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Ultimate Old West: The White Stallion Ranch Experience

Program Number: 20193RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/3/2013 - 2/8/2013; 10/1/2013 - 10/6/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Price starting at: $1,095.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Outdoor Adventures, Misc.
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience a Wild West adventure at the renowned White Stallion Ranch, a working ranch at the foot of the ruggedly beautiful Tucson Mountains. Take easy trail rides, hear the history of the ranch from owner Russell True, and lend a hand with grooming and feeding its horses, donkeys, burros and Longhorn cattle. Cowboy songs around a bonfire complete this adventure to discover your inner cowboy or cowgirl.




Highlights

• Enjoy scenic trail rides on gentle horses, breakfast and lunch cookouts, a hayride, and a desert nature walk.
• Learn how to handle a lasso, communicate with horses, watch horse-roping and penning demonstrations, and see how a horse is “shoed.”
• Enjoy evenings learning how to “do-si-do” in country western dance lessons, stargazing at the stunning night sky with a local astronomer, and entertainment by a cowboy singer and "Wild West Show."



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles, riding a horse.




Date Specific Information

2-3-2013, 10-1-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Tucson

Cactus forests, craggy mountains and rolling hills surround this temperate city, which lies in the borderlands of the U.S. and Mexico. The region reflects a blending of the two cultures, along with a history of Native American settlement. The city is dotted with museums, galleries and parks that celebrate this natural and historical diversity.
Accommodations
Comfortable rooms with Old West-style furniture, private baths and patios on working cattle ranch.
Meals and Lodgings
   White Stallion Ranch
  Tucson, AZ 5 nights
 White Stallion Ranch
Type: Other
  Description: White Stallion Ranch is a 3,000-acre working cattle ranch run by the True family since 1965. Most rooms have original Western furniture. The spa and fitness center bring many comforts to this authentic setting. Horseback riding, hiking, hayrides, cookouts, team cattle penning, rodeos, country line dancing, telescopic stargazing, and campfire sing-alongs allow you to experience the absolute best of the Old West.
  Contact info: 9251 W. Twin Peaks Road, NW
Tucson, AZ 85743 USA
phone: 520-297-0252 xor8889772624
web: www.whitestallion.com
  Room amenities: Rooms are tastefully decorated in regional southwestern style with art and accents from Mexico. Generous floor plans offer sunny, comfortable rooms with plenty of closet space. All guest rooms have air conditioning and a charming patio. Views are of the mountains and cactus gardens. No televisions or telephones in rooms.
  Facility amenities: Two tennis courts, heated pool, gym, hot tub, spa services, sauna and Fitness Center, basketball, billiards, horseback riding, shuffleboard, volleyball, horseshoes, ping pong, petting zoo, full bar, library, piano, RoundUp Recreation Center, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, no room phones, no TVs. Free wireless Internet access, guest office with computers and printers. Coin-operated laundry including detergents, etc. Additional horseback riding and lessons available at an additional cost; please speak with Ranch directly to arrange this. White Stallion Ranch now accepts Discover, Amex, Visa, Mastercard.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: best seasonal rates apply Make arrangements directly with White Stallion Ranch well in advance of program dates for additional nights' housing.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: best seasonal rates apply Make arrangements directly with White Stallion Ranch well in advance of program dates for additional nights' housing.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Arrive any time after 3:00 PM on first day of program; check into Ranch prior to 5:30 PM. You will be staying at White Stallion Ranch that night.
  End of Program:
Depart any time after breakfast on final day of program; check out time is by 12:00 noon. You will be staying at White Stallion Ranch the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free parking is available on the ranch premises
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tucson, AZ
  Nearest city or town:  Benson
  Nearest highway: Interstate 10
  Nearest airport:  Tucson International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Tucson, AZ
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Tucson

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
White Stallion Ranch Shuttle
phone: 520-297-0252
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies by number of people transported (approximately $35 one way for one person)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes to 1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

40 miles
   

Please let front desk at White Stallion Ranch know, several days in advance, when your plane departs from Tucson International Airport. The van's departure will be scheduled with plenty of time for you to get to the airport 1 1/2 to 2 hours prior to your flight time.
 

