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January 2024 by Mary Ubel (2UWBrushCreekRanchks)
Absolutely a must see
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December 2023 by Bil Jackson
Nice Day trip. Will go back soon.
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December 2023 by Adrian Cornelius
I want everyone to know that they need to go check this out this place is beautiful wonderful and just outgoing to see everything in its history
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November 2023 by Michael Hufstedler
Great piece of Arizona history! This historic ranch home offers a real idea of the way the men who settled this ranch lived with their families. This tour is completely self guided. It’s nice to be able to walk through such an important part of history and see the way the west was settled. Excellent views and massive cottonwood trees.
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September 2023 by Lee P.
A treasure hiding in plain sight.This incredible gem rescued from development is less than 20 minutes from I-10 up scenic hwy 83, just a couple miles before Sonoita, AZ. Well marked and a nice paved road in from the highway. This was a massive 100,000 acre working cattle ranch started by the Vail brothers in the mid 1800s. The community of Vail, AZ along I-10 got its name because it was the rail siding for the ranch, becoming a hub of commerce and post office. In later years the ranch was extensively used for TV and movie productions with many major Hollywood classics, including John Wayne westerns, filmed on location at the ranch.The ranch supports many activities year round with hunting, equestrian, biking and hiking pursuits using the expansive property. The original ranch house has been preserved and renovated and hosts multiple events throughout the year to recreate the environment of the old west as a living history museum. There's a major cowboy festival held at the ranch the first weekend of November that is a fun event.They also host movie showings in spring and fall under the stars, showing films made on location at the ranch. A great way to enjoy that event is to visit the ranch house during the day, head into Sonoita for a dinner and a brew and then pop back in for the movie, to the serenade of cicadas, coyotes and owls in the distance and the brilliant stars overhead. Bring a folding chair and blanket - it cools off when the sun goes down.
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April 2023 by Dalia Zimmerman
The ranch and the area around the ranch are so beautiful. There is a stream rolling grass hills and beautiful adobe buildings.
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November 2022 by Debbie Drives and Travels
I have the best feeling down deep in my soul when I just ditch the planning and randomly stumble on to activities. And so it is true with this place. If your in the area, it is a stop and stretch your legs explore property. Free....but put in a donation. And, I didn't see any rattlesnakes. (Did see some dead mice. Where is that snake when it's needed?!)
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May 2022 by Andrew Hooper
Great historical place and lots of history at the ranch. Spend a few hours tour the place and buy some merchandise to support the ERF.
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May 2022 by Jon Vergason
beautiful place to get away and relax and unwind.
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March 2022 by Caroline Davis
A look back in time and lifestyle. Very interesting.
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February 2022 by Tanya Crossman
Stunning bit of American history. BLM has done an incredible job with showcasing the ranch and explaining its history!
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November 2021 by Mark V Lopez
My son and I enjoyed the Cowboy Festival on Sunday. Great staff/volunteers, very friendly people (my kind of folk). Vendors were good people, shared their knowledge & skills with my son. Enjoyed all the performances, demonstrations, picked up a few items and we will definitely be back for Christmas.
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August 2021 by Todd Mowen
So much history to explore. Great self guided walking tour. Lots to see in the house. A lot bigger than expected while walking through it. Great job to the foundation for preserving it so will.
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July 2021 by Eli Peart
This place was awesome! Just happened to see a sign for this place while driving down Sonoita Hwy from Parker Canyon Lake. Decided to make an impromptu stop to check it out and were so glad we did! Very cool place both inside the house and the property as a whole. Our kids range from 5-11yo and all of them just loved every second of it. $100 free and open 24hrs a day. Well worth a generous donation and we’ll definitely be returning!
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July 2021 by Melissa C.
The views on the Empire Ranch / Las Cienegas National Conservation land are lovely. Rolling, grassy hills--often containing pronghorn and/or cattle--lead the eye to Whetstone and Mustang Mountains. You'll come back again and again. On one of your trips, take time to stop at the Empire Ranch headquarters. The Empire Ranch Foundation has restored some of the buildings and is in the process of restoring more. The Heritage Discovery Trail starts near the restrooms and heads toward Empire Gulch. You'll notice tall cottonwoods (live and fallen), numerous wildflowers (season dependent), and a significant variety of birds. When the trail circles back to the main ranch house, you can take yourself on a self-guided tour. The Foundation has restored the building and contents, as well as provided signage about the people who lived and worked on the ranch. Docent-led tours will be offered twice a month starting in August. The Empire Ranch / Las Cienegas National Conservation area offers scenic drives, wildlife/bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and more. This gem is only about an hour from Tucson and about 30 minutes from Elgin or Patagonia. Check out the sites below for events and details. blm.gov/national-conserv…empireranchfoundation.org
