Outdoor Adventures

Rancho de la Osa is entirely secluded and peaceful and we aim to keep it that way. But, it’s also a sportsman’s paradise with diverse wildlife, endless amounts of trails and incredible mountain views. If you’re looking to relax in a peaceful oasis or embark on a bucket list adventure vacation, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Check out just a few of our activities to keep you busy during your stay at Rancho de la Osa:

Horseback Riding Program – If you’re an experienced rider or never been on a horse, we’ve got the ride for you. Our wranglers will match you with a horse appropriate to your experience level and lead you on scenic rides through sandy washes, over rocky terrain, past incredible rock formations and across lush desert grasslands. For more experienced riders, loping and trotting can be incorporated into rides where the terrain allows. Lessons are also available.

We offer two rides per day, except Sundays when the horses get the afternoon off. New guests will take a slow walking ride first, and then can move onto more advanced rides with trotting and loping if you demonstrate you can safely control your horse.

Horseback riding is available to children 5 years and older. Children 8 years and older may qualify for trotting and loping during rides (fast rides).

Guided Off-Road Tours – Go on an off-road adventure with our guided UTV tours. Our guides will take you and up to four other guests on an adventure to the United States-Mexico border, the scenic Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge or take you on a trip to explore the nearby ruins of a historic trading post.

Sport Shooting and .22 Range – As long as you’re visiting our “wild west” ranch, you might as well participate in our safe and fun shooting program. We don’t just have your typical shooting range experience, you can expect targets at different angles, heights and speed variations. Channel your inner Wild Bill Hickok and attempt to hit various objects set against a southern desert backdrop. Archery is available to children 5 years and older. .22 shooting is available to children 8 years and older, and shotgun shooting is available for children 16 years and older.

  • Clay Pigeon Shooting – With biodegradable targets and special 20 gauge semi-automatic shotguns.
  • .22 Range – We’ll have more than a few whisky bottles and targets to shoot at in a safe location.
  • Archery – Practice your marksmanship with our safe and fun instructed archery program.

Hiking – Just a few yards from your room, you can explore our historic surrounding area, where you’ll encounter beautiful vistas of the Altar Valley and relics of years past. Walk on red clay trails toward the distinctive Baboquivari Mountain range, sacred to the Tohono O’Odham and considered the center of their universe and home to their creator. The ranch is located adjacent to the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, known for its high desert grasslands and riparian areas with seasonal marshlands, meadows, and cottonwood and mesquite groves, providing rich habitat for a large variety of wildlife. Visit the Refuge and hike on its many walking paths or explore just off the ranch where you might encounter mule deer, jackrabbits or our other unique desert species.

Bird Watching – Rancho de la Osa borders the 117,464-acre Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge and is a birdwatching paradise. Our ranch and surrounding areas are home to the endangered Masked Bobwhite Quail and 300 other species including herons, gray hawks, owls, orioles, vermillion flycatchers, loggerhead shrikes and golden eagles.

Swimming – After a long day on the road or trails, nothing feels better than a relaxing dip in our outdoor pool. Great way to meet friends, soak up some sun or catch up on your reading.