Enchanting Experiences at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, AZ

The first thing I noticed while entering the luxury dude ranch, Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona is a corral of horses, tennis courts, pickleball courts and a swimming pool. Walking into the Western-style lobby, one immediately feels at home. Its colorful gingerbread molding, cozy fireplace, pool table, a shelf filled with books, and friendly staff make a great first impression.

Meeting with Sherrie FitzGerald, the new Director of Marketing at Rancho de los Caballeros, she enlightened me about what’s new at the dude ranch. “Two years ago, the ranch was purchased by friends who met as young boys at Rancho de los Caballeros,” said FitzGerald. “The families want to preserve the history and legacy of the property; while modernizing the ranch with a three-year plan of improvements.” Besides the oval-shaped pool, there will be two new swimming pools, a new dining venue and a wellness center.

Enchanting Guest Suites & Casitas

Walking to my assigned Casita #360, I noticed quail scurrying with frenzy across my path. Bunnies were nibbling the tender green grass after raising their head to greet me. Stepping inside my suite, I noticed a wood door on the wall. “A Murphy bed,” I shouted, as I pulled the bed from the wall to the floor of the living area. Nearby I opened a glass door leading onto a small patio; and admired the cotton candy-colored clouds as the sun was starting to set.

There was also a large kitchenette with bottles of water in the refrigerator, and a bottle of red and white wine. I opened the red wine, filled up the whirlpool bathtub and soaked in the warm soothing water before dinner in the main dining room. After dinner, the Western-theme bedroom had a cloud-like king-size bed for a restful and quiet slumber.

Here are other enchanting moments throughout my three-day stay at Rancho de los Caballeros.

Enchanting Saloon

Guests at the ranch gather at the 21+ only Saloon after sunset to enjoy a signature prickly pear margarita before dinner. On certain evenings live music enhances the bar and lounge area. Guests enjoy singing along to their favorite tunes.

Enchanting Culinary Experiences

Besides dining in the Main Dining room serving an appealing breakfast and lunch buffet, guests order off an a la carte menu in the evening with homemade soup, appetizers, pasta and hearty entrees.

For a more formal setting, Restaurant 19 offers a steakhouse-style menu with a few vegetarian options. The desert views of the Los Caballeros Golf Course and nearby Bradshaw Mountains are spectacular. Friday’s at the ranch include a daytime cookout poolside during lunch under the warm Arizona sunshine. On Saturdays, guests can dine under the stars while enjoying a traditional Southwest dinner served over open flames. Menu items include tender steaks, BBQ ribs, as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Enchanting Fireside Chats 

Before or after dinner guest find a fireside armchair to reminisce about their day while overlooking the vast Sonoran Desert and dark sky.

Enchanting Horseback Ride

Start your morning or afternoon with a horseback ride into the desert. Trained wranglers will help you select the best horse for your ride, based on your ability and skill level. This is a luxury dude ranch where the wranglers have wood steps to get up into the saddle easily. They will adjust your stirrups and saddle, as well as teach you the basics on how to handle your horse. Wrangler led trail rides go into the hills of the ranch where guests may see cattle and deer, plus sweeping desert and mountain views. Besides trail rides, the ranch also offers lessons in roping, corral and barrel racing.

Enchanting Golf Course

Golf at Rancho de los Caballeros offers hawks soaring overhead and deer visiting the championship course. Take a lesson to discuss your swing techniques or play a round of golf with friends and family among rugged Arizona terrain with views of Vulture Peak, the Bradshaw Mountains, tall Saguaros, Chollo and Palm Trees.

Enchanting Spa and Wellness

There are two spa locations on the ranch for wellness opportunities. The ranch converted a custom home into a peaceful sanctuary for massages and facials. A Hopi woman designed a sacred Labyrinth in the back of the spa area overlooking Vulture Peak.

New to the ranch is a Bunk House studio for yoga, stretching, meditation, and Pilates. Director Nicole Cloud is excited about the new Wellness Center being built on the ranch. “Besides a lap pool for adults, there will be a family pool and cabana service,” said Cloud. Also in the works is another wellness area and dining venue.

Now is the time to experience the luxury Rancho de los Caballeros filled with enchanting experiences. During Cyber Monday they are offering three nights at the ranch for the price of two. The ranch is also offering an array of special packages for those seeking out the cowboy or cowgirl hidden inside.