Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona

[goldilocks_63]

Just returned from a great trip at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tuscon, AZ. This used to be a trade out from DVC, but is no longer, so we just made cash reservations.

Weather was great - in the high 80's to low 90's (Oct trip). RIding, Riding, Riding - 1 to 3 times a day. If you want to ride, this is the place for you. THe food is fabulous - 4 star. Breakfast trail rides, campfires at night, and cow penning / herding for the more experienced riders.

THey really get you up and riding fast. My daughter had never riden before and was scared, and by end wanted to "run" the horse. Noone fell from the horses during my entire stay that I was aware of - horses, equipment, and staff are very safe. Riding helmets for kids, and optional for adults (I wore one). The terrain is very rocky - up and down the mountains. THere is a park on one side we rode thru, and the other was Paul McCartney's ranch, and we saw his house. (as close to stardom as I'll ever get). Lots of open space - and Catcus everywhere.

No TVs in the room, they want you out. It was very international. 3 families from Chicago area, 2 from Phoenix, Az, and the rest from Europe (Brazil, Germany, multiples from England, Norway, and Japan). I asked and a few years ago they had brought over a herd of travel agents from Europe, and I guess it worked.

All Day kids club - Age 3ish to 12. DId I say ALL DAY KIDS CLUB. Great for me - Mom traveling solo with child. Teenagers also seemed to have a blast, and travelled in packs.

This felt like the authentic old west. Real cowboys - not just actors. They did gun slinging, rope throwing, a cool and live demo of the horse wisperer, tons of shopping - jade / silver jewelry.

FIshing and biking also there. Big time nature conservatory - apparently lots of bird watchers come - this is a hot spot. Also geology.- lots of cool rocks. and critters - Snakes (good - hands on if you like and bad) and trantula.

I took daughter out of school, and feel like this was a learning experience.

For anyone interested, I give it a A+++. Any q's pm me.

www.tanqueverderanch.com

Goldi

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Hey Goldi,

Tanque Verde was our first vacation as DVC members... sounds strange, but our first use of points was a trade.

You are soooo right about everything. I was unsure about not having TV or other connections to the outside world, but it was perfect. I had only been on a horse once before, but by the end of the stay I was a rider.

I have so many questions....

Did you happen to see the ground squirrels that totally flatten out their bodies to cool off?

We went in August just after the monsoons and the cactus and vegetation was blooming and wonderful... is it like this in October? Did you smell the Odora plants the horses crushed under their hoofs when riding?

Did you see many humming birds?

Did you see any Cactus Wrens? Woodpeckers?

We didn't see any Tarantulas when we were there, but we did see some rattlesnakes. Did you see either?

Did you see any Javelina?

Did you notice how the late afternoon light was amazing as it lit up the plant life on the desert?

Was it very green when you were there?

We loved the international mix of people there. I have never been anywhere that had such a sampling of people from everywhere.

You are right about the food. Home cooking and plenty of it. Beef!

Did you feel real welcomed? Got to know the names of many of the hosts?

Did you do the breakfast ride up the mountain?

Did you spend much time in the pools? We really liked the indoor pool.

I am sure you learned this is a working ranch and many people go there for months to work as ranch hands for their vacation. That's cool.

Did you have a favorite horse?

Oh.. did you get to see any Roadrunners?

You are right... These people at the TVR are very special and loving people. We consider our stay there as maybe our best ever anywhere. I am really sorry they are no longer on the concierge list.

Just wanted to let you know that someone out there understands what you just experienced. Thanks for posting your report.


I think, likely, your thread will be moved to the mouscellaneous forum.

 

[goldilocks_63]

Did you happen to see the ground squirrels that totally flatten out their bodies to cool off?

Goldi - I saw the squirrels - didn't see them flatten out - but they are really cute. Looked like chip / dale. Apparently they are very distructive.

We went in August just after the monsoons and the cactus and vegetation was blooming and wonderful... is it like this in October? Did you smell the Odora plants the horses crushed under their hoofs when riding?

Goldi - No blooming at this time - They said the wildflowers are beautiful in late March / Early April. I'd like to go again then.....

Did you see many humming birds?
Goldi - Yes, saw lots. There is a humming bird feeder by the main lodge - lots of activity in the early morning.

Did you see any Cactus Wrens? Woodpeckers?
Goldi - I saw lots of birds... I know I saw a wren (very common) but only saw the woodpeckers holes in the cactus (but no actual birds).

We didn't see any Tarantulas when we were there, but we did see some rattlesnakes. Did you see either?
GOldi - Only saw them in their display boxes in the mini - zoo

Did you see any Javelina?
Goldi - Yes, they came around at night for the campfires. They told us not to feed them because they are wild, and agressive. No problems with these though....

Did you notice how the late afternoon light was amazing as it lit up the plant life on the desert?
GOldi - The sky is the most amazing blue - and the sunsets unbelievable. I would set out every evening and just watch....

Was it very green when you were there?
Goldi - Hmmm- Dessert is very tan to me.... Only greenery is the cactus.

We loved the international mix of people there. I have never been anywhere that had such a sampling of people from everywhere.
Goldi - Made such good friends. Have traded emails, and have invites to visit. I think the company was very educated and interesting.

You are right about the food. Home cooking and plenty of it. Beef!
Goldi - so much good food. Thank goodness for the exercise or I would have gained weight.

Did you feel real welcomed? Got to know the names of many of the hosts?
GOldi - I met the owners - Rita is very welcoming. I have to say everyone on the ranch is very, very nice.

Did you do the breakfast ride up the mountain?
Goldi - Yep, we did the trail ride and it is spectacular. Food is outstanding, and you can purchase a picture of you on the pony for $12. I got one of my daughter.

Did you spend much time in the pools? We really liked the indoor pool.
Goldi - We used both inside and outside pools, which we enjoyed. Pool is salt water, and slightly cool when you get out because the water evaperates so quickly off your skin. I was glad to have coverup. THey had big fluffy pool towels, so no need to bring those. (they are 3x bigger than disney's - like a beach towel size).

I am sure you learned this is a working ranch and many people go there for months to work as ranch hands for their vacation. That's cool.
Goldi - I have heard people want to "work" for free, but they had to be put on books for insurance purposes.

Did you have a favorite horse?
Goldi - My favorite horse was "Sandy"

Oh.. did you get to see any Roadrunners?
Goldi - Yes, saw the road runners - twice. They are quick. I guess they are predators. I was suprised how little they are.... I guess I watched too many cartoons as a kid.


You are right... These people at the TVR are very special and loving people. We consider our stay there as maybe our best ever anywhere. I am really sorry they are no longer on the concierge list.

Goldi - THis place is outstanding. I would love it if Disney would put it back in the list. But if not, it's still worth going on your own. Also, they have a sister resort in Minnesota called the "Grand View" which looked fun too.

http://www.grandviewlodge.com/

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Was it very green when you were there?
Goldi - Hmmm- Dessert is very tan to me.... Only greenery is the cactus.

Goldi - THis place is outstanding. I would love it if Disney would put it back in the list. But if not, it's still worth going on your own. Also, they have a sister resort in Minnesota called the "Grand View" which looked fun too.

http://www.grandviewlodge.com/

When we visited there the monsoons had just finished and there was green everywhere. It was like a beautiful garden of vegetation everywhere. Just lucky timing I think.

Thanks for the tip and link to grandviewlodge. We will definitely check it out.

Thanks again for your report.