Tucson

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
White Stallion Ranch Shuttle
phone: 520-297-0252
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies by number of people transported (approximately $35 one way for one person)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes to 1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

40 miles
   

Call White Stallion Ranch at least two weeks prior to program's start date to arrange for shuttle close to your arrival time at Tucson International Airport. If you find that your plane will be delayed, please call the Ranch at 520-297-0252, and give them your new arrival time.
 

Tucson

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Arizona Stagecoach Shuttle
phone: 520-889-1000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $45 per person one way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

40 miles
   

Call shuttle company well in advance of program's start date and reserve shuttle for pick up close to your plane's arrival time. Tell the company in advance (520-889-1000) that you'll be traveling to White Stallion Ranch, and they'll give you the current price per person one way.
 

Tucson

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Arizona Stagecoach Shuttle
phone: 520-889-1000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $45 per person one way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

40 miles
   

Call shuttle company well in advance of program's ending date and reserve shuttle for pick up at least 2 1/2 hours before your plane's departure time. Tell the company in advance (520-889-1000) that you'll be departing from White Stallion Ranch and going to Tucson International Airport, and they'll give you the current price per person one way.
 
Driving Directions
  Interstate 10 From Phoenix you will be going East on I-10 and from Tucson you will be going West on I-10. Exit from I-10 at Twin peaks road, Exit #244. From Phoenix, turn RIGHT on Twin Peaks road and from Tucson turn LEFT on Twin Peaks Road. Go 2 miles to 5th traffic light 'T' intersection at Silverbell and turn RIGHT. Almost immediately, bear LEFT up the hill. Travel 1/2 mile on Twin Peaks Road over the hill. Turn LEFT at bottom of hill onto White Stallion Ranch Road (dirt road). Watch for sign on right side of road (opposite the entrance). Go 300 yards and cross over cattle guard. Turn RIGHT. Follow dirt road 1 mile to Ranch Office Headquarters Building. Call Ranch office at 520-297-0252 for additional assistance. WORD OF CAUTION: Do NOT follow directions found in the on-line mapping program Map Quest - they are incorrect!
Equipment Requirements: You'll probably want to bring your camera, as you'll have some wonderful photo opportunities. A pair of binoculars (they don't need to be fancy!) will be helpful during the Star Party.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation and welcome reception; introductions and program overview; short Western movie
(Sunday, February 3)

Note: Walking up to two blocks over packed dirt terrain between housing and dining hall/meeting room.
   
 Arrive To: Arrive at White Stallion Ranch anytime after 3:00 PM. Check-in with ranch and your group leader before 5:30 PM. Meet your fellow participants and program staff during a welcome rreception.
 Dinner: Dinner in ranch dining room
 Evening: Program orientation, questions and answers, and a short video will complete your first evening.
   
Accommodations: White Stallion Ranch
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: White Stallion Ranch history; behind-the-scenes ranch visit; scenic trail ride; country western dance lessons
(Monday, February 4)

Note: Walking a few blocks or up to a mile over the course of the day depending on your physical capabilities. Standing during behind-the-scenes ranch visit. Even those with physical impairments can mount a horse (thanks to mounting block) and enjoy a short trail ride. Watch or participate in country western dance lessons.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the ranch dining hall
 Morning: Russell True, owner of White Stallion Ranch, and other ranch employees will tell you about the ranch's history and how his family established it and how his children are preparing themselves to run it in the future. You'll also enjoy a guided "behind the scenes" ranch exploration; the scope of this facility will amaze you!
 Lunch: Lunch in the dining hall
 Afternoon: After lunch, you'll enjoy a scenic introductory trail ride, followed by a "Mustang Make-Over" video in the movie theater.
 Dinner: Dinner in the dining hall
 Evening: The evening activity is one almost everyone loves - country western dance lessons! You and your fellow participants, other ranch guests, and staff will learn counry western line dancing and some other country western dances, dance a lot, laugh a lot, get some great exercise, and enjoy the camaraderie created by having a whole lot of fun together.
   
Accommodations: White Stallion Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trail ride and breakfast cook-out (vans for non-riders); roping clinic; animal care demos and hands-on; evening star party
(Tuesday, February 5)

Note: Walking a few blocks or up to a mile over the course of the day depending on your physical capabilities. Even those with physical impairments can mount a horse (thanks to mounting block) and enjoy a short trail ride, but vans are available to transport non-riders. Standing for an hour during roping clinic, animal care demo, and evening star party (a few chairs will be provided for those who can't stand long).
   
