Rancho Casitas Guest Ranch

LOCATION
Rancho Casitas is 4 miles west of Wickenburg and one mile off of US Hwy 93.  Wickenburg is just 60 miles northwest of Phoenix and 50 miles from Scottsdale.  Sitting on the northern border of the Sonoran Desert, just below the Mountains of Arizona, Wickenburg, at 2200 feet elevation, lays in what is called the “high desert”.

ACREAGE
Rancho Casitas encompasses 110 acres along a high ridge, offering breathtaking views over Sols Wash and the surrounding mountain ranges. The main improvements are situated atop one of the property’s three highest ridges, providing sweeping, unobstructed vistas. The surrounding land invites creative development, with open spaces ideal for division into exceptional home sites.

These premier sites combine unparalleled views with privacy, easily accessible yet shielded from public access.

Zoned R-43 (one dwelling per acre), the property features gently undulating topography well-suited to luxury rural residences, equestrian estates, or wellness and retreat centers. Its unique combination of location, elevation, and vistas creates unmatched potential for both private use and innovative development.

IMPROVEMENTS
Perfect for corporate retreats or recreational use, Rancho Casitas offers a total of 22 bedrooms across a main home, two additional homes, and six charming casitas, creating an atmosphere of serenity and hospitality. With double occupancy, the property accommodates up to 44 guests.

The 4,400 sq ft southwestern-style main home features arched doorways, high beamed ceilings, and several private patios, including one with a pool and hot tub. It is divided into multiple units, including a 600 sq ft studio and a one-bedroom, full-bath unit with its own patio for ultimate privacy.

The six casitas, each one- or two-bedroom, showcase vintage 1960s southwestern décor with fireplaces, full kitchens, cable TVs, and front and back patios. Constructed with slump block walls, heavy beams, and scored concrete floors, they reflect authentic desert southwestern architecture.

The two additional 2 bed/2 bath homes (~2,300 sq ft each) are ideal for guest lodging or staff housing. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, weekly linen service, guest laundry, and firewood. The ranch accommodates two horses, offers 120 acres for riding, and boasts unmatched views of adjacent state lands.

CLIMATE
Wickenburg boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine and an average of 11 inches of rain per year. The 35 days of any measurable precipitation may often come during the summer monsoons.  The average daytime July high temperature for Wickenburg is around 104 degrees and the nighttime low in January low is 31degrees.  However, much of the year offers very pleasant daytime living temps ranging from 55 to 85 degrees along with cool nights characteristic of the northern Sonoran desert.

HISTORY
Long before the white man appeared the Indians  Anasazi  and Yavapai found the climate along the Hassayampa River basin to offer a long and mild season located in the high desert and cooler  than the valley by prevailing breezes and elevation. Located at 2200 feet this property exhibits all the benefits of the high desert, beautiful mountains, an abundance of flora and fauna.

During the 1862 gold strike Henry Wickenburg founded the Vulture Mine where over $30 million in gold has been dug from the ground. To this day it is being prepared to be a re- activated mine.  The foothills surrounding the city display relics of other mines that prospectors left in their searches.  The mining history of this region the, past and present   add to the appeal of the area.

In its history Wickenburg supported a number of Dude ranches and was named by its tourists “The Dude Ranch Capital of the World”.  Today some of these ranches still offer their unique brand of Western hospitality.  The Rancho Casitas of today was originally the headquarters for the White Land and Cattle Company.  The White’s owned all the land from the base of Yarnell Hill into the outskirts of Wickenburg.  The existing main house on this property was the original headquarters for this ranch.  Rancho Casitas became a well-known popular dude ranch and today is wonderful and restful guest facility.

LOCALE
The 2025 estimated population nears 8,500 and often can double during the winter months of the ‘snow birds’ Wickenburg is often promoted as a destination location – it continues as a town growing in economic and developmental directions.

Here too, one finds the healthiest climate in America with more sunshine and very low humidity.  Here in this setting, Wickenburg thrives as “the most western of western towns”.  The property truly enjoys an astounding 360 degree view.

The dusty boots of the 1950s – 1960s dude operations are now replicated in a large influx of team ropers from all over the United States, laying claim to “Roping