our wildlife neighbors
We live in a remote and rural location. We respect the wildlife who's home we share.
Keep an eye out for coyote, bobcat, javelina, deer, birds of prey, quail...
Some are elusive, some can be spotted on horseback or around the ranch. Dawn or dusk are the best times for sightings.
HIKING
Hike to the double-crested saguaro, a mutation that exists in only 204 cacti in AZ - One of them is right down the road.
Did you know an arm of a saguaro takes 75 years to grow?
There are so many hiking options available from easy to challenging.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Bring your mountain bike for some extra fun. There are many desert trails in the area.
Novice and pros travel from miles around to ride in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, it’s located within minutes of the ranch...we'll be happy to point you to the road less traveled.
VERDE RIVER Wild horses
A sighting of the wild horses of the Verde River is definitely a bucket list item!
A 6 mile ride through sandy washes, or a 20 minute drive, takes you to one of the few places left in the country where truly wild horses live. They roam through the Verde River. Be sure to take your camera!!
UNPARALLELED DESERT WILDERNESS
"Rio Rancho Verde was more than we could have hoped for. You book for the beautiful property, and the promise of sunshine. In addition to those, we were met with incredible kindness and love for life, by Carmela, Joe, and their returning community of guests".
".....Retreating into the wilderness, just my horse and I, was one of the most powerfully spiritual moments I have ever experienced....."