Gallery and reviews

“Sunsets, Sunrises, wind whistling through cactus....a coyote calling in the distance. Neighs of horses in the morning.....absolutely amazing. We did not want to leave. Thank you so much for giving other people a chance to stay at this truly spectacular spot on our earth. It filled our spirits.”	"..We were lucky to spot the wild horses down at the river and enjoyed several beautiful hikes in the area. Carmela and her husband were very friendly and helpful.."	"This place is one-of-a-kind. If you want to get away and enjoy the natural beauty and AZ life, this is the place..
"..a walk in the desert every morning is the perfect way to start our day. Between them, Joe and Carmela pretty much know everything about anything you would want to know....	"What a find!..I cannot describe the beauty of the sunrise that greeted me each morning from inside the trailer. The windows are so large and the trailer is perfectly positioned.."	"This place is an absolute horse lovers dream! The scenery is incredible..We rode a different area every day for a week and hated to leave since there were so many more we didn't get to..."
"Sunsets and sunrises are postcard perfect. It is quiet and removed from city life and surrounded by beautiful desert..."	"The riding right off the property is terrific. They have an incredible facility. Super clean, with awesome views. Have been twice, would definitely go again!". . .	"Absolutely beautiful facility with nice stalls and comfortable area for us! Hosts were very helpful and informative. Picture perfect location.". . .
"Sunrise and sunset is magical! Great hiking trails are right out your door. If I could give 6 stars I would!"	"..The riding is perfect..as you are open to all options on how challenging or easy you want to make it..."	"Wonderful experience! Carmela was a great host providing everything needed for our stay - her suggestions for local activities and adventures were also greatly appreciated."
"...The ranch is immaculate; Joe and Carm are friendly, with helpful.. rest assured you horses will be comfortable and safe!"	"The barn, totally designed and lovingly built by the owners, is amazing, the horse equivalent of The Hyatt!"	The bunk house is charming and right near the horses, the views are breathtaking and the whole desert experience is fabulous....
"This place is heaven on earth. If you like the outdoors, clean summer nights and the desert this is the place for you. Carmela and Joe made us feel at home ..we ended up extending our stay."	"Fantastic horse motel. Your horse (s) will be treated wonderfully..."	"...You can ride or hike right out from the ranch into the Tonto Wilderness and at night the heavens put on a star show like no other!
"Words can't capture the views! We were able to roll out of bed & start our morning hike into the Tonto National Forest from the property.."	"Beautiful place, great accommodations for the horses and the best desert riding you'll find anywhere.. I didn't want to leave. .."	"The setting of Rio Rancho Verde is so perfect. You are surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Sonoran desert and the majesty of the mountains and Saguaros.."
Highly recommend! If you are looking for great hospitality and a wonderful place to stay, this is it! Carmela’s ranch gives easy access to nearby attractions but is also located away from the hustle & bustle of downtown Scottsdale and surrounding cities. Lots of nearby trails to explore. Carmela is incredibly responsive to whatever you might need or if you are looking for some local travel advice. We hope to be back!	"Carmela and their dog Grace was easily a favorite part of our morning routine. This is the perfect spot for anyone looking to get out of the city and enjoy the beauty of the desert.."	'..loved all the fresh vegetables we had access to from their garden. We would love to visit again someday!"
"I can highly recommend Rio Rancho Verde!.. both horse and human accommodations were comfortable, clean and just right!.. Plenty of trailer/rig parking. Can't wait to return.". . . .	"Fresh organic veggies available for the taking was an added perk to complete an already perfect stay..."	"The property/stable is next to the national forest, We could not have asked for more... and the price was right! A must if you need to stable your horse(s) in Scottsdale.". . .
"..GORGEOUS!! A place to truly get away from it all. Quiet, clean, well appointed..."	"Ok ..you need to come stay here.. if I could give 10 stars I would...it's the most magical scenery but still close enough to town. You will not regret staying here. Promise. "	"Joe and Carmella are true blue hosts. I adore and admire them. The property and bunkhouse were perfect. We loved just hanging out on the porch, meeting the others who stayed at the ranch and being around the animals"
"...I can't tell you how amazing the sunsets are here. Pictures don't do it justice...."	"..excellent access to some of the best riding in Arizona. Highly recommended.".	The ranch itself is huge, very well done (the barn is nicer than most houses!) and the location is phenomenal. We will definitely be back!". . .
Carmela and Joe were excellent hosts and Rio Rancho was even more beautiful that the pictures suggested! Carmela's directions were spot on and our stay was peaceful. My wife and I were taking a weekend getaway with our mini Schnauzer and this place fit the bill.	"The view of the desert is stunning. The location is perfect--far enough away from the city to feel secluded, but close enough to get groceries .. I would absolutely stay here again and encourage anyone looking for a warm getaway to stay here!"	"..The riding was phenomenal and the views - just beautiful. Fantastic experience!"
"We’d set out on morning walks accompanied by Grace-the-dog, passing by the guests who were boarding their horses at the ranch. (They were pajama’d and enjoying outdoor coffee & breakfast.) We hiked in the Tonto several times, where the views are spectacular and the quality of light, amazing.	"I was simply overwhelmed how beautiful the location is. Quiet and remote but easily accessible to shopping..I loved my stay!"	"...Carmela and Joe were so welcoming and helpful....their knowledge of the area is extensive"
"..I had a great time doing a little roping with Joe. They have a beautiful organic garden that guests can access. I really can’t say enough good things about this property..Definitely recommend this place!"	"What an incredible find! I can't believe this is 20 minutes from Scottsdale - the views are spectacular, the riding is breathtaking and there's more places to explore than we could ride in a month in both the National Forest and Granite Mountain Preserve, right outside the back gate.	"It’s far out of town, but really, it is so beautiful out there that I’d like to go back to spend a long weekend to just hang at the ranch. There is tons of open space just outside their ranch gates, so perfect for the dogs..."
