off with a refreshing swim or go mountain biking. Relax body and mind at the new spa and get your beauty sleep in a classic ranch room or a luxurious Maricopa suite.
South
Tanque Verde ranch, 15 miles east of Tucson, offers so many healthy activities, you may have a hard time deciding what to do first. An outstanding riding program offers one-hour, two-hour, all-day, breakfast and picnic lunch rides and riding lessons. Four tennis courts, a nature program, a health spa complete with exercise room, pool, hot tub and sauna and many other amenities will keep you busy. Rooms range from standard to deluxe suites.
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