Arizona
Rancho de la Osa: Ranch Life on the Southern Border
Program No. 23771RJ
Experience life at the most historic ranch in Arizona. Enjoy tranquil trail rides near the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, and learn about grooming, ranch crafts and ancient history.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
5B, 4L, 5D
)
6 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
9 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Ranch History
Location:
Sasabe, AZ
Meals:
D
Stay:
Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch
Activity Note
Ranch check-in from 3:00 p.m. Walking several hundred feet over packed dirt terrain between housing and dining hall/meeting room. The ranch is in a dark sky area and has minimal outdoor lighting at night. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. For all meals, dietary restrictions and special diets (vegetarian and gluten free) will be accommodated with minimum three weeks advance notice. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Next, we'll enjoy a presentation on the history of Rancho de la Osa with one of the ranch owners.
Dinner:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Horse & Ranch Demos, Border Visit & Tequila Tasting
Location:
Sasabe, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch
Activity Note
Walking one to two miles over the course of the day over varied terrain. Getting on/off horses (mounting blocks available) or in/out of UTVs; riding horses.
Breakfast:
In the Hacienda.
Morning:
We will begin the day with a horse safety class with ranch staff. This will help prepare us for an enjoyable and safe program experience. Next, we will embark on a field trip to the nearby U.S. – Mexico border, either as a scenic introductory trail ride or as an off-road UTV trip.
Lunch:
In the Hacienda.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, you can choose to try your hand at archery or take a trip to the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. Originally a cattle ranch, the land was purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1985 to create a refuge for the endangered Masked Bobwhite Quail. The nearly 120,000 acre refuge is a birdwatcher's paradise with spectacular views and a fascinating history. Later on, we'll be treated to a class and demonstration on natural horsemanship, a fascinatingly effective technique for working with horses.
Dinner:
Cocktail hour in the Cantina followed by dinner in the Hacienda.
Evening:
After dinner, we will enjoy a tequila tasting experience with a local expert. We will learn about the history and unique qualities of Mexcal, Tequila, Bacanora and Sotol, and will have a chance to sample each.
Day
3
Ranch Activities, Navajo Weaving, Native American Jewelry
Location:
Sasabe, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch
Activity Note
Walking one to two miles over the course of the day over varied terrain. Getting on/off horses (mounting blocks available) or in/out of UTVs; riding horses. The extent of the ranch activity is dependent on participants’ choice.
Breakfast:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch.
Morning:
This morning, we'll choose an activity of our choice, which may include a class on sport shooting or a visit to the Tumacacori Mission, a National Historic Park near Tubac.
Lunch:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch.
Afternoon:
Next, we'll choose an activity of our choice, which may include a horseback ride or a field trip to the nearby Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge if you did not visit yesterday. Later, we'll be joined by a local expert for a presentation about Navajo Weaving.
Dinner:
Cocktail hour in the Cantina followed by dinner in the Hacienda.
Evening:
After dinner we'll be joined by a local expert for a presentation on Southwest Native American Jewelry.
Day
4
Ranch Activities, Local Culture
Location:
Sasabe, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch
Activity Note
Walking one to two miles over the course of the day over varied terrain. Getting on/off horses (mounting blocks available) or in/out of UTVs; riding horses. The extent of the ranch activity is dependent on participants’ choice.
Breakfast:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch.
Morning:
This morning, we'll choose an activity of our choice, which may include a guided horseback ride, a guided nature hike, or a visit to the Tumacacori Mission, a National Historic Park near Tubac.
Lunch:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch.
Afternoon:
You'll depart for a walking presentation on herbal and edible plants in the desert with a local expert. Upon returning to the ranch, you'll learn about authentic tortilla making.
Dinner:
Cocktail hour in the Cantina followed by dinner in the Hacienda.
Evening:
After dinner we'll gather for evening entertainment.
Day
5
Trail Ride Breakfast, Poker Horseback Ride, & Roping
Location:
Sasabe, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch
Activity Note
Walking one to two miles over the course of the day over varied terrain. Getting on/off horses (mounting blocks available) or in/out of UTVs; riding horses. The extent of the ranch activity is dependent on participants’ choice.
Breakfast:
We'll ride our horses out to a beautiful location for an "al fresco” cookout, weather permitting. (The cookout site is within walking distance for those who don't wish to ride).
Morning:
We'll start the day with a special scenic trail ride and activity – a poker horseback ride where we will draw a card at a series of checkpoints. Our hands will be revealed this evening. (If you do not wish to ride, we’ll have extra cards to draw from prior to the evening poker event.) Upon arriving back at the ranch, we'll have the option to be introduced to proper grooming techniques with the ranch horses, or try your hand at roping.
Lunch:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll have the option to participate in a class in sport shooting or archery, or take a visit to the Tumacacori Mission, a National Historic Park near Tubac.
Dinner:
Cocktail hour in the Cantina; we will reveal our poker hands from this morning's ride. We will share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner in the Hacienda.
Evening:
After dinner, we will enjoy a line dancing experience in the Cantina. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Sasabe, AZ
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Ranch check-out by 11:00 a.m. Airport shuttles depart for Tucson; check with your Group Leader for details.
Breakfast:
In the Hacienda at the Ranch. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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