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 grooming, ranch crafts and ancient history.

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At a Glance

Experience authentic ranch life, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of southern Arizona and the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. Hop into the saddle of gentle horses to ramble along easy scenic trails where John Wayne and Pancho Villa once roamed. Learn skills from roping to caring for ranch animals, and study the rich history of the area. Get hands-on lessons riding horses, making tortillas and take part in a tequila tasting. Learn about Navajo Weaving and Native American Jewelry. Plus, choose an extra activity each day, from off-road UTV adventures to sport shooting. This ranch adventure that will give you a window into ranch life on the Southern border.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Riding horses and UTVs, getting on and off horses, walking up to a mile daily on unpaved desert terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Take a field trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to get a better understanding of life on the border
  • Explore the high desert grasslands and wetlands of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
  • Enjoy a variety of hands-on classes at the Ranch, from trail riding and roping to art classes, tortilla making and tequila tasting.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Select dates can be taken back-to-back with a sister program, “Ultimate Old West: The White Stallion Ranch Experience (#20193)”. Please check Dates and Prices of both programs for availability and then contact the Ranch directly to make arrangements.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jerry Freund
Jerry Freund was born on the plains of western Kansas. He has explored the natural world and the world of Native Americans for most of his life. His love of Navajo culture and their weavings has intrigued him for more than 60 years. Though retired, Jerry continues to work in an art gallery of Western art that specializes in Native American art.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Gail True
Gail True View biography
Gail True received her first passport when she was seven months old. She spent most of her career working in Human Resources for retail organizations and hospitals. Gail has lived in Arizona, Northern and Southern California, and in West Africa during her time in the Peace Corps. Her travels have taken her to more than 30 countries with plans to visit many more. She looks forward to getting to know her fellow Road Scholars, and to sharing the history and beauty of the true West.
Profile Image of Jerry Freund
Jerry Freund View biography
Jerry Freund was born on the plains of western Kansas. He has explored the natural world and the world of Native Americans for most of his life. His love of Navajo culture and their weavings has intrigued him for more than 60 years. Though retired, Jerry continues to work in an art gallery of Western art that specializes in Native American art.
Profile Image of Diego Dunn
Diego Dunn View biography
Diego Dunn has extensive knowledge about the desert and edible plants, studying under Charles W. Kane and Peter Bigfoot. He is the owner of Desert Gatherings, which sells native desert seeds and makes products such as prickly pear syrup, hot sauce, and cactus jelly. Diego now uses his knowledge to teach others about the edible Southwestern desert.
Profile Image of Madeline Thorpe
Madeline Thorpe View biography
Madeline Thorpe is a self-taught artist who was born in Tucson, Arizona. Her art is heavily influenced by the things she loves in the Southwest: the Sonoran Desert, the surrounding mountains, and her Hispanic origin. She has worked in various mediums of art including sandblasting. Madeline also authored "Corazon Contento," a cookbook which not only features regional recipes but also recuerdos (family stories), dichos (sayings) and remedios (remedies) from her childhood.
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You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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.
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5 B 4 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Ranch History
Sasabe, AZ
D
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 & WIldlife Refuge
Sasabe, AZ
B,L,D
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 sport shooting 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 unwind and enjoy some evening entertainment.

DAY
3
Ranch Activities, Navajo Weaving, Native American Jewelry
Sasabe, AZ
B,L,D
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 horseback ride or you can take a trip to the nearby Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge if you did not visit yesterday.

Lunch: In the Hacienda at the Ranch.

Afternoon: Next, we'll be joined by a local expert for a presentation about Navajo Weaving. Later, we'll take a horseback ride to a desert location for a Spanish Wine and Cheese tasting (the location is within walking distance for those who don't wish to ride).

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
Trail Ride Breakfast, Ranch Activities, Local Culture
Sasabe, AZ
B,L,D
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 ride back to the ranch and a local expert will lead you in crafting your own Native American Medicine Bag to symbolize your personal well-being. (You are welcome to bring something small and meaningful for your bag).

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 chiles and how to prepare and use them in cooking.

Dinner: Cocktail hour in the Cantina followed by dinner in the Hacienda.

Evening: After dinner we'll gather for evening entertainment.

DAY
5
Poker Horseback Ride, Roping & Tequila tasting
Sasabe, AZ
B,L,D
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: 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.) Or, you may choose to try your hand at sport shorting or go on a nature hike where you'll learn about the flora and fauna surrounding the ranch.

Lunch: In the Hacienda at the Ranch.

Afternoon: After lunch we'll have the option to be introduced to proper grooming techniques with the ranch horses, or try your hand at roping. Later on, we'll participate in a hands-on tortilla making class with Ranch Staff.

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 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. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Sasabe, AZ
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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