Growing up, horses were certainly not part of my single-parent childhood. Occasionally, on vacations to Colorado and the Western United States, we were treated to a trail ride, but dude ranches were not on our radar. As an adult, I occasionally incorporate horseback riding into my mountain vacations, and I once spent 4 days on a horseback trip in Banff. I never gave much thought to a dude ranch vacation as I didn’t really think of it as a good fit for solo travel, but more of a family destination. When the White Stallion Ranch, an award-winning guest ranch in Tucson, invited me to visit, I couldn’t say no. I still had my doubts about being a solo female traveler at a dude ranch, but if I’ve learned anything from years of travel, it’s to keep an open mind. As it turns out, an Arizona dude ranch holiday is perfect for solo female travelers! Who knew?! (Apparently, lots of wise ladies!)

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White Stallion Tucson Dude Ranch

White Stallion Ranch is family-owned and operated, and there’s a good chance that during your visit you’ll encounter at least one member of the True family, who have run this dude ranch in Tucson since 1965. Tucked away on five acres of mountainous Sonoran desert land, but also just minutes from the convenience of town, White Stallion Ranch has the best of both worlds. (Yes, that includes full cell signal and free WiFi.) Movie and TV buffs might recognize the ranch resort from dozens of Old West movies, TV shows and commercials that have been filmed here.

In addition to one of the largest private herds of horses in Arizona, you’ll find a whole menagerie of rescued animals around the ranch. There is a petting zoo, and several ranch residents have a small pack of rescue dogs that follow them around. Of course, I was obsessed with tracking down Bonnie, the rescued Airedale Terrier that lives at White Stallion Ranch. The True family has owned Airedales for years, so you know they’re good people!

Horseback Riding at White Stallion Ranch

Horses and horseback riding are the main attraction at White Stallion Ranch. You will be expertly paired with a horse according to your height, weight and riding capabilities, and you’ll likely have the same horse throughout your stay. Rides are classified as slow and fast, with several of each throughout the day. (Except Sundays, which is the horses day off.) All visitors must complete one slow ride first, and if you wish to join a fast ride, a quick test is given to approve you. For additional help, riding lessons are given at lunchtime for an additional $20.

Each week, there are also specialty rides, such as the “wine and cheese” ride on Tuesdays and the “beer and Cheetos” ride on Fridays. There’s nothing quite like a nice cold beer after an afternoon ride in the desert sun!

If you are thinking this is a lot to choose from, you are right. Luckily, there is an activities coordinator located in the main lodge who will help you sort out your choices and will get you signed up for the following days’ activities. I agonized over my decisions as I only had 1 night at the ranch, so my best advice is to stay at least three nights so you can get a taste of everything the ranch has to offer.

Hiking at White Stallion Ranch

In addition to the riding schedule, there are guided hikes given almost every day. Some take place right on the ranch, while others include a short van ride to nearby Saguaro National Park. Most hikes are scheduled just after breakfast, which means you’ll also have time for an afternoon ride.

For the best hikes in Tucson, take a day trip to Sabino Canyon

Downtime at White Stallion Ranch

Between all the hiking and horseback riding, you might think you’ll need another vacation to recover from your dude ranch vacation. There are plenty of options for downtime, and I even found a couple of hours over lunch to enjoy the enclosed hot tub between rides. The heated pool is a great place to relax, and there is a spa and adults-only sanctuary when you need some quiet time. The back patio, with its gurgling fountain, is a great place to relax and enjoy the view of the surrounding area and all the birds that visit. White Stallion Ranch gives any of the local hotels a run for their money.

Evening Activities at White Stallion Ranch

Once the sun goes down, the fun at White Stallion Ranch does not end. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with snacks and cocktails on the patio. Dinner is served at 7:00, followed by evening entertainment, which varies each night. During my stay, we were treated to cowboy songs around the campfire, while the previous night had an astronomer with his telescope. If you can’t live without television for a few nights, you won’t find one in your room, but there is a cinema on-site where you can tune in to satellite TV.

Lodging at White Stallion Ranch

White Stallion Ranch has 43 guest rooms, which range from a standard double bedroom (starting at $214/night per person) to the 5-bedroom hacienda ($252-369/night per person.) My room was very comfortable and I only wish I had more time to enjoy a nice book and a cocktail from my patio. For those who might spend more time off property, a Bed & Breakfast rate is available, which does not include lunch, dinner or activities. I met some folks in town for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, who used this option for lodging because they said it’s still the best place to stay in Tucson!

Special Events at White Stallion Ranch

Throughout the year, White Stallion Ranch hosts special events and theme weeks. Four times a year, they host “Cactus Cowgirls” a week just for women. This event draws lifelong horse riders and first-timers. This is definitely on my list for a future vacation week. Who wants to join me?

White Stallion Ranch Community

I saved the best part for last and that’s the community I found at White Stallion Ranch. I’m not a big mingler, so I was a bit reluctant about visiting a dude ranch alone, but it was a wonderful experience. The whole thing reminded me of summer camp, except we had an open bar and our own rooms. I met many solo ladies who were on their 2nd, 4th or 24th visit to White Stallion Ranch. Some ride daily back home, some only ride when they visit the ranch. A dude ranch vacation can be enjoyable for everyone and it’s an experience I highly recommend, at least once in your life and I can’t think of a better place than this amazing dude ranch in Tucson.

What do you think, are you ready to visit a Tucson dude ranch?

Check out all these great things to do in Tucson

I was a guest of the White Stallion Ranch. All opinions and photos are my own.