Activities at Circle Z Ranch
There’s Never Nothing to Do at the Circle Z
There's never nothing to do at the Circle Z is right!! Here is a list of some of the many activities happening here on the Circle Z property, some planned and some not so planned! Let the moment take you, and you will leave fulfilled and longing for more days at the Circle Z. Please keep in mind that some of these things happen when you are able to stay with us for a full week.
 HORSEBACK RIDING: Horseback riding, of course, is tops on the list. From all day rides to distant canyons and valleys; breakfast and lunch rides to the Chuck wagon site, where the aroma of food cooking on an open fire will greet you as you dismount your horse; a horseback ride to the Creek Ranch for some team penning and pole-bending; and regardless of the length or distance of your ride, you will be amazed by the vistas and the diversity of the desert life that greets you.
UNPLUGGED: We like to boast that we are the real deal in dude ranching, offering traditional southwest experiences where horseback riding, nature, and people are the focus. We offer an authentic dude ranch experience, where phones, internet, and televisions in the rooms are unnecessary distractions. So you will not find these amenities in your room. If you absolutely must, you can visit the Patagonia Library for your WiFi needs.
NATURE WALKS: Once a week, our friend and neighbor Ron Hummel leads a nature walk along Sonoita Creek, where he discusses the flora and fauna of the area, and the rich history of the Southwest. Ron is also an active member of Friends of Sonoita Creek, a group of which we are deeply proud to be a part.
STAR GAZING: What can we say? With no light pollution, the stars, planets and constellations are vibrantly visible with the naked eye. Truly a sight to behold!
 COWBOY SINGER: Bruce Andre, local artist, musician, and c owboy, comes weekly to entertain guests with his rich cowboy songs and exceptional guitar and harmonica skills during our Cantina Cocktail Hour.
SOCIALIZING: The camaraderie among Circle Z guests is legendary. Whether you come alone or with a group, you will be drawn into the social atmosphere of the ranch. From forging friendships on the trail, or over a game of billiards, to sharing stories at cocktails and dinner, our guests leave the Circle Z with a new circle of friends.
ARTISANS: One morning during the week, you will return from a ride to find displays of original Southwest Jewelry and Zapotec Rugs in our Ramada area. These quality pieces are available for sale to our guests, and many guests have adorned their homes and their evening wear with these pieces.
KIDS: We love the school holidays, when kids descend on the ranch with their families. We have excellent wranglers who will teach and guide the kids on adventure filled rides. Loping through the creek or chasing the cows at team penning, each child will leave the ranch with a cowboy story to tell. Most also leave with a horseshoe found along the trail. Away from the corrals, the kids have the run of the lawn areas for games of tag, Frisbee, or duck-duck-goose. And there is plenty of time before or after the rides to cool off in the swimming pool. Tennis, ping-pong, basketball, plus their own kid's cantina with foosball and lots of board games, ensure your children will never be bored at the Circle Z!
CAMPFIRES: Campfire nights are always special. Roasting marshmallows for s'mores, telling stories around the glow of the fire, and singing songs make for a memorable evening. So in packing for your trip to the ranch, bring along your favorite campfire songs and stories.
 LOCAL NIGHTLIFE: Many gu ests enjoy heading in to the local "Wagon Wheel Saloon" in Patagonia for Kareoke Night. Come and join the Circle Z Singers for some spontaneous fun!
LODGE ACIVITIES: With the large fireplace, our lodge is an inviting area for guests to gather before and after a great meal or an invigorating ride. We have many board games and fun puzzles for your enjoyment. We also offer a large library with books on local history, horse-lore and horse guides, bird guides, and south-west plant and flower guides.
SPORTS: Hiking, tennis, heated pool, ping pong, basketball, outdoor shuffle board, billiards, and spontaneous games on the lawn. It's all here for your enjoyment!
 PHOTOGRAPHY: If you are an early riser, you can head down to the corrals to see the horses coming in from their night pastures. Fabulous photo opportunity! The sunrises and sunsets are more often than not spectacular, and the changing colors of Red Mountain as the sun sets are mesmerizing, viewed within feet of your cottage. Desert cacti, hummingbirds at the feeders, and butterflies also offer themselves up as subjects for your camera.
BIRD WATCHING: Famous for serious bird watching, our area is a nesting site and migrating route for many rare species. Sonoita Creek is special in that it is one of the two year-round flowing streams in the Southern Arizona. Scattered around the grounds are feeders to bring these birds even closer to you. A stroll along the stream will reward you with sightings of birds attracted to the water and large cottonwood trees. The ranch provides an extensive bird list and many reference books of all nature subjects.
GOLF: Golfers may enjoy any of several courses in the area. Some are within a short driving distance, others in the renowned Tubac and Green Valley area, within an hours drive from the ranch.
AREA ATTRACTIONS: By car there are mining camps, historic Spanish missions, or the border town of Nogales to explore. The small nearby town of Patagonia offers a market, quaint galleries, and authentic cowboy bars. Other colorful places to visit are Tombstone. Bisbee, Tubac and Ramsey Canyon. The Kartchner Caverns are some of the finest caverns in the world, and only an hour's drive from the ranch.
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