".....Retreating into the wilderness, just my horse and I, was one of the most powerfully meditative moments I have ever experienced in my life....."	"The property has obviously been built and tended with evident love..."	"This is an amazing and peaceful experience. The property is beautiful. Spotless accommodations. Carmela is a warm and welcoming host who also respects guest privacy. Did not want the trip to end. Would love to come back again."
"We have been staying at Rio Rancho Verde every year for the past 6 years, while we exhibit at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. It is our relaxing “get away” after we spend each day in our booth at the show.	"Awesome place! The pictures can't capture the beauty of it all. was truly a 5-star experience! "	"...we loved pulling carrots from Carmela's garden & watching the horses eat their breakfast..."
"... miles and miles available to ride literally out the back gate."	This is a beautiful ranch home literally right next to the Tonto National Forest. It's an amazing place to relax and just be with nature. The surrounding area is well taken care of and is great for exploring.	"The sky is so clear, the sky full of stars seemed like it was at our fingertips.."
"..We really enjoyed the horses and beautiful hikes in the area. Carmela and her husband were very friendly and helpful. Look forward to return visits."	Sunsets and sunrises are postcard perfect. It is quiet and removed from city life and surrounded by beautiful desert. The owners are the nicest people!	"..but nothing can truly prepare you for what it's like to wake up, walk outside your door and be met by that vista, and the majesty of 200 year old + saguaro cactus, some so close you could touch them.."
"..Spent a wonderful weekend at Rio Rancho Verde. Carmela and her husband were very welcoming and shared info about the area and gave some tips on restaurants and nearby trails...."	"..The ranch is immaculate; Joe and Carm are friendly, with helpful info on all you can do. You can leave for a day of shopping in Scottsdale and rest assured you horses will be comfortable and safe!".	The only thing more amazing than the view were the host. We received great info on restaurants and local entertainment. Pictures do not do this place justice! We will be returning.
" What an amazing property. Right at the edge of a national forest, you get to wake up with the sun over incredible desert views, stately saguaros, with wonderful hiking and horseback riding literally right outside your door!"	"Rio Rancho Verde was a dream come true...It is off the beaten path with many great riding options"	"Rio Ranch Verde is set in the most exquisite Arizona landscape -- breathtaking!! The architectural design is AMAZING (eat your heart out Architectural Digest!); and accommodations are artistically unique & creative, luxurious and well-appointed...."heaven on on earth"! We'll definitely return... THANK YOU, CARMELA and JOE!!!"
"We have stayed at Rio Verde every year for many years and love it. The hosts are knowledgeable and friendly and the accommodations for both horses and us are great..... experience!". . .	"This is a beautiful ranch home literally right next to the Tonto National Forest. It's an amazing place to relax and just be with nature. The surrounding area is well taken care of and is great for exploring. I can't tell you how amazing the sunsets are here. "	"The property/stable is next to the national forest, We could not have asked for more... and the price was right! A must if you want to board your horse(s) in Scottsdale.". . .
"Amazing location and perfect hosts. Everything was fantastic about our stay.. The chance to be in Scottsdale but in the desert and away from the bright city lights and hustle and bustle was great. We felt right at home. Loved it."	"One word - paradise.. I think what we appreciated most was having the opportunity to experience and learn about a lifestyle that is so unique and wonderful, but so different than our own. We will want to go back again and again!"	"...Carmela and Joe are terrific hosts and they make sure you are well taken care of and you feel like living at home. The ranch is so beautiful and you can explore many so many different within minutes.."
"What a wonderful place for an adult mini vacation! Get away from the world for a few days.... The drive to the ranch is lovely and we enjoy the wide open vistas over The Tonto National Forest...."	"The ranch is spectacular with lovely and well maintained landscaping, located very close to great hiking in some beautiful country. Both Carmela and Joe were perfect hosts. You couldn't ask for better."	"The stars, the birds, the cacti, the coyotes... if you love nature, this is the place for you.
"Say hello to the horses in the morning and good night to the call of the coyotes in the evening. You will NEVER be able to experience Arizona like this on any kind of hotel stay"	"The owners were friendly, accommodating, knew a lot about the area and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable."	"Carmela and Joe were perfect hosts for us. They made sure we had everything we needed yet gave us an appropriate amount of space. The accommodations were fantastic and the location and scenery were to die for. We'd love to return! "
"The quiet, vastness and loveliness of the desert here is restorative. We came for the space, sunsets, birdsong, and desert walks: it was all wonderful.	"Carmela showed us how to recycle, compost, encouraged us to save on water and electricity which I appreciate. Their goal is to run an eco-friendly ranch and they've done a great job practicing sustainability"	..we saw cardinals, quail, hawks, buzzards, hummingbirds, woodpeckers..Driving in we saw chipmunks and desert squirrels. The sunsets and sunrises are something to behold.."
"Absolutely beautiful. The setting, the accommodations and the landscaping were obviously created with a loving hand. Carmela and Joe couldn't have been more helpful. I would love to go back someday."	"..We have been all over the world and this was some of the best riding we have ever experienced.."	"Cowboy Heaven is the only way to describe this place.."
"Rio Rancho Verde is an excellent get-a-way destination. Miles of beautiful desert, comfortable accommodations, and an endless sky of stars.."

