Cowboy-core is more than a trend; the dude ranches of America are here to prove it. And perhaps none are proving it with quite as much style and charm as Rancho de los Caballeros, the historic dude ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. For over 75 years, this family-owned property has been welcoming cowboys—new, old, and burgeoning—to its 18,000 acres of stunning desert landscapes. And once you’ve visited once, it’s easy to understand why folks keep going back for decade after decade.
Located just over an hour from Phoenix, stepping onto Rancho de los Caballeros is like stepping into an entirely different world. Gone are the urban and suburban vistas of the Arizona cities just a few miles away—instead, you’ll be immersed in a true caballero (or cowboy) lifestyle. Wickenburg is, after all, the roping capital of the state (and likely the entire country).
Originally established in 1948, Rancho de los Caballeros was a passion project of the Gant family for over seven decades, whose vision of owning and operating a fully operational, family-owned guest ranch resulted in a booming vacation destination. In 2021, ownership was transferred to another family who frequented the ranch, but the traditions and ethos of the property have remained the same throughout the decades.
Whether you get to the ranch via the property’s airport shuttle or your car, you’ll drive past the property’s many amenities and activities—including an impressive corral that houses the ranch’s dozens of beautiful horses—before arriving at the main house for check-in. A friendly team stands ready to hand you your set of keys (significant and metal—none of this digital stuff) before sending you on your way to your private casita.
You’ll reach your accommodations by passing through the Rancho’s beautifully manicured grounds, with soaring cacti and bright wildflowers adorning the stone paths.
In total, Rancho de los Caballeros offers 67 casita rooms and 12 suites (though a soon-to-be-completed renovation will add yet another 16 or so rooms), each of which features comfortable, traditional southwestern furnishings and stunning vistas of the wild country. We love the Maricopa Suites for folks staying with larger families, with a private bedroom, spacious living area, and a spa bathroom complete with a jetted tub. All rooms, however, are well-appointed and large, with private patios to get some of that fresh mountain air.
Of course, you’ll have no shortage of fresh air at the Rancho, given that the game’s name is outdoor activities. With everything from skeet shooting to archery, ATV tours to a premiere equestrian program, and bike riding to hiking, you simply can’t be bored at the ranch. Even if you’re a beginner with a shotgun or a bow and arrow, private lessons will soon make you an expert and don’t miss out on a meander through the property’s labyrinth, designed to help clear your mind. For something a little more leisurely, check out the stunning 18-hole golf course.
To help you unwind, the Spa at Los Caballeros is the perfect oasis to help you relax after a long day in the sun. Of course, you could also take a splash in the family-friendly swimming pool complex before drying off in the heat.
With so much activity going on, you’ll easily work up an appetite while on the ranch. Luckily, various on-site dining options are readily available to keep you fed. And while some dude ranches don’t exactly advertise their food selections, such is not the case at Rancho de los Caballeros, whose four dedicated dining and bar options offer homey, delicious fare. We love the Hokkaido scallops in the main dining room and the bison at 19, the upscale dining option on the property. And on Saturdays, you’ll be able to experience Rancho’s desert cookouts, with live music, a full bar, barbecue, and a Mexican buffet.
Whether you’re on property for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, you’ll soon find yourself completely in love with Rancho de los Caballeros.
Top Takeaways
Location: Wickenburg, AZ
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Cowboy core to the max when a dude ranch meets modern pampering
Food + Drink: We love the main dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as 19 for an elevated dinner experience. At Los Cab Saloon, check out live music with a cocktail, or head to Club Grill, the golf restaurant with beautiful views of the Bradshaw Mountains.
Amenities: Fitness center; Restaurants; Bar; Concierge; Meeting spaces; Bikes; Horseback riding; ATVs; Skeet shooting; Archery; Spa; Hiking; Kids center; Outdoor pool
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: We can’t get enough of the equestrian program, where you can learn how to walk, trot, and gallop with a horse (just for starters)
5 Nearby Attractions: With over 18,000 acres on the property, the nearby attractions are more like on-property amenities. We’d recommend skeet shooting, archery, horseback riding, golf, and the spa
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Take a sunrise hike on property grounds and be prepared to have your breath taken away
Rooms: 67 casita rooms and 12 suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $335/night
Closest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
