Deals of the day
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Casa Casuarina Miami
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Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Juma Amazon Lodge
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La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
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Aria Hotel Budapest
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Mnemba Island Lodge
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Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
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Château de La Chèvre d’Or
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Il San Pietro Di Positano
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Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
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Piccolo Hotel Portofino
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Stagecoach Trails is a Guest Ranch located in Northwest Arizona in the Mohave desert. We are one hour away from the nearest town. No crowds, lots of open land perfect for the nature lover.
We welcome all travelers to come and experience our dude ranch where the Old West blends with the new. Your host JP and Tricia McCormick, their sons Tristan and Cayden will do everything they can to make sure everyone who stays here has the most memorable western experience possible! Come see how the west is really fun!
The overnight stay at our dude ranch includes all meals including delicious desserts (always home cooked), horseback riding and other ranch activities.
The horseback riding program varies from slow and scenic, to challenging mountain rides and advanced loping rides in sandy washes. There are also lunch rides (seasonal), “cactus” rides and specialty rides.
Evening entertainment, including cowboy singers, campfires with storytelling, line dancing and games nights (card games, Catch Phrase, billiards to name a few), is provided on some nights.
Over the years we have found that most often guests like to just sit, relax and gaze at the star studded skies or enjoy fireside conversations with new friends. There is a swimming pool, hot-tub and a variety of game options such as volleyball, billiards and horseshoes.
The main focus is the horseback riding program as well as the beautiful desert and mountain scenery.
Our remote location not only provides beautiful unobstructed views of the surrounding desert scenery, but it also provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere without city lights and noisy traffic so you can truly get in touch with nature and enjoy God’s desert creation.
The Ranch
Guest ranches in Arizona are by no means a thing of the past. On the contrary, they are a glimpse into the past, but with all the modern amenities that we have become accustomed to.
Stagecoach Trails is the perfect place to do just that! We are offering an “old west experience” with a modern, yet intimate setting for a family oriented vacation.
And remember, families, couples, singles and groups (corporate, family and friends) are always welcome! Vacationers are always looking for a unique travel experience and our dude ranch offers that.
In addition to offering a completely barrier-free vacation (see features for disabled), there are many opportunities to experience outside the ranch during, before or after your stay.
The ranch is set up like a mini old western town. When leaving your room you will feel like you have stepped back in time as you walk about the property. We border over 360,000 acres of pristine untouched Federal land that is managed by the B.L.M. (Bureau of Land Management).
The ranch has a special permit that enables us to take guest out on the trails to explore this wonderful unspoiled scenery
What is a Dude?
Ever wonder why they are called dude ranches? Back in the day, the Wild West was known as the “badlands”. Most easterners who ventured out to these territories were often called “Tenderfoot” or “Greenhorns” as they were not used to the rough and often hostile conditions.
Once the west was tamed the romanticization of the frontierlands spurred an influx of visitors who wanted to experience the bygone days of the Old West. Folks from the east started visiting and stayed at guest ranches.
These people were often well dressed and stood out in these rural locations and refered to as a “dandy”. This term was quickly shortened to “dudes”. Since guest ranches were a destination for dudes they became known as dude ranches and the rest is history. Thank God! Can you imagine them being called “dandy ranches”!
Home-Cooked Meals At The Ranch
What is more enjoyable than 3 mouth-watering meals each day? Nothing! Even our fantastic horseback riding program may not compare to our food! We offer three delicious meals daily along with delectable desserts, wonderful home-cooked breads, cookies and snacks.
We offer a fine selection of wines and beer to complement your dinner. In the main Lodge, we also offer popcorn upon request and a full bar. Other snacks, beer and beverages are available to purchase in the lodge as well.
Hualapai Dining Room
On Sunday mornings a buffet brunch will be served to give your cook a much needed morning off and to enable us, and others who so wish to attend church.
Most meals are served buffet style with a couple of sit-down meals as well, and occasionally we will eat dinner outdoors under the stars (weather permitting since the desert can get cold at night in the winter!).
