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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

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Sep 24 - Sep 29, 2023

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Oct 8 - Oct 13, 2023

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Feb 4 - Feb 9, 2024

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Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024

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Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Program Terms & Conditions

Rancho de la Osa: Ranch Life on the Southern Border

Program No. 23771RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 100 Final payment due: 59 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

If you transfer or cancel:

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.

Transfer Fee: 100% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 100% of trip total

less than 14 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 50% of trip total

55 to 14 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $200.00

119 to 56 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

up to 120 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $50.00

up to 14 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date.	100% of trip total	100% of trip total
less than 14 days prior to program start date	50% of trip total	50% of trip total
55 to 14 days prior to program start date		$200.00
119 to 56 days prior to program start date		$100.00
up to 120 days prior to program start date		$50.00
up to 14 days prior to program start date	$0.00

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

We require all Road Scholar participants, including children, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and have at least one booster shot, if eligible.

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid contracting and spreading an illness.

Only travel if you are healthy. Stay home if you are sick, displaying any symptoms of potential sickness.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

© 2023 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Optional Trip Protection Plan

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5B 4L 5D

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Ranch History

Sasabe, AZ

Horse & Ranch Demos, Border Visit, Tortillas & Poetry

Sasabe, AZ

Ranch Activities, Navajo Weaving, Native American Jewelry

Sasabe, AZ

Trail Ride Breakfast, Ranch Activities, Wild West Show

Sasabe, AZ

Poker Horseback Ride, Roping & Tequila tasting

Sasabe, AZ

Program Concludes

Sasabe, AZ

View Full Itinerary

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

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

Take a field trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss its historical significance its role in current events.
Explore the Presumido Ghost Town Ruins and Petroglyphs, and learn about the area’s 19th-century and ancient history.
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 Experts

Ross Knox

Ross Knox was born and raised on a small cow outfit in central Oregon. He left home when he was 16 and headed for Nevada to work on the big outfits. He was “cowboyed” all over the western states and packed mules in the Grand Canyon for over 16 years. Ross is a nationally known cowboy poet. He brings his knowledge of horses, cattle and the western lifestyle into everything he does at Rancho de la Osa.

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

Ute Vaughn View biography

Ute Vaughan, originally hailing from Germany, is an artist and teacher who has studied art in Europe and the U.S. She is now based in Tucson, Arizona. Working primarily in watercolors and wall murals, her work is most often inspired by the colors, animals, and mysticism of the Southwest.

Ross Knox View biography

Paul Bear View biography

Being a native son of Arizona with family roots tracing back more than six generations, Paul Bear developed an early penchant for the history of the area. This led to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge about Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The passion evolved into a career of restoring and repurposing historic buildings. His newest project is a ranch steeped in legend and lore. After two years of research into source material he has the keys to separate the fiction from the fact.

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.

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.

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.

Doris Evans View biography

Doris Evans taught elementary grades in Tucson Unified School District and in a small school for park employees in Big Bend National Park, Texas. She also held environmental education positions at TUSD and as Curator of Education at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. She has published several natural history books and her photographs have appeared in numerous publications including Arizona Highways. Doris is now retired and volunteers with the Tucson Audubon Society and Pima County Parks Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation.

Janay Brun View biography

Janay Brun is a former mountain lion and jaguar researcher. She spent 10 years roaming borderlands between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, in search of the big cats’ sign. In the field, U.S. border security rhetoric became her forced reality as she encountered not only big cats, but also immigrants and law enforcement pursuers. Border wall construction forced jaguar conservation to the edge. She blew the whistle on her employer’s under-the-radar plan to capture the nation’s only known jaguar, known to the world as Macho B.

Suggested Reading List (8 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

Search for a Title

Early Tucson (Images of America)

by Anne I. Woosley and Arizona Historical Society

Levi's & Lace: Arizona Women who Made History

by Jan Cleere

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

by Jeremy Agnew

Dude Ranching in Arizona (Images of America)

by Russell True

Tucson: The Life and Times of an American City

by C. L. Sonnichsen

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

by Editors of True West

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

by Rachel C. St. John

Cowboys & the Trappings of the Old West

by William Manns, elizabeth Clair Flood & Charlotte Berney

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6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5 B 4 L 5 D

DAY

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Ranch History

Sasabe, AZ

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: 5:00 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. 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. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. 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

Horse & Ranch Demos, Border Visit, Tortillas & Poetry

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'll be introduced to proper grooming techniques with the ranch horses.

Lunch: In the Hacienda.

Afternoon: 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. We'll learn about the historical significance of the border, as well as current issues in this rural section of the U.S. Southern border. Returning to the ranch, we'll participate in a hands-on tortilla making class with Ranch Staff.

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

Evening: After dinner, we will unwind and enjoy a performance of Cowboy Poetry.

DAY

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 be treated to a class and demonstration on natural horsemanship, a fascinatingly effective technique for working with horses. Next, we'll be joined by a local expert for a presentation about Navajo Weaving.

Lunch: In the Hacienda at the Ranch.

Afternoon: We'll choose between a field trip on horseback along the Sasabe Loop or a hands-on sport shooting class, led by the expert ranch staff.

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

Trail Ride Breakfast, Ranch Activities, Wild West Show

Sasabe, AZ

B,L,D

Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch

Breakfast: We'll ride our horses out to a beautiful location for an "al fresco” cookout, weather permitting. It is an easy walk to the cookout site for those who prefer not to ride.

Morning: We'll ride back to the ranch for a walking presentation on herbal and edible plants in the desert with a local expert.

Lunch: In the Hacienda at the Ranch.

Afternoon: We'll choose an activity of our choice this afternoon, which may include a horseback ride or a trip to the nearby Presumido Ghost Town Ruins and Petroglyphs. The Presumido Ruins are located west of the ranch through a pass in the Pozo Verde Mountains. They are on state land leased by a neighboring ranch. The town of Presumido was built by Mexican laborers in 1888 at the request of a woman named Dona Leonora. The town operated as a trading post and was active until the Great Depression; a number of town buildings still stand. In a small canyon nearby, you can find Native American petroglyphs. The site is near the present-day Tohono O'Odham reservation.

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

Evening: After dinner we'll watch a Wild West Show full of rope swinging and gun slinging, performed by an expert who has performed on TV and worked as a stunt performer.

DAY

Poker Horseback Ride, Roping & Tequila tasting

Sasabe, AZ

B,L,D

Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch

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 take a trip to the nearby Presumido Ghost Town Ruins and Petroglyphs.

Lunch: In the Hacienda at the Ranch.

Afternoon: After lunch we'll try our hand at roping or sport shooting in an interactive class. Then, we hear from a local expert and teacher about desert life and what makes the vast area around the Ranch so special.

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

Program Concludes

Sasabe, AZ

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!