Hike-in Required
No
Sleeps
1-4
Potable water
Yes
Heated
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch was built in 1927 during the construction of Stewart Mountain Dam to host workers during the build. The Stewart Mountain Dam is the last of a long chain of dams and resevoirs that control irrigation to the Phoenix Valley. Around 1930, once the dam was complete, a couple from Kansas purchased the land to be turned into a public use area. 

Some of the first public services offered were fishing, hosted by a marina built on the east side of the dam, and more than 20 horseback trails built throughout the Goldfield Mountains and around Bulldog Cliffs. Today, many people still visit the ranch for a quiet transition from busy city life. It is a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and swimming in the ranch's pool. The winter months offer wonderful weather for hiking, mountain biking, and porch sitting; while the spring and fall offer more water activities. 

The location of the ranch is so iconic that several movies between 1997 and 2004 were filmed there; films such as "The Ride," "Arizona Summer," and "Skinwalkers" feature the red rock cliffs and surrounding desert of Saguaro Lake Ranch. Bulldog Cliffs beckon to visitors, tempting visitors for an evening horseback ride or hike. 

There are 20 ranchette style cabins of various sizes and with various amenities. Some are closer to the dining hall and swimming area, while others lay down by the Salt River. From any of these cabins you can sit on your porch for some spectacular bird watching! Dozens of species of birds will peak out to say hello without much of a wait. Take a walk down to the river, just below the dam, to see several species of waterfowl all enjoying a nice bath together. 

Still not convinced? Give them a call to ask questions or discuss reservations and availability! The front desk assistants at the ranch are happy to help you plan your next visit. They offer information on lodging, outdoor activities, and history of the area. Once you arrive, be sure to stop by the beautiful gift shop to bring a piece of the place home with you.

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Occasionally full

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

No

Open from

September 15 to May 15

Price per night

$71-160/night

Pros

Lake access. River access. Horseback riding. Breakfast included. Kayaking and river tubing.

Cons

Limited Wi-Fi. No TV/radio/phone in rooms.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Reservations possible

Yes

Reservation phone number

1 (480) 984-2194

Features

Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Electricity
Air conditioning
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Wildlife
Bird watching

Location

Nearby Adventures

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
McDowell Mountain Regional Park

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