Sky Islands & Wildlife

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
I found my “happy place” Gosh where to even begin?! I travelled from the U.K. via Vegas and Tucson as a solo female after having read the great reviews It was an easy and picturesque drive of approx 1.10 hours from Tucson and when I arrived I was warmly greeted by beautiful Renee My casita was amazing. Clean, well equipped, super comfy bed and with a patio overlooking sheer bliss. Mountains, fields and a paddock full of happy content horses The peace, serenity and sheer beauty of this place cannot be conveyed via words on Trip Advisor or mere photos. The mountains change colour depending on the time of day and the sunrises and sunsets leave you realising you’ve probably found paradise! I loved the family feel of eating together with the whole crew. Wonderful chef who worked her magic with her new smoker to perfection omg the beef brisket was to DIE for ❤️ Everyone who lives/works there is a credit to the ranch. If I miss anyone I apologise. Ron and Trina - amazing owners whose knowledge of the business is incredible. So kind and welcoming Renee - thank you for your friendship I loved our girls ride on my last day please come visit me in the UK!! Frank and Will - fantastic horse man ship, caring, interesting and fun Rebecca and Hannah - so friendly and sweet The riding was more than I could’ve imagined. I loved my horses, especially gorgeous sure footed Amigo who kept me safe and secure. I also adored all the cute pooches that become your instant friend and came on the rides with us. The horses and dogs are so well loved and content it makes your heart happy I came for the riding and the trails are indescribable - they’ll match you with a horse dependant on your level of confidence and experience and even a complete novice would have the best time. We rode through canyons and fields and to the top of the red rocks and each time I didn’t want the experience to end On the Sunday, myself and the other 4 guests - all of whom I thoroughly enjoyed meeting - were taken to the local rodeo which was so much fun. Ron even treated us all to a steak dinner there afterwards which was do kind. I would absolutely love to return and as another reviewer mentioned, you feel as if you leave as a friend or part of the extended family. What more can you want from a holiday Thank you all so much for making my stay so magical
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 wilsoniancat22 
 
September 11, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Benson, Arizona. Very friendly & informative Ron, the owner, presented the ranch as a homey place, where everybody fits in and can enjoy a horseback ride & relaxation. The staff is great. The home-style meals are good. The rooms are nice. The area is really great for a horseback ride. The surrounding land is beautiful. You'll feel you are back in the old west. The horses are nice too. It was fun. It was a great experience.
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Gordon Aberbach 
 
September 10, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Wonderful experience, highly recommend This was our first time horseback riding and it was definitely a 10/10. The staff were incredible and everything was very detailed before riding. i highly recommend visiting them!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 jaci w 
 
September 10, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Big fan of people and the horses here. :)
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Amanda T 
 
August 29, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+4
I brought my 5 employee salon team here to relax & unwind. The proximity to wine tasting is perfect, the grounds are stunning and the interactions with the animals were out of this world wonderful! We’d recommend anyone stay here and enjoy the quiet beauty. The house we stayed in was fully stocked and super comfortable. Our horseback ride through the national forest was so therapeutic. We will definitely be back!
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Emily Slocum 
 
August 19, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Three hour ride Went on a fantastic 3-hour ride with my three brothers, and it was an unforgettable experience. The mountain and scenery were absolutely spectacular. Our four guides were highly professional and very friendly throughout the entire trip. Highly recommend this tour!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Henry N 
 
August 8, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I had a wonderful time at Double R in the middle of this past March. Went looking for good scenery, warmth, sun, and horseback riding that wasn't the typical nose to tail rides. As an experienced rider in my 60's who lives on a farm in MN,  I wasn't looking for a dude ranch but a place where the emphasis was on riding a lot and letting the horses run some.  That's exactly what I got. The high valley location was beautiful and green with wildflowers and bushes blooming and beautiful scenic views from the comfy , clean, western style casitas where the guests stayed, which were right next to the horse pastures so I could mosey over and say hi to the horses anytime. I was matched with a horse that suited me well and enjoyed my runs on him and knew I could trust him when the terrain was rocky or a little steep. Horses were obviously well cared for and a variety of sizes to accommodate guests with varying levels of experience. Trail guides were experienced and knowledgeable and careful to keep an eye on the less experienced riders and provide a safe ride. Those of us staying at the ranch could ride up to 3 times/day if we wanted. Given the uncharacteristic March heat in the 90's while there,  and my age, I opted for just 2 daily rides with one being the daily evening ride. Several of the rides were hours long, going higher up the hills and trusting the horses to pick their way thru rocks. The food was absolutely delicious with a chef who provided good variety and portions and a daily salad lunch option for those who wanted it. It was served farm table style with all guests, owners and ranch hands eating together so we got to know each other quickly and I enjoyed hearing the owners and others stories. A bonus was a lot of the guests were from outside the US...fun to hear their experiences. I visited a beautiful state park with a reservoir nearby where I kayaked one afternoon and Saguaro National Park and Tucson were close by for a visit too. I had a great time and plan to make it an annual vacation in early spring
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 John McRaith (Renee McRaith) 
 
June 28, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
+6
Spent a week at Double R in May 2026.  It was an impulse decision after looking online for an adult horseback riding vacation. I contacted the ranch directly and their attention to my questions and assurances about traveling as a solo woman was what sold me. It was everything they said it would be and more. The ranch only accommodates a small number of guests so it is an intimate experience. Your happiness is the goal of the hosts; owners Ron & Trina Sirota and their manager Renee.  This place is the real deal. It is no frills but comfortable with a focus on riding and an appreciation of the terrain and culture. The horses are happy and amazing. I am not a total beginner but I'm certainly not experienced so I appreciated the daily guidance and the subsequent lesson I took with Trina. I felt very safe in my little casita with a porch view of the beautiful land and grazing horses. This was a unique and memorable experience. A special shout out to Renee for everything!!! And a major thank you to Ron and Trina who really treat you like family and share their passion for the ranch. Can't wait to go back.
  