Please Note: We need to know well in advance if you have any special dietary requirements so we can plan accordingly. Please be sure to tell us about them when you make a reservation with us. We will be happy to serve you “special meals.” Learn more about our ability to accommodate guests with any special needs here.
Check this site regularly for special ranch recipes. Believe me, once you’ve enjoyed some of the desserts that are offered at the ranch, you will want to take the chef home with you! Since you can’t do that, we will persuade him to share a recipe or two with you from time to time.
Pecan Pie (8 servings)
9-inch unbaked pie crust, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 3 eggs, 1/3 cup butter, 1/3 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 heaping cup pecan (or walnut) halves.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pie crust. In large bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, salt and vanilla, mix well. Pour filling into crust, sprinkle with pecans (or walnuts).
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until center is set. (Toothpick will come out clean when pie is done.) Cool. If crust appears to be getting to dark you can cover the edges with tin foil. Top it with whipped cream or ice cream or serve by itself.
Ranch Wheelchair Access
Because the founder’s oldest daughter Amy is in a wheelchair, we have first hand knowledge of the needs of our disabled guests. Stagecoach has been designed and built to be fully handicapped accessible.
This gives us the unique ability to offer a completely barrier-free vacation to all disabled travelers and their families. Stagecoach Trails has been a pioneer in offering this unparalleled travel opportunity to all our guests with special needs.
All buildings and outdoor areas were built with the disabled concerns in mind. We took extra care to assure there are no barriers anywhere at our ranch.
Features for the Disabled
Our guest rooms and bathrooms are larger than the current accessibility codes call for with either roll-in showers or ADA tubs and hand held showers in each one.
Our lodge and dining room have plenty of room for wheelchairs to move about freely and all public bathrooms are handicapped accessible as well. We also provide accessible riding equipment so that everyone has the ability to participate in our riding program if they so desire.
Depending on their ability, our disabled guests can choose to experience a ride in the desert or a ride in our arena. To assure safety, all riders with special needs will take their first ride in our small arena so their riding ability can be assessed before going out on the trails.
We have a ramp for wheelchairs or riders needing extra assistance so that mounting the horse will be almost as easy as getting in a car. We want everyone to experience riding a horse no matter what their disability is.
Our wranglers and our horses are well-trained and have a warm and caring disposition so that each riding experience will be enjoyable. For the safety of our disabled guests and staff we have a 180 lbs weight limit for guests with disabilities to ride horses.
We want to give our disabled guests, along with their families, the opportunity to enjoy not only the horses, but also the great outdoors without any barriers.
Weather at the Ranch
If Vegas were to accept bets on the weather at the ranch then sunny would be the word of the day and 98% of the time you would win. We get very little rain at Stagecoach Trails and on those rare days we do it does not last long.
We are located in the Mohave Desert at an altitude of 1800 feet. As a result our climate is not as hot as those locations that are closer to sea level but it is still the desert and the summers can get hot. It is a dry heat which is nowhere near as oppressive as locations in more humid tropical environments.
No matter what the time of year we always enjoy cool nights even in the middle of the summer. This makes for comfortable mornings and evening sunsets.
Weather, Wildlife and Plants
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch is located in the Mohave Desert in an area called “Dutch Flats”. The climate is considered high desert.
The humidity is below 30% most of the year. Joshua Trees (Yucca Brevifolia) are abundant in the Mohave desert as are barrel cactus and Saguaro Cactus at higher elevations. The valley is surrounded by three mountain ranges, the Hualapai, Mohave and Buck mountains.
When traveling in the desert one will frequently encounter bighorn sheep, kangaroo rats, road runners, coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits and the occasional mountain lion.
The crystal clear air and dry environment makes for incredible sunsets that are a daily occurance at the ranch. At night the sky is riddled with millions of stars as there are no city lights anywhere near the ranch.
Guests should bring clothing that is cool for daytime activities and light warmer garments for nightime when the temperatures cool down.
Activities on the Ranch
Stagecoach Trails has a variety of activities besides horseback riding available throughout your stay. You can choose to be in all of them, some of them, or none of them at all! That is entirely up to you.
