Fodor's Expert Review Tanque Verde Ranch

The most upscale of Tucson's guest ranches and one of the oldest in the country, the Tanque Verde sits on 640 beautiful acres in the Rincon Mountains next to Saguaro National Park East. Rooms in one-story casitas have tasteful Western-style furnishings, fireplaces, and picture-window views of the desert. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are huge, and the spa will help remedy sore muscles. Horseback excursions are available for every skill level, and children can participate in daylong activity programs, leaving parents to their leisure. Frugal travelers seeking a ranch stay can get room-and-breakfast-only rates (with meals and riding as optional add-ons).