 Breakfast: Trail ride breakfast cookout
 Morning: Get on one of the delightful horses (mounting block available - and horses are gentle!) and take a guided trail ride - or, if you feel you simply cannot ride (and most people can easily do it), vans will transport you - to a breakfast cookout location. This is so much fun; the food tastes great in the fresh morning air and the scenery is spectacular. After breakfast, you'll ride back to the ranch for a roping clinic; you can participate, or just watch.
 Lunch: Lunch in dining hall at the ranch
 Afternoon: This afternoon, you'll have a demonstration and lecture on how the ranch animals are cared for. This will include grooming, feeding, shoeing, sheltering, and everything involved with keeping the horses, cows, donkeys, burros, and other critters healthy, happy and well-maintained. You'll have a chance to help groom some of the animals and to ask questions.
 Dinner: Dinner in the dining hall
 Evening: This evening, you'll take part in a Star Party with a local astronomer. Away from street and city lights, the darkness at the ranch allows you to view the stunning night skies at the ranch. Bring your binoculars if you have them.
   
Accommodations: White Stallion Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Scenic mountain trail ride; hayride and cookout; desert nature class and walk
(Wednesday, February 6)

Note: Walking a few blocks or up to a mile over the course of the day depending on your physical capabilities. Even those with physical impairments can mount a horse (thanks to mounting block) and enjoy the scenic trail ride, but vans are available to transport non-riders. Standing during cookout (a few chairs will be provided). Walking over unpaved terrain during desert nature walk.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the ranch dining hall
 Morning: This morning you'll have a scenic mountain trail ride
 Lunch: Get on board the flatbed trailer and journey off on a hay ride. Lunch will be cooked outdoors - yum! You'll be surrounded by saguaro, ocatillo and prickly pear cacti, stunning blue skies and remarkably beautiful mountains. Return to ranch after lunch.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, there will be a class and nature walk about the desert flora and fauna found on the Ranch.
 Dinner: Dinner in the dining hall
 Evening: There will be ranch entertainment this evening, featuring Loop Rawlins and his "Wild West" show.
   
Accommodations: White Stallion Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Natural horsemanship talk and demonstration; scenic trail ride; afternoon art class; cowboy singer and bonfire; program closing
(Thursday, February 7)

Note: Trail ride, art class, walking a few blocks from housing to dining hall/meeting room, standing during evening entertainment (a few chairs will be provided)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the dining hall
 Morning: This morning, enjoy a talk and demonstration on natural horsemanship.
 Lunch: Lunch in the dining hall
 Afternoon: After lunch, you can practice your riding skills some more on a scenic trail ride, followed by an art class with Ute. You'll try your hand at simple art using water colors and ink - all materials are provided for you, and you'll have a nice souvenir to take home with you! Even if you've never drawn or painted, you can succeed in producing a little landscape drawing or painting that will bring you fond memories of the lovely scenery at White Stallion Ranch!
 Dinner: Dinner in the dining hall
 Evening: After dinner, you'll go outdoors to enjoy a western-style bonfire, complete with a talented cowboy singer, who will serenade you (and you can sing along, too, if you wish!). A brief program closing will complete your visit to White Stallion Ranch.
   
Accommodations: White Stallion Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast and departure
(Friday, February 8)

Note: Walking a few blocks from housing to dining hall
   
 Depart From: Depart from the ranch any time after breakfast. Check-out time is no later than 12:00 noon.
 Breakfast: This morning's breakfast will be the last meal included with the program.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Early Tucson (Images of America)


Author: Anne I. Woosley and Arizona Historical Society


Line in the Sand: A History of the Western U.S.-Mexico Border


Author: Rachel C. St. John


True Tales and Amazing Legends of the Old West: From True West Magazine


Author: Editors of True West


Medicine in the Old West: A History, 1850-1900


Author: Jeremy Agnew


Cowboys & the Trappings of the Old West


Author: William Manns, Elizabeth Clair Flood & Charlotte Berney


Tucson: The Life and Times of an American City


Author: C. L. Sonnichsen




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