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Denise K. 
 
June 20, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Beautiful, restful, thoughtful, and caring. Like coming home to a place I’d never been before. The owners and hands and all the animals are the best! Beautiful, restful and caring.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Irene W 
 
June 16, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
So hard to leave this amazing horse ranch! We just got home and already miss the wonderful atmosphere and the great people at the Double R Ranch! Ron, Trina, Renee and Annie made sure we had the best possible experience during our 4-day trip. From beautiful trail rides and wonderful 1:1 riding lessons on the most lovable, well-trained horses, to fun meals and taking part in ranch activities, we felt like part of a family by the time we left. Our experience was truly magical. We will definitely return!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Robin C 
 
June 15, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Excellent views, location & owner/staff We had an all-inclusive three night stay. Super cute private casita with beautiful views. Very nice time to calm & reset. Ron & Trina are wonderful hosts and very down to earth. Staff was wonderful & caring. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed our time & they made it feel like we were just visiting family (without all the work haha). Meals around the table were great with never a dull conversation. Double R Ranch really does just want you to make the trip your own & have a great experience. Loved every minute!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Amy B 
 
May 29, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Let's go again! I arrived at Double R with some concern about a "dude ranch". I have some horse back experience as does my wife. Our son had never been on horseback. Our experience was amazing! The gentleness and caring with which Trina instructed our 15 year old was heartwarming. The ranch had horses for every level of rider experience. Unlike "trail rides" in other locations with "lobotomized horses", I was placed on "Max" who offered me a challenge and learning experience. The "casita" we stayed in was very clean and comfortable. The meals around a table with all of the guests were such a good time to get to know people and the food was very good. We only left the ranch this morning and are already discussing when to book again.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Keith B 
 
May 24, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Recent Visit To Double R Ranch I am a solo traveler and decided to make the Double R Ranch my home for a short stay so I could go horseback riding. Ron, Trina, and Lisa provided a warm welcoming environment making me feel relaxed and at ease. This included attending to my specific dietary restrictions. Food was plentiful and tasty. Lisa gave me a recipe to try at home Riding each day brought a new and challenging adventure which took us thru picturesque scenery. It was wondrous the way the horses handled the different and and at times demanding terrain On the weekend we went into the historic town of Tombstone. As an added surprise we were able to see up close bull riding at the local arena. Waking up early each morning to watch the sunrise over the mountains was breathtaking. Words cannot describe the beauty and tranquility of this part of our country. I hope to return soon Jack
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 jack 
 
May 14, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
+1
Fantastic hosts, comfortable accommodations!  We stayed. Saturday thru a Monday.  Everything was perfect!  The area was quiet and nearby horses made for a great experience!
  
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Eric F. 
 
April 13, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+6
I came for a ride, stayed for another and then stayed the night. Gracious hosts, gentle horses, beautiful views. One special horse, Max, gentle giant.  The Casita is adorable and comfy. The stars are big and bright. This is a perfect escape from Tucson.
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Brandy Floyd 
 
April 12, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+1
I booked the 1 hour horseback ride this morning and had such a lovely experience. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to come back to explore more.
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Hilary Ann 
 
April 2, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Just visited last weekend was invited by new found friends. Had only ridden a horse one time on a guided ride, I was a bit nervous. Horses, cows or any animal larger than my fat cat scares me a bit. When we arrived. We were warmly welcomed by Ron, the owner of double R ( Ron’s Ranch) Then Renee his employee that was our guide for the 1 hour ride. I have to say I am already getting ready to book an overnight in 2 weeks!! I had such a spiritual experience there. I’m a grieving momma and DoubleR Ranch has something special about it. Don’t think twice about going , the horses are well trained, gentle giants.
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Christina Gentry 
 
April 2, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
It’s hard to exactly put into words just how special Double R Ranch and everyone there is. Ron and Trina are such welcoming people and Renee and Will were also amazing people who made the whole experience that more special. The scenery is stunning and the horses are perfect. I can’t wait to go back
  
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Viki Jenkins 
 
March 31, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
This is the place to go for the real ranch experience. Mountains, horses, views and a warm welcome It’s hard to exactly put into words just how special Double R Ranch and everyone there is. Ron and Trina are such welcoming people and Renee and Will were also amazing people who made the whole experience that more special. The scenery is stunning and the horses are perfect. I can’t wait to go back
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Viki J 
 
March 30, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Fantastic Experience There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing this place is but I’ll give it a try. As a solo female traveller who has been to many places on my own, I can honestly say I felt immediately at ease & completely safe here. I’ve never felt more comfortable right off the bat. More than that, Ron, Trina & Renee treat you like family from the get-go. They are the real deal, they live & breathe the ranch life and their authenticity shines through. All the home cooked meals are shared family style and prepared by Karen. Everything is delicious and if you’re a dessert person, wait until you try her baked goodies, they’re amazing. I stayed in the cabin and it was perfect. Nice & cozy and super comfy. If you’re a dog person, you’re going to love all the sweet pups living at the ranch too. You can tell right away how much everyone, including the wranglers Will and Gary, love the horses. They’re so well taken care of and it shows. It was nice to wake up in the morning to a beautiful sunrise and be able to stop by & say hello to them while they waited for their breakfast. The rides are fantastic. Gary and Will are very attentive and much care is taken to pair you with the right horse for your skill level. And the scenery is gorgeous. My only regret is not having stayed longer. If you’re looking for the perfect place to experience real ranch life and get to know some of the bestest people out there, I highly recommend Double R Ranch.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Brandy K 
 
March 29, 2026