Gallery and reviews

"..We were lucky to spot the wild horses down at the river and enjoyed several beautiful hikes in the area. Carmela and her husband were very friendly and helpful.."

"This place is one-of-a-kind. If you want to get away and enjoy the natural beauty and AZ life, this is the place..

"..a walk in the desert every morning is the perfect way to start our day. Between them, Joe and Carmela pretty much know everything about anything you would want to know....

"What a find!..I cannot describe the beauty of the sunrise that greeted me each morning from inside the trailer. The windows are so large and the trailer is perfectly positioned.."

"This place is an absolute horse lovers dream! The scenery is incredible..We rode a different area every day for a week and hated to leave since there were so many more we didn't get to..."

"Sunsets and sunrises are postcard perfect. It is quiet and removed from city life and surrounded by beautiful desert..."

"The riding right off the property is terrific. They have an incredible facility. Super clean, with awesome views. Have been twice, would definitely go again!". . .

"Absolutely beautiful facility with nice stalls and comfortable area for us! Hosts were very helpful and informative. Picture perfect location.". . .

"Sunrise and sunset is magical! Great hiking trails are right out your door. If I could give 6 stars I would!"

"..The riding is perfect..as you are open to all options on how challenging or easy you want to make it..."

"Wonderful experience! Carmela was a great host providing everything needed for our stay - her suggestions for local activities and adventures were also greatly appreciated."

"...The ranch is immaculate; Joe and Carm are friendly, with helpful.. rest assured you horses will be comfortable and safe!"

"The barn, totally designed and lovingly built by the owners, is amazing, the horse equivalent of The Hyatt!"

The bunk house is charming and right near the horses, the views are breathtaking and the whole desert experience is fabulous....

