Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to an Arizona guest ranch for the first time? We’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most from guests booking a stay at Double R Guest Ranch in Elgin, AZ , from what’s included in our all-inclusive packages to what to pack, how our trail rides are matched to skill level, and what to expect from casita life. Don’t see your question below? Give us a call at 520-988-0222 and our team will be happy to help.
Why Choose Double R Guest Ranch?
- Location: We are conveniently located approximately an hour from Tucson International Airport.
- Travel: Hire or rent a car at Tucson International Airport. Prefer not to drive? Call us about our shuttle and additional pickup options.
- Weather: Typically 10 – 15 degrees cooler than Tucson. Check out our live weather app, bottom of page.
- Activities: The ranch is very close to many attractions. Visit our local wineries or book an off-ranch excursion to Tombstone, Parker Lake, Kartchner Caverns or surrounding towns. Stay on the ranch and practice your roping, horseshoes, archery or cornhole. Check out our activities page for more options.
- Personalized Service: Our ranch size allows us to focus on you, and provide you a personalized service that will make your stay very special.
- Friendly, Real Ranch Staff: Our team is genuinely grateful for every guest and is there to enhance your stay.
- Reputation: Double R Guest Ranch has over 950 5-star reviews and has been the recipient of national and international awards for excellence in hospitality and guest experiences.
- No Hidden Fees: Enjoy your stay without the worry of unexpected costs.
Enhance Your Stay
Looking for even more ways to enjoy your time with us? Whether it is a shuttle to a local art festival or a day trip to Tombstone, we are here to help you curate your adventures during your Double R Guest Ranch stay! Consider adding these extras to your getaway:
- Additional Horseback Rides: $60 per hour per person.
- Winery Tours: Arizona’s Original Wine Country · Minutes From the Ranch – Check our Wine Country page.
- Off Ranch Excursions: There are so many things to do and see in the area. Shopping in Patagonia, a day in Tombstone or Parker Lake. Ask us about any special events in the area. Book our driver for the day, half-day or a short stint down the road. Check our Activities page.
- Shuttle: We offer a shuttle to/from Tucson International Airport (approx. 1 hr.) is available for $70 per person, each way.
Dietary Accommodations
Yes we offer a shuttle to/from Tucson International Airport (approx. 1 hr.) is available for $70 per person, each way. Otherwise, renting a car for the roughly hour-long drive and doing some site seeing is a good choice as well.
There is no front desk at this property.
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you, unless we are picking you up at the Tucson International Airport.
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation.
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation.
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
Your trail ride adventure will start with properly matching you and one of our sure-footed horses, followed by an orientation that is designed to help you feel confident on your horse. Emphasis is always placed on your safety and the welfare of the horse.
Check-in at the Double R Guest Ranch (located at 48 Hay Canyon Rd in Elgin) starts at 3:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Since the property doesn’t always operate a traditional front desk, it is highly recommended to contact the host in advance (at least 24 hours prior to arrival) using the contact details on your booking confirmation to receive specific arrival instructions.
The surrounding area itself is a draw: the ranch sits in one of the most biodiverse regions in North America (part of the “Sky Islands”), with 200+ bird species, hundreds of animal species and Arizona’s original wine country right along Elgin Road.
Beyond horseback riding, the ranch offers wine tasting at local Sonoita Valley vineyards, day trips to Tombstone, Sonoita, or Patagonia for shopping and western fun, and on-property activities like birding, hiking trails, roping practice, horseshoes, archery, target shooting, arena games offering gymkhana or a guest rodeo, and cornhole. Plus staff can point you to whatever local events are happening during your stay, like rodeos, or art and music festivals. Parker Lake or Patagonia Lake are near for some fishing or kayaking, both marinas rent kayaks or pontoon boats. Kartchner Caverns State Park day trip. Winery Tour and Tasting. Take a look at our Activities Page.
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We are very good at what we do, riding is our specialty, you are in the right place. We will assess your skills and match you with a horse that will bring out the best in you as a rider. If you ever feel uncomfortable, let us know immediately and we will help you.
The Double R has a gift shop showcasing …………. Outside the ranch there is ……………..
The nearest airport is Tucson International Airport (TIA) and is approximately a one hour drive to the ranch. We offer a shuttle service to and from the airport. Please let us know in advance of your arrival if you require this service.
