Sprucedale Guest Ranch
Mailing address- PO Box 880 Eagar, AZ 85925
Physical address- 1228 Wiltbank Rd Alpine, AZ 85920
(928)333- 4984
Nestled high in the pine country of Northeastern Arizona—7400 ft. above the sea and miles from civilization—is a little-known secret called, Sprucedale Guest Ranch. Owned and operated by the Wiltbank family since 1941, it has been a haven for people from all over the world for generations.
Rich in history, and unsurpassed in mountain scenery, Sprucedale is renowned for being an unbeatable family vacation. Their rustic guest cabins are lovely yet simple; many built by hand from trees harvested on their own property. Updated with modern conveniences, the small cabins are homey, clean, and comfortable. By focusing less on a flashy appearance and more on the quality of home-cooked meals and family-fun activities, the Wiltbank’s are able to keep their rates very affordable.
Horseback riding takes center stage at Sprucedale and is a sheer pleasure for beginner and experienced riders alike. The Wiltbanks raise and train their own horses, and are able to choose the right mount for each rider. Elk, deer, antelope, and big horn sheep are frequently seen while on the trails. It is not uncommon to start in a grassy meadow, climb a canyon with clear, flowing water, and top a mountain ridge where the view opens up miles… all in a two-hour horseback ride.
In addition to the breath-taking trail rides, there are other activities for all ages. Cow milking, gymkhana rodeos, colt leading, western dance lessons, cookouts, fishing, hiking, and extended horseback rides are all available, and much more. Or, if you’d prefer a slower pace, you can grab a book and your favorite drink and merely sit on your porch. The beauty and peace of the picturesque valley will soon have you kicked back with a warm smile on your face.
Yes, Sprucedale is an affordable vacation with delicious meals and stunning views, but what draws most guests back (many now for two and three generations!) is the hospitality and friendship of the Wiltbank Family and their staff. Because of them, Sprucedale is indeed a place where families come together!
The beautiful, peaceful surroundings are just one of the things that bring guests back year after year. Sprucedale is surrounded by the Apache National Forest, with its stand of Ponderosa Pine, Aspen, and of course, Spruce trees. The grassy meadows are decorated by a wide variety of wildflowers and crystal-clear streams, with deer, elk , antelope and big horn sheep grazing nearby.
Our comprehensive riding program is designed for the experienced rider, the “first-time” rider, and all riders in between. Please let us know about your riding experience and ambitions so we can best accommodate you during your stay. Each guest is carefully matched with a specific horse for the duration of their stay, based on their experience, height, weight and riding experience.
Our horseback rides are guided by wranglers for the safety of our riders and horses. Typically, there are two rides a day—morning and afternoon (link to full ranch experience schedule). During our peak season, we offer morning Trail, Teen, and Adult rides. Children 6 and older may participate in trail rides. A leaded pony may be available for short rides around the corral for children under the age of 6.
| Mornings | Cow Milking, Riding Demo, Morning Wrangle, Saddling, Trail Ride |
| Afternoons | Advancing & Advanced Rides, Gymkhana Rodeo, Colt Leading, Hay Rides, Volleyball, Basketball, Corn Hole, Wading in the Creek, Hiking, Fishing, You name it! |
| Evenings | Western Dancing with in instructions, Bonfire, Cook Out, Skit/Talent show, Game Night, Star Gazing. |