Tanque Verde Ranch celebrating 150 years in Tucson

Tanque Verde Ranch is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest privately owned businesses in Tucson.

Built in 1868, the ranch was originally owned by Don Emilio Carrillo, who moved his family to Tucson in 1856 and started ranching in the Tanque Verde Valley.

After Carrillo died, his son Rafael took over and later sold the ranch in the mid-1920s to Jim Converse, who added lodging accommodations to welcome Eastern guests in 1928. Converse sold the ranch to Brownie Cote in 1957, and it remains in the Cote family today.

Judy and Brownie Cote bought Tanque Verde Guest Ranch in 1957.
Courtesy the Cote family

Far from the working cattle ranch it once was, Tanque Verde Ranch, which borders Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest, now has all-inclusive and à la carte stays and is also open to locals looking to book breakfast rides, enjoy the twice-weekly “Cowboy Cookout” or spend time at the spa.

It has four tennis courts, two swimming pools, and more than 150 horses for lessons and rides on private horse trails.

“It’s an exciting time for Tanque Verde Ranch,” said General Manager Terry Hanley. “We have a responsibility to honor the history and tell stories of the past, while evolving the property into a modern-day oasis for outdoor lovers and active travelers.

“We are lucky to welcome guests who have been coming here for over 50 years, and we are equally excited to introduce new visitors to the family.”

Located at 14301 E. Speedway, Tanque Verde Ranch spans 640 acres and also leases approximately 60,000 acres from the U.S. Forest Service for its cattle operation.

To mark the milestone anniversary, Tanque Verde Ranch is offering special promotions and new activities this year, to include:

$150 for the 150th: For stays through Aug. 30, nightly room rates are available for $150 in honor of the anniversary. The package is based on double occupancy and includes breakfast, with remaining meals and activities available for an additional cost.
Kids Club horse painting: Kids ages 4-12 get an assortment of colors to paint the side of a horse with their hands. The paint washes off easily and acts as a massage for the horse.
Custom bike excursions: With an on-site mountain bike guide catering to riders of all skill levels, excursions now include customized rides with multiple types of terrain and levels of difficulty, both on and off property.
Half- or full-day hikes: Guests can venture off property to explore the desert and mountains while learning about flora, fauna, geology and history from a professional guide. Hikers trek through Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, Mount Lemmon, Tanque Verde Falls, Catalina State Park, Saguaro West/Gates Pass and Madera Canyon, with meals provided.
Additional activities include fishing, pickleball and Jeep adventures.

For more information, visit tanqueverderanch.com