15 Mar Western Landmark: Rancho de los Caballeros

One minute you can pretend to be a fictional Hopalong Cassidy on horseback trailblazing across terrain straight out of a Hollywood Western, and the next, you can trade in your spurs for spikes to reenact Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy traversing fairways in a golf cart. For guests at Rancho de los Caballeros, that, plus so much more, is not a stretch of the imagination.

Inside the main lobby, the original fireplace is accented with an oversized copper hood branded with the ranch logo.

In the High Desert town of Wickenburg, Arizona, 60 miles northwest of Phoenix, the Old West is alive and kicking at this luxury dude ranch spanning 20,000 rolling acres. The resort was founded by Dallas Gant Sr., C.L. Maguire, and Belford Howard in 1948, who sought to create a family-run property that could “stand the test of time.” The Gant family operated the ranch for 70 years until, in 2021, the baton was passed to the Cutler, Martin, and Kemper families, who had been multi-generational guests and homeowners at the property for decades.

The spa is a luxurious oasis offering signature treatments, a labyrinth, and a yoga lawn.

The main dining room adjacent to the lobby features new stained-glass windows and the original ceiling chandeliers.

The new owners are now tasked with preserving the history and spirit of the Spanish caballeros (“gentlemen on horseback”) while refreshing the property for guests and homeowners. The original resort included 40 guest rooms with radiant heating, a hand-dug swimming pool, and tennis court. Rancho de los Caballeros has since expanded to 79 rooms, many with private patios overlooking the desert or Bradshaw Mountain. The airstrip that was added in 1951 for guests arriving in private planes no longer exists, but remnants of the runway are still visible between the 17th and 18th fairways of Los Caballeros Golf Club. A full-service spa offers massages, manicures, and other relaxing treatments to complete the luxury ranch experience.

The guest room patios provide a welcome space for outdoor dining or relaxation overlooking the serene desert landscape.

The spa was converted from a private residence and is a short walk from the main lodge. Photos courtesy of Rancho de los Caballeros

Following years of enhancements, the new owners, along with managing director George McGann and his team, are overseeing additional restorations at Rancho de los Caballeros. “To maintain the ranch’s historic character and feel, all the guest rooms are being fully renovated or refreshed with slump block and stucco construction, tile roofs, black metal windows, black metal hardware, stained wood trim, and desert-inspired interiors,” says Taylor Galyean, co-partner at TAG Studio, the design firm hired for the property’s refresh.

McGann adds that the exterior spaces are another important part of the guest experience, and amid the well-manicured grounds, they plan to add a new fire table and an event lawn for weddings.

The Bradshaw Mountain Room features majestic views, a seating area to look out over the desert, handcrafted furniture, and well-appointed rugs accenting the Saltillo-tiled floors.

The new owners hope that, at its core, the experiences and activities at the ranch will invite couples and families to discard electronic devices in favor of engaging with one another. With options that include golf, skeet shooting, archery, e-biking, nature hikes, spa treatments, yoga, jeeps and ATVs, a kids’ club, and cookouts, there’s something for everyone. And certainly, no ranch would be complete without its star attraction — horseback riding. Rancho de los Caballeros corrals 90 to 100 horses on the property to accommodate anyone’s riding level.

The newly-remodeled Maricopa Suite features a private bedroom with a king bed, a separate living area with a queen sleeper sofa, and a spa bathroom. Amenities include a kiva fireplace, game table, and writing desk. Photos courtesy of Rancho de los Caballeros

Of course, a deserving alternative at this pristine getaway would involve taking advantage of the one enduring attribute that has not changed after 75 years of operation — peace and quiet. And the serenity may feel even better with a ranch signature prickly pear margarita.