Lodging, meals, horseback riding and ranch activities, 1 off-ranch adventure for 6-night, 7-day week stays.
Yes, a 15% gratuity is automatically added upon confirmation of your reservation. Additional tips for the staff are optional and highly appreciated.
One-hour lessons are available at an additional cost – CALL FOR PRICING. We offer horseback riding lessons for riders from beginners to advanced, young or older. If you want to learn how to ride a horse or are looking to improve your skills, we have a lesson for you. Group or private lessons available. After arrival, and you are settled into your accommodation, we will do a one hour “Sunset Ride” aka horsemanship evaluation.
Then you don’t have to. There are plenty of activities to choose from. Wine tasting at nearby vineyards, day trips to Tombstone, Sonoita, or Patagonia, horseshoes, archery, target shooting, cornhole, hiking, birding, roping practice, and stargazing from your casita porch. In general, at dinner the night before, we plan the next day’s itinerary.
Generally, yes, but if you don’t care for the horse we choose for you, we can swap it for another.
Yes – there are both A/C and heating in every unit and the Guest Lodge.
Yes – there are both A/C and heating in every unit and the Guest Lodge.
No. Multi-night all-inclusive packages are non-refundable within 60 days of arrival (fully refundable/reschedulable/convertible to a gift certificate outside that window). Single day/trail rides: no refunds inside 72 hours, and a $25/person fee to reschedule.
Extra towels are in every unit. There is no daily housekeeping service. If you would like housekeeping to come to your casita, please make arrangements ahead of your stay.
Closed-toe shoes or boots, a hat with a stampede string if possible, lots of sunscreen, long pants, long sleeved shirt (even in summer) and a water bottle. Layers are smart since mornings can be cool even in summer. The Arizona sun is intense, shirts to shade your arms, and a wide brimmed hat are both good choices.
Yes, but only in the designated areas on your units’ patio.
Yes, at no extra charge including allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, kosher and vegan. The ranch asks to be notified in advance in order for the kitchen to provision and prepare alternatives.
Yes. Guests are welcome and encouraged to bring their own beer, wine, or liquor.
The ranch sits at about 5,300 ft in the Sonoita Valley, keeping temperatures 10-15°F cooler than Tucson. Guests from lower elevations should expect stronger sun and may want to pace themselves the first day.
Yes, the Double R has both a hot tub and an above ground pool.
No pets, please. With horses and other animals on property, outside pets can cause stress or safety issues for everyone. Service animals as defined by the ADA are always welcome.
Several Verizon and AT&T towers are in the area and you can connect to our WIFI if you are having any problems with your service.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the casitas, Cabin and Guest Lodge. High-speed internet.
Yes. The ranch coordinates adaptive and therapeutic riding experiences, including for visually impaired guests. Guests are asked to contact the ranch ahead of time to arrange this. Please call for details.
Yes. Rides are matched to skill level with a safety orientation before every ride, ranging from gentle rides to trail rides for more experienced riders (skills test required).
Yes, 220 lbs is generally the limit. Larger draft-breed horses are available for guests over that weight, for an additional $20 per person.
Minimum of age 7 can ride a kid-safe horse, with a wrangler staying close by and a pre-ride orientation.
Yes, there are washers and dryers in every unit, along with a commercial W/D in the Guest Lodge at no charge.
GROUPS AND EVENTS
Fine Print
- Payment: Personal checks, traveler’s checks, credit cards, and cash accepted.
- Fees: Gratuity of 15%, local sales tax of 6.6%, a credit card convenience fee are added at checkout.
- Deposits: 20% deposit for standard reservations, 50% for family reunions or groups of 10+.
- Gratuities: Additional tips can be either added to your account or given directly to staff, envelopes are provided in your room.
- Cancellations: Refundable if canceled 60 days in advance, with options to reschedule or convert to a gift certificate. Non-refundable within 60 days of arrival.
- Travel Cancellation Insurance: Consider travel insurance for protection against unexpected cancellations.
- No Show Policy: In the event that you do not show. You will be billed the full rate for your reservation.
Experience The Extraordinary
What are you waiting for?
Enjoy cozy accommodations, exciting activities, and true southern Arizona hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, adventure with friends, or celebration, the Double R is the perfect location.
Your western adventure starts with a single call or click. We’d love to welcome you into the Double R Ranch family.