"This place is heaven on earth. If you like the outdoors, clean summer nights and the desert this is the place for you. Carmela and Joe made us feel at home ..we ended up extending our stay."

"Fantastic horse motel. Your horse (s) will be treated wonderfully..."

"...You can ride or hike right out from the ranch into the Tonto Wilderness and at night the heavens put on a star show like no other!

"Words can't capture the views! We were able to roll out of bed & start our morning hike into the Tonto National Forest from the property.."

"Beautiful place, great accommodations for the horses and the best desert riding you'll find anywhere.. I didn't want to leave. .."

"The setting of Rio Rancho Verde is so perfect. You are surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Sonoran desert and the majesty of the mountains and Saguaros.."

"Carmela and their dog Grace was easily a favorite part of our morning routine. This is the perfect spot for anyone looking to get out of the city and enjoy the beauty of the desert.."

'..loved all the fresh vegetables we had access to from their garden. We would love to visit again someday!"

"I can highly recommend Rio Rancho Verde!.. both horse and human accommodations were comfortable, clean and just right!.. Plenty of trailer/rig parking. Can't wait to return.". . . .

"Fresh organic veggies available for the taking was an added perk to complete an already perfect stay..."

"The property/stable is next to the national forest, We could not have asked for more... and the price was right! A must if you need to stable your horse(s) in Scottsdale.". . .

"..GORGEOUS!! A place to truly get away from it all. Quiet, clean, well appointed..."

"Ok ..you need to come stay here.. if I could give 10 stars I would...it's the most magical scenery but still close enough to town. You will not regret staying here. Promise. "

"Joe and Carmella are true blue hosts. I adore and admire them. The property and bunkhouse were perfect. We loved just hanging out on the porch, meeting the others who stayed at the ranch and being around the animals"

"...I can't tell you how amazing the sunsets are here. Pictures don't do it justice...."

"..excellent access to some of the best riding in Arizona. Highly recommended.".

The ranch itself is huge, very well done (the barn is nicer than most houses!) and the location is phenomenal. We will definitely be back!". . .

Carmela and Joe were excellent hosts and Rio Rancho was even more beautiful that the pictures suggested! Carmela's directions were spot on and our stay was peaceful. My wife and I were taking a weekend getaway with our mini Schnauzer and this place fit the bill.

"The view of the desert is stunning. The location is perfect--far enough away from the city to feel secluded, but close enough to get groceries .. I would absolutely stay here again and encourage anyone looking for a warm getaway to stay here!"

"..The riding was phenomenal and the views - just beautiful. Fantastic experience!"

"We’d set out on morning walks accompanied by Grace-the-dog, passing by the guests who were boarding their horses at the ranch. (They were pajama’d and enjoying outdoor coffee & breakfast.) We hiked in the Tonto several times, where the views are spectacular and the quality of light, amazing.

"I was simply overwhelmed how beautiful the location is. Quiet and remote but easily accessible to shopping..I loved my stay!"

"...Carmela and Joe were so welcoming and helpful....their knowledge of the area is extensive"

"..I had a great time doing a little roping with Joe. They have a beautiful organic garden that guests can access. I really can’t say enough good things about this property..Definitely recommend this place!"

"What an incredible find! I can't believe this is 20 minutes from Scottsdale - the views are spectacular, the riding is breathtaking and there's more places to explore than we could ride in a month in both the National Forest and Granite Mountain Preserve, right outside the back gate.

"It’s far out of town, but really, it is so beautiful out there that I’d like to go back to spend a long weekend to just hang at the ranch. There is tons of open space just outside their ranch gates, so perfect for the dogs..."

".....Retreating into the wilderness, just my horse and I, was one of the most powerfully meditative moments I have ever experienced in my life....."

"The property has obviously been built and tended with evident love..."

"This is an amazing and peaceful experience. The property is beautiful. Spotless accommodations. Carmela is a warm and welcoming host who also respects guest privacy. Did not want the trip to end. Would love to come back again."

"We have been staying at Rio Rancho Verde every year for the past 6 years, while we exhibit at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. It is our relaxing “get away” after we spend each day in our booth at the show.

"Awesome place! The pictures can't capture the beauty of it all. was truly a 5-star experience! "

"...we loved pulling carrots from Carmela's garden & watching the horses eat their breakfast..."