Many of our guests find that when they come to the ranch their favorite activity when not horseback riding or eating our home-cooked meals, quickly becomes just good old relaxation.
Our guests often like to relax by the swimming pool, in the Frontier Lodge, their rooms, in the courtyard reading or just enjoying the Arizona sunshine, wildlife,sunset, or stars at night!
ATVs
For you more active folks, you can pay to rent one of our ATV’s for a guided ride in the desert mountains. Ride the trails and explore the wilderness. Check out “Shot Up Well” a favorite target zone for the military during WWII.
You might even find some old shells laying around. Drive by old Gold mines that made this valley popular back in the day or just enjoy the stunning scenery as you ride out in the badlands.
Authentic Stagecoach
Here is your chance to ride in an authentic stagecoach just like the travelers from back in the day did. This is an authentic stagecoach that has been used in many Western movies including the most recent Magnificent 7 and Doc West.
Petting Zoo
Head into our petting zoo full with baby goats, pygmy goats, our mini horse Peanut and other wonderful animals that are vying for your attention. Pet them and even take Peanut out for a stroll around the ranch.
Billiards & Horseshoes
For a more relaxing day you can also challenge guests, family members, or staff to a game of horseshoes, billiards, board games as well as a variety of good old fashion outdoor games for the entire family.
Shooting
Ever wanted to know what it felt like to shoot old western guns. Then come out to our Cowboy Action shooting range and try for yourself. We have a wide range of western guns like 45 long colt revolvers, Winchester rifles to more modern firearms for you to practice your shooting skills.
Campfire
On cooler nights the owner builds a fire in the courtyard so you can relax and talk about your beautiful day or sing campfire songs, or roast marshmallows for an after dinner snack.
Fat tire mountain bikes
You can also use our mountain bikes for a quieter exploration of the cactus trails or just go out for a hike in the desert looking at the native wildlife. Who knows you may even see a roadrunner being chased by a coyote.
Humvee Ride
Ride in an authentic Desert Storm Humvee. See what it was like for our military to roam the desert landscape in these massive beasts. Known as the most capable off road vehicle in the world this will fascinate both kids and adults.
Pool & hot tub
Another favorite activity during our warmer months is swimming and relaxing around our pool and enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful mountain views. For a more quieter activity take some time to relax in our Jacuzzi pool or just lay by the pool and sunbathe.
Wagon Rides
For those guests staying 3 nights or longer, step back in time and go on a wagon ride during the day or at night under a beautiful moonlit sky.
Archery
Try your hand at some real archery with a Longbow the way the native American’s did. Find out what it really took to be a skilled hunter in the sacred land.
Hiking
Venture out into the desert and enjoy the beautiful mountain and cactus scenery.
Star Gazing
One of the great advantages of being out in the wilderness is there is no light polution. Here is your change to be in one of the few places on earth where you can actually see the milky way. Head out into the night and do some star gazing and amaze yourself with an incredible sky.
WWII relic hunting
One of the favorite passtimes for kids is to head out to Shot Up Well on the far end of the ranch compound and look for old WWII relics. Many have found old 50 caliber bullets shot from P-47 Thunderbolts and other WWII aircraft.
You will be amazed at how well our desert environment has preserved them If you are lucky you may even find an old pair of aviator goggles.
Wildlife Viewing
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch is located in pristine untouched wilderness. Just a walk in and around the ranch will delight you with all kinds of natural wildlife from coyotes to road runners. Make sure and bring your camera as you will not want to miss that once in a lifetime shot of our natural fauna.
Sedona
Come Hang out with Sedona, our newest filly born on March 5th, 2018. She is a kids and adults delight.
Horseback Riding
Our horseback riding program is second to none. As soon as you leave the corral you will see nothing but beautiful desert scenery surrounded by cactus, Joshua Trees and mountain ranges.
Located in the Mohave desert, we are an hour away from the nearest town, no city lights, no traffic, just the occasional road runner being chased by the occasional coyote. This is cowboy country, the Wild West, the way it was, the way it still is.
Horseback Riding at the Guest Ranch
Our horseback program offers a gentle, slow walking ride or an intermediate trotting ride as well as an exciting fast trotting/loping ride. You get to choose what type of ride you want to go on, not the other way around.
Not only are our wranglers friendly and personable, but our horses are as well! We have a corral full of horses, each with its own distinct personality so that we can match that perfect one to you based on your riding ability.
There are hundreds of thousands of acres of Federal public land just out our back gate which are available for horseback riding. Horseback rides are offered twice daily except for Sundays when the horses and the wranglers have the day off. A variety of different riding opportunities
Riding at the Ranch
At Stagecoach Trails we offer a riding program that is tailored to each rider. First of all, we do our best to make sure you are matched up with the appropriate horse – we want you to be comfortable with your horse and your ability to control the type of horse you are going to be riding.
Secondly, we want you to be able to go on the type of ride you like. If you prefer a shorter, slower walking ride or if you would like to go on a more advanced trotting or loping ride, we will be happy to accommodate you.
Children 7 years and older will be allowed to ride on the trails with their own horse under their own guidance.
Our Commitment to You
We always want you to be comfortable and happy with your horse, wrangler, and your trail rides. People come to Dude or Guest Ranches to horseback ride, relax, and have fun, and we want you to be very satisfied when you leave our ranch.
So please don’t hesitate to talk to us about any questions you may have regarding the riding program or your horse choice. We try to match everyone up with the right horse, don’t hesitate to ask if you would like to switch horses and we will accommodate you.
For the safety of our guests and horses we have a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs (guests over 250 lbs are limited to a walking ride only)
Day 1 & 2 – Scenic Walking Rides
On your first day you will enjoy a slow, scenic walking ride in the desert to let you get acclimated to your horse, our surroundings and saddle. The ride lasts for about 2 hours.
On your second day you enjoy two rides each lasting 2 hours, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. These are a combination of slow scenic walk rides as well as trotting.
Day 3 – Loping Rides
For those guests staying 2 nights or longer you can enjoy exciting loping rides in the washes. Feel the wind flowing through your hair and the thrill of a fast ride like the cowboys in the day use to. These rides usually last around 1 1/2 hours.
Guests must have done at least 3 rides during their stay in order to qualify for the loping rides.
Day 4 – Mountain Ride (6 hours)
For those guests staying with us 4 nights or more we offer a 5-6 hour Mountain ride where we head out into the mountains, have lunch in a valley wash then ride to the top of Buck Mountain for some incredibly scenic riding.
During the summer (July-August) we change this to a shorter breakfast ride lasting around 4 hours.
Cactus Ride (3 hours)
For those guests staying 4 nights or longer we also take you out on a 3 hour “cactus ride”. Enjoy some of these 100 year old cactus that line the mountain landscape and ride through some challenging mountain terrain.
Day 6 – Gold Mine Trail Ride (6 hours)
For those guests staying 7 nights or longer you will head out on our popular Gold Mine Trail Ride. Here we go into the mountains and explore some long lost gold mines from back in the day.
See what the pioneers had to endure to make a living searching for gold. This ride last around 6 hours and we have lunch at the gold mines.
Disabled Riders and Small Children
For our disabled riders, young riders ages 5 and under and anyone else who is nervous or unable to go out on the actual trails but still wants the horseback riding experience, we offer supervised rides in an enclosed arena or around the perimeter of the ranch.
This gives those guests a wonderful riding experience on the ranch. Children that are ages 6 years old MAY (up to the discretion of the staff) be able to ride on the trails while being “ponied” by one of our wranglers.
This means that the lead wrangler will tie a long lead rope from the child’s horse and hold onto that rope for the entire ride to insure that the horse will not run-off or become uncontrollable for the child.
Riding Lessons
For our riders that want to learn more about riding we offer 1 hour private lessons (for a small extra fee). Lessons can be simple riding techniques to more advance barrel racing and other competitive rides.
