Discover the Best Southwest Destinations for an Authentic Wild West Adventure

The Southwest is the place to go for a real Wild West experience. Whether you want to ride like a cowboy or stay where the Western stars of yesteryear stayed, we have the place for your Wild West vacation.

Brenham, Texas – Ranches and Barbecue

Any Texan will tell you that they are proud of being a Texan. They love their land and heritage. To better understand Texans, visit one of the small towns in Texas such as Brenham, not far from Houston. The beauty of small Texas towns is that the families who settled in the area are still there. Multi-generational homesteads and ranches are not unusual. Texans are proud, yes, but they are also warm and hospitable. Small Texas towns provide great opportunities for weekend getaways or extended vacations.

Tanque Verde Ranch – Tucson, Arizona

The Tanque Verde Ranch is located at the foothills of the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest just east of Tucson, Arizona. The rooms and casitas are dotted throughout the guest ranch property, making each short walk from room to activities and dining an opportunity to explore the beauty of the desert. The hills surrounding the ranch are decorated with the majestic Saguaro cacti, native only to the Sonoran desert area. You may happen upon deer, javelina, coyotes, rabbits, and a wide range of bird species during your visit.

White Stallion Ranch – Tucson, Arizona

White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, AZ
Entrance to the Beautiful White Stallion Ranch. Elizabeth R. Rose

The White Stallion Ranch is a family-owned working ranch. With longhorn cattle coming in for water every day and outdoor barbecues, the White Stallion Ranch offers plenty of Western atmosphere. Settle in and enjoy the mountain and desert views. Once you get there, you won’t want to leave. The ranch served as the site for movies such as the 1939 epic film, Arizona. Classic films like Apache Ambush and Backlash were also filmed at White Stallion Ranch. Today, film crews tasked with fashion shoots can be seen posing their models among the stately Saguaro cacti.

El Rancho Motel in Gallup, New Mexico

The El Rancho Hotel, built in 1937 and located on old Route 66, served as a temporary home for many Hollywood stars from the 1930s to 1950s. It has been designated a National Historic Site and retains the charm of Old West Gallup. Autographed photos of movie stars who visited and authentic Navajo Rugs surround the two-story rustic lobby. Moreover, rooms are named after movie stars who stayed there, enhancing the nostalgic experience.

Rancho de los Caballeros – Wickenburg, Arizona

Rancho de los Caballeros is a well-respected guest ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. Families have been coming to the ranch for over 50 years to enjoy golfing, riding, fine dining, and soaking up the desert sunshine. The ranch has recently added a spa to enhance the luxurious experience. Visitors have the opportunity to ride the desert like a Western star, top the day off with a prickly pear margarita, and then relax in their own “casita” during their stay.

John Ford’s Point at Monument Valley

John Ford’s Point, a place where many Westerns were filmed, offers an excellent view of the Three Sisters group, providing a stunning backdrop for photography and sightseeing.

Wild West Williams, Arizona

Williams is known as a Route 66 town and the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. With the creative vision of two talented men, the Wild West image of Williams has been greatly enhanced. Michael J. DuCharme, principal of the new Wild West Junction, and Jay Redfeather, who designed the artist’s conceptions for the Junction’s current and future buildings, are building a mini Wild West theme area. This includes a fascinating museum, a restaurant with Western entertainment, and accommodations featuring Western Film Rooms or a Wild West Bordello-themed room, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a unique experience.

Hidden Meadow Guest Ranch – Greer, Arizona

Discover a luxurious retreat deep in the White Mountains of Arizona that gives you the opportunity to experience ranch life while enjoying the wilds of White Mountain elk country. Delight in gourmet food and relax in your private log cabin, making for an unforgettable getaway.

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