"... miles and miles available to ride literally out the back gate."

This is a beautiful ranch home literally right next to the Tonto National Forest. It's an amazing place to relax and just be with nature. The surrounding area is well taken care of and is great for exploring.

"The sky is so clear, the sky full of stars seemed like it was at our fingertips.."

"..We really enjoyed the horses and beautiful hikes in the area. Carmela and her husband were very friendly and helpful. Look forward to return visits."

Sunsets and sunrises are postcard perfect. It is quiet and removed from city life and surrounded by beautiful desert. The owners are the nicest people!

"..but nothing can truly prepare you for what it's like to wake up, walk outside your door and be met by that vista, and the majesty of 200 year old + saguaro cactus, some so close you could touch them.."

"..Spent a wonderful weekend at Rio Rancho Verde. Carmela and her husband were very welcoming and shared info about the area and gave some tips on restaurants and nearby trails...."

"..The ranch is immaculate; Joe and Carm are friendly, with helpful info on all you can do. You can leave for a day of shopping in Scottsdale and rest assured you horses will be comfortable and safe!".

The only thing more amazing than the view were the host. We received great info on restaurants and local entertainment. Pictures do not do this place justice! We will be returning.

" What an amazing property. Right at the edge of a national forest, you get to wake up with the sun over incredible desert views, stately saguaros, with wonderful hiking and horseback riding literally right outside your door!"

"Rio Rancho Verde was a dream come true...It is off the beaten path with many great riding options"

"We have stayed at Rio Verde every year for many years and love it. The hosts are knowledgeable and friendly and the accommodations for both horses and us are great..... experience!". . .

"This is a beautiful ranch home literally right next to the Tonto National Forest. It's an amazing place to relax and just be with nature. The surrounding area is well taken care of and is great for exploring. I can't tell you how amazing the sunsets are here. "

"The property/stable is next to the national forest, We could not have asked for more... and the price was right! A must if you want to board your horse(s) in Scottsdale.". . .

"Amazing location and perfect hosts. Everything was fantastic about our stay.. The chance to be in Scottsdale but in the desert and away from the bright city lights and hustle and bustle was great. We felt right at home. Loved it."

"One word - paradise.. I think what we appreciated most was having the opportunity to experience and learn about a lifestyle that is so unique and wonderful, but so different than our own. We will want to go back again and again!"

"...Carmela and Joe are terrific hosts and they make sure you are well taken care of and you feel like living at home. The ranch is so beautiful and you can explore many so many different within minutes.."

"What a wonderful place for an adult mini vacation! Get away from the world for a few days.... The drive to the ranch is lovely and we enjoy the wide open vistas over The Tonto National Forest...."

"The ranch is spectacular with lovely and well maintained landscaping, located very close to great hiking in some beautiful country. Both Carmela and Joe were perfect hosts. You couldn't ask for better."

"The stars, the birds, the cacti, the coyotes... if you love nature, this is the place for you.

"Say hello to the horses in the morning and good night to the call of the coyotes in the evening. You will NEVER be able to experience Arizona like this on any kind of hotel stay"

"The owners were friendly, accommodating, knew a lot about the area and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable."

"Carmela and Joe were perfect hosts for us. They made sure we had everything we needed yet gave us an appropriate amount of space. The accommodations were fantastic and the location and scenery were to die for. We'd love to return! "

"The quiet, vastness and loveliness of the desert here is restorative. We came for the space, sunsets, birdsong, and desert walks: it was all wonderful.

"Carmela showed us how to recycle, compost, encouraged us to save on water and electricity which I appreciate. Their goal is to run an eco-friendly ranch and they've done a great job practicing sustainability"

..we saw cardinals, quail, hawks, buzzards, hummingbirds, woodpeckers..Driving in we saw chipmunks and desert squirrels. The sunsets and sunrises are something to behold.."

"Absolutely beautiful. The setting, the accommodations and the landscaping were obviously created with a loving hand. Carmela and Joe couldn't have been more helpful. I would love to go back someday."

"..We have been all over the world and this was some of the best riding we have ever experienced.."

"Cowboy Heaven is the only way to describe this place.."

"Rio Rancho Verde is an excellent get-a-way destination. Miles of beautiful desert, comfortable accommodations, and an endless sky of stars.."

"this is what quiet sounds like"