Just got back from a week at Rancho de la Osa and we had a wonderful time! The ranch and facilities are more rustic than luxury, but that's just what we were looking for. All of the staff members were beyond accommodating and wanted to make sure each guest was taken care of. Ross and Lynne, the newer ranch managers, made us feel like we were part of the family. We had several activity options every day, and could pick and choose what we wanted to do. Even pretty flexible if/when we wanted to switch out. The food was also great - chef Chase left us with waistlines a tad bigger than when we arrived. We look forward to visiting the group another year in Montana! Note: we were a group of 6 adults. There were some kids there but it was better on the days when there weren't :) read more

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If you want to get away from civilization and just kick back at a remote ranch, this is the ticket. We just did a 4 day 3 night dude ranch Esperanto loved it. Activities include horseback riding, tv tours, motorized bicycles and others. Rooms are rustic and nothing special but I don't think we were ever in them except to sleep. We spent a lot of time on the porch just enjoying the peace and quiet. Meals are communal in a large dining room. Good chow but nothing gourmet. Breakfast was buffet and nice variety. Each night people gather for happy hour in the cantina. It is an honor system and perhaps people took advantage with healthy pours but so what? We brought beer and wine and drank them mostly. Room has a refrigerator. read more

5 of us cowgals went to an intimate group weekend together, hosted by western singer Belinda Gail, called the True Cowgirl Getaway. Created great memories with friends new and old, many of the ladies were repeat visitors. Excellent riding program, fast loping rides or slow rides were both available twice a day. Wranglers were absolutely the best and so were the horses. Meals were delicious, accommodations in the 1920s era ranch great, and Belinda's itinerary packed with special activities (and a concert too!) were thoughtful and fun. The location is remote: if you want to get away from it all, have a great time and wrap yourself in Arizona ranch life with no distractions, this is the place for you! read more

Lynne and Ross are the fairy new Ranch Managers and are working hard on improving the experience for their guests. I have visited most of the dude ranches in AZ and one in California and two in New Mexico.I only stayed 3 nights but got the pleasure of riding 3 different great horses. I'm a experienced rider and LOVED the fast rides. Trotting,loping and a all out gallop, yahoo! Best rides where just me and Ross or with the "Ranch hand" Adam. I'm all about the horses and they are well taking care of, good tack and well trained. Adam was fun to ride with and had great insight on horsemanship and border Issues.I only wish they offered longer and more fast rides. I alway want more riding ,always.I love that a lot of ranches are now offering the option of either the all American plan which is everything is included or the one I chose which is that you pay for room and breakfast and all other meals and activities are extra. The history of the ranch is interesting and it was cool getting to ride right up to US border wall. I saw mule deer,rabbits,rattlesnake (one was enough), cattle,free roaming horses on Mexico's side of fence and many different birds. My room wasn't great, pillows where flat,twin bed needed better mattress pad and a blanket,needed different paint,curtains where too short and should be darker as you wake up when the sun raises. Having said that, the water was hot,a/c heat worked good, had a big closet and a nice fireplace( I think wood was wet as I couldn't get a fire started). The breakfast was good but not fantastic.Still I would return as the riding was wonderful. read more

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I was contacted by the new owners who encouraged me to return and give them a chance to make it up to me. It may be improved. I hope so. It has so much potential though I'm sure the maintenance costs are very high. Keeping up with the grounds, dining room and horses must be a huge investment. read more

This is a no frills authentic working ranch with the staff to create a memorable experience. The horseback riding is outstanding and wrangler Ross and stable manager wife Lynne are wonderful teachers. The cattle herding was an unexpected treat where I felt my horse skills were really tested. Ross is a cowboy legend having been a wrangler or mule packer since his youth. Watching him herd is magic. He is a Cowboy Poet legend and will recite poetry if you're inclined (you need to listen to his stories!) Lynne has ridden horses all her life and is a wealth of knowledge. These two along with Nancy the GM cater to every ranch detail. The rides were breathtaking, taking place morning and late afternoon. We took ATVs out to the 200 year old ruins and Indian rock paintings on the property which I highly recommend. The food is great, the beds really comfortable too. The ranch is part of the old west history and we were lucky enough to experience it read more

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This guest ranch was purchased by new owners a year ago. Although it has great possibilities, when compared to the other guest ranches operated by the new owners, Rancho de la Osa is not yet ready for primetime. The enchantment of the historic architecture and furnishings do not make up for the general feeling of disrepair and need for serious updating if it is to warrant the prices being charged. Although there were a number of vacant rooms, we arrived to find that our requested and reserved room had been changed resulting in a queen instead of a king bed which we protested to no avail ... not good customer service. The pool is apparently unheated and at this time of year is too cold for swimming. The hot tub was broken and removed. The horse back ride was a good adventure but even it was not without issues. We met at the corral at 4:00 and began the ride at 5:30. Lenny's wrangler did not show up and she was tasked with saddling all of the horses and mounting the riders by herself. She was very able and considerate as a trail ride leader. Dinner was also significantly delayed and consisted of small saucer of green salad, a smaller than standard plate containing a very small portion of sliced chicken breast, two thirds cup of cauliflower rice and about as much caramelized onion. Desert was about three tablespoons of ice-cream and berry sauce. For $25. The outdoor evening movie event didn't happen as the staff person couldn't figure out how to operate the equipment. By 7:30, the campfires, s'mores and popcorn had not yet materialized. The next morning the breakfast bell rang over forty minutes late. Hopefully the new owners will put their money where their dreams are for Rancho de la Osa and enable it live up to it's potential. I've given a rating of 3 three for the enchantment and potential factors ... needs wor read more

What a wonderful hidden gem. This guest ranch is full of history, activities, natural beauty, and a friendly and welcoming staff. The chef makes great meals (no choices, everyone eats the same meal; if you have food allergies, tell them in advance). A great place to truly get away from it all. read more

Lived in Arizona for over 20 years and never knew about this place until I heard of live music concert around Valentines day. My wife and I took some friends there for the weekend. New owner, Paul is a 6th generation rancher, is super friendly and knowledgeable of the area and the working ranch's history. Hands were friendly and polite. Rooms have been upgraded with split AC units that are super quiet and helped with the cold mornings we experienced. Steak dinner and scrambled eggs/bacon/biscuits breakfast were included. Due to the live music, the bar was open. Everything you can think of is here, including horse back riding, fat-tired electric bicycles and other activities. I'm excited about the future plans this new owner has in mind, including future RV hookups and camping sites. read more

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This was the most extraordinary week of my life. It's a magical place if you just lean in and trust the flow. The people make the experience. I came with an abject terror of horses. Turns out, it was because I didn't understand them. These people not only understand, they love them with a fierce passion, and will patiently transfer that to those that choose to listen and follow ... three days in I was not only on the trail, I was madly in love with several of the horses. I cried the morning I left. Ross and Lynne are people I wish all people could be. Loving, patient, fun, and their spirit is pervasive and addicting. The staff, every single one, are beyond wonderful. You wouldn't guess by their faces and energy how truly hard they work, long long days, not only for the guests but for all the animals on the Ranch. An evening of Ross reciting cowboy poetry cannot be missed. I'm a fan girl ! An evening around the campfire with clear skies, sharing stories among guests, is beautiful. Meals? Five star, hearty home cooked heaven Accommodations? Comfy, homey, quiet, if you need the Hilton, not for you. If you want peace, quiet, and to spend time on an historic old ( so clean, so simple) ranch where history is everywhere, just go. I've booked another visit . I can't wait read more

It has been some time that we have meant to write this since we went in 2011. Parts of it were great (riding and playing with kids, visiting KITT peak observatory), but I echo some of the other reviewer comments that the owners are a bit odd, food was average and there were nearly no other folks there when we visited. The staff and wranglers we rode with were great, as were the horses. read more

This has to be the ultimate ranch/horseback riding experience. If you love horses and want to learn, no matter your experience, wranglers Ross and Lynne are lifelong, accomplished riders and trainers. Their gentle way with horses matches the positive way they coach riders. After an hour spent learning to give my horse Duke the physical cues telling him what I wanted, we were cutting a steer from the small group in the training corral. A miracle given my previous experience. For history buffs Rancho de la Osa was front and center in Arizona and American history. If you use your imagination, the silence of the ranch at night let's you go back in history to visualize visitors from Lyndon Johnson to Zane Grey to Pancho Villa ( not exactly a visitor, ask). The communal meals were filled with conversations with new friends and Arizona lore. The food was plentiful land tasty. I can't wait to visit my adobe room and ride my horse Duke again. And I WILL be back. read more

Friendly talented staff, comfortable eclectic rooms, reliable horses and sparkling pool. We were lucky to have excellent weather for a quick dip in the pool before our late afternoon ride. Other guests were delighted with their riding lessons. After visiting the Tucson area for a couple weeks we were ready for the blissful quiet and star-filled night sky. Just opening for the season so working out some details. Food was fair but could use some pizzazz. Staff was totally devoted to guests needs. We plan to go back. read more

This ranch is the best of the best. I felt at home and safe and cared for. All the people at the ranch were very very nice and got to know everyone in our group of 11. They learned your names in the first day or two and even accommodated all your needs. The animals were amazing and the view is awesome. They have home cooked meals with an amazing chef and they serve breakfast lunch and dinner. They have lots to do like shooting trap, archery, horse back riding, and hiking. The rooms take you back to the convoy days. If you're looking for a fun place to go and get away with the whole family or just all alone you should go here! I loved it there and will for sure go back!!!!! read more

If you are looking for a Dude ranch experience in Arizona this is the place. Our Family came here to spend a week during Christmas. We had a group of 22 people with ages ranging from 80 years old to 3 years. We were all so very impressed with the entire experience.This is such a wonderful historical ranch. We All enjoyed the daily activities for all ages in our group. A special thank you to Nancy and the Very personable and Fun Ranch Managers Ross and Lynne Knox who led the trail rides and awesome excursions . Lee with his amazing well trained string of horses that made the experienced and inexperienced riders very comfortable. As well as Dave that made the experience beyond our expectations. Amazing trail rides ,cattle wrangling as well as Ruins tours and shooting guns and Motorized fat tired biks rides into the sunset.Bruno was a five star Chef that never disappointed us with one meal. The rooms were cozy and had the real South Western historical feel all with working fireplaces. Beautiful pool that was mesmerizing to think movies stars like John Wayne and president Lydon Johnson swam in it at one time. So if you are looking for A Guest Ranch to relax at or bring your entire family this is the place to go in Arizona. 5 stars!! read more

Rancho de la Osa is the real deal - a working ranch with authentic staff who treat you like family. If you are looking to see the Wild West in it's natural state this is the place to go. You can ride horses with Lynnie who is a true horse lady and just a very friendly person. You can shoot at the outdoor range. You can experience bonfires and nature walks. And in a tip of the hat to modernity, you can ride motorized fat tire bicycles. Enjoy great meals family or buffet style at the large dining tables in the hacienda, where the staff may just sit with you and talk if you like, filling you in about the history of the ranch and the area. The history is rich, as you can see from their website - from literary legends, to film stars to political leaders, including frequent visits from U.S. presidents. The ranch was closed to the public for several years and new owners are working on getting things remodeled and in a good operational state, so there are still some rough edges, but it fits the theme of a true ranch experience. For example, the bar was not too well stocked, possibly in part because the guest load was low while we were there. But the cantina was open 24 hours and we were welcomed to help ourselves any time on the honor system. We fully enjoyed our short stay here and plan to return, looking forward to seeing the progress on remaking the ranch for public enjoyment. Note that the location is pretty isolated (about 1.5 hours south of Tucson and right on the Mexican border), so plan to be there for the duration - no restaurants close to run out for a meal or snack, but it's not necessary. This is also part of the beauty of the place. (I knew nothing about this place until finding it online last week and have no affiliation with the ranch or it's owners, so this is a completely independent, objective review. Maybe our experience or perspective was just different, but I would not agree at all with the earlier review about customer service - I found customer service here great.) read more

First off, be very careful reading the reviews on "trip advisor" - the owner writes almost all the "good" reviews. Second, this place is so far from anywhere (75 miles form Tuscon Airport) it is in a town that has no services and the fence for the horse corral is the Mex - Amer border. Not exactly the safest place to be isolated . The food was, how shall I say it, shit. The "hosts" are not very hospitable. Veronica and Richard my goodness just deep down mean people. We had to listen to them talk about themselfs and how every guest who ever complained was wrong and nasty and stupid. We, wisley, keep our mouths shut and left a day early (our credit card company was very nice in getting us a refund). We got a very rude letter from the ranch after having our credit card company refund us - they just about accused us of being the worst people on earth (the owners of the ranch, not the credit card company). Needless to say, we will not be going back. Our "dude ranching" days will be spent at other places. AS A NOTE: We made friends with a couple of the staff, received emails from them explaining that the owners wanted them (staff) to give the tips to "the office" instead of keeping them themselfs. I am not sure why, but I suspect the owners are not very honest in there dealings with the staff. Just another reason not to give them your hard earned vacation dollars. read more

This ranch has been purchased by new owners and has been open since April 2017. Many new upgrades have been done and are still ongoing. The chef produces delicious food and can adjust to your dietary needs. The ranch is historic and beautiful with an undefinable sense of peace and comfort about it. The rooms are rustic but filled with antiques. Covered patio outside each room with very comfortable adirondack chairs invite leisurely conversations. Horseback riding, ATV rides, shooting, electric mountain bikes, archery, campfires and more await you, or you can do what I do and bring a book or my oil paints. Guests mingle, talk and make friends. Hosts are friendly and get to know everyone by name. We have been there 3 times since April. Each time we have found more improvements and amenities. It is on the border with Mexico and there is no town close by. But it is perfectly safe on the ranch. I highly recommend a stay here. read more