Circle Z Ranch
Arizona’s Original Dude Ranch, where authentic traditions meet unspoiled adventures
Circle Z Ranch
Arizona’s Original Dude Ranch, where authentic traditions meet unspoiled adventures
Welcome to Circle Z Ranch, a vacation experience that will envelop you in a time and place when days were spent on horseback and nights under a blaze of stars. Since 1926, our all-inclusive Arizona dude ranch vacations are memorable experiences for our guests. Our historic ranch is nestled in Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands, known for its vast grasslands and vaulting mountain ranges. Guided by expert wranglers, guests explore trails across thousands of acres of unobstructed vistas. Back at the ranch you can partake in other outdoor activities or join guests, fireside, in our colorful and spacious lodge. Meals are cooked from scratch using locally grown ingredients. With a maximum capacity of 35 guests, we pride ourselves in providing personalized experiences. This is ranch life at its best. An experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
Activities
In addition to our horseback riding adventures, there are a variety of activities at the Circle Z. There are campfire nights with music and s’mores, nightly social hour, weekly calf roping demonstrations, and plenty of outdoor space for enjoying those Arizona blues skies and legendary sunsets. Not to mention the nearby towns that offer shopping, wine tastings, cavern exploring, and historic tours. Our naturalists guide guests through the flora and fauna of the Sky Islands we call home.
- Campfires with music
- Saturday night musical entertainment
- Guided nature walks
- Hiking
- Guided Yoga stretching
- Horseshoe decorating class
- Team penning
Amenities
During our 95 plus years of operation, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving and improving upon the many unique features of our historic property. From the original lodge to the newly added Game room, from our solar-heated swimming pool to the covered riding arena, from the cantina where laughter flows and stories are shared, and to all the extras in between; there is nothing we haven’t thought of. Browse the amenities below for the details we provide to make your vacation the best it can be.
- Heated swimming pool
- Tennis and pickleball court
- Covered riding arena
- Game room
- Ping pong table
- Pool table
- Business center and free wifi
- Laundry room
- Outdoor patios for all lodging
- Hair dryers and refrigerators in all cottages
Lodging
Dotted around our pristine property are several types of cottages, each perfectly appointed with outdoor patios for relaxing in the Arizona sunshine. Each is newly remodeled with tile bathrooms, carpeted floors, and oh-so comfy beds.
Looking for accommodations for singles or couples, then our standard kings are guest favorites. Feel the need for a little extra space to kick off your boots, then our one bedroom suites with large living rooms are your ticket.
For those traveling solo and looking for more quaint accommodations, our standard queens are perfect. We do not charge extra for solo occupants.
The adjoining-rooms options are ideally suited for friends traveling together looking for value, yet wanting separate bedrooms, or for small families with youngsters or teens.
Our two and three bedroom cottages make those family and friend reunions extra special. Browse your perfect option below for more details!
Dining
We are well known for our delicious dining experiences and offer only the best in our cuisine. Our three buffet meals provide great variety, from fresh fruits and vegetables, breads baked in our ovens, and a variety of entrees. Our three cookouts each week round out the ranch offerings with our commitment to only the finest in ranch dining.
History
The Circle Z Ranch, which started as a sheep-herding operation in the 1880’s by Dutton Sanford,, was developed as a dude ranch in the 1920’s. It is the oldest continuously operating dude ranch in Arizona.
In 1925 the original Sanford Ranch of 5000 acres was purchase by Lee and Carl Zinsmeister of Louisville, KY for the location of the present Circle Z Ranch. They immediately began to develop one of the finest guest ranches in the state. It was the golden age of dude ranching and the Dude Rancher’s Association was just forming. The facilities were opened in 1926 with a capacity of 24 guests. Over the next few years, it was increased to accommodate 70.
In 1949 Fred Fendig came from Chicago and purchased the Circle Z. He was the owner-manager for the next 25 years.
When Fred Fendig decided to retire and sell the ranch in 1974, Mr. and Mrs. Preston Nash of Novelty, OH purchased the ranch. Their deep interest stems from Mrs. Nash’s many visits to the ranch as a child, forming her commitments to land preservation and horses. The ranch continues to be owned and operated by Lucia’s son, Rick Nash, and his wife Diana. The Nash’s along with the Lorta family continue to keep the traditions and heritage of the ranch alive and flouriishing.
