|
RIDING. For your safety and comfort, Western boots (smooth sole, heel and no laces) are required when riding and a brimmed hat is recommended for protection from the sun - both can be borrowed from our lending closet. Some find long underwear or panty hose helpful in warding off saddle soreness. Out of respect for our horses, we feel that we must put a 250 pound weight limit on all riders. Sunday is the horses' day off and a chance to hike, swim, play tennis, sightsee or just loaf in the sun. Beginning in January, we usually take Thursday afternoon off from riding to provide time to catch up with horseshoeing and doctoring. THINGS YOU WILL NEED. Ranch guests and crew wear casual clothing. Jeans are recommended for riding. Sand creeps into toeless shoes - comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Evenings are apt to be chilly and sweaters or jackets are needed. Shorts and bathing suits are enjoyable during the afternoons. Dark glasses and flashlights are handy. Shopping is over an hour away in Tucson, but basic items are available at the ranch store - ie. film, toiletry items, snacks and the like. Beer, wine, soda pop and juices are sold at the ranch - we suggest purchasing liquor on your way out from Tucson. A phone is available for your use in the ranch office, but we do not have a facsimile machine. CHILDREN. Children are very welcome but we do not have a supervised children's program nor regular babysitting services. Kids age six and older can go on rides either with their parents or with other kids and we are pleased to help them learn to ride. Occasionally, crew members are available during the afternoons to babysit for a set rate. FOOD AND OTHER NEEDS. If you have particular dietary or health needs, we are pleased to accommodate you - please be in touch before your arrival so that we can do our best to help you feel at home. TRANSPORTATION. Elkhorn Ranch is about a one and a half hour drive from Tucson. Rental cars are available at Tucson International Airport or a ranch car and driver can transport you between Tucson and the ranch for a ~ of $36 per person each way with a maximum of $68 per car when the ride is shared. A ranch car with or without driver may be rented when available for trips to local sites. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, we suggest renting a car in Tucson as ranch car availability is limited. DRIVING DIRECTIONS. From Tucson, head southwest on Route 86, the Ajo Highway. From the airport, go west on Valencia Road and turn left onto Route 86. About 20 miles from Tucson (or 23 from the airport), turn left or south onto Route 286 towards Sasabe. Drive about 20 miles to the Elkhorn Ranch sign and mailboxes - on your right just past Mile Marker 26. Follow the dirt road seven miles to the ranch buildings. Be alert, as you may see a golden eagle, a herd of javelina or white tail deer, jackrabbits or some of the Elkhorn horses out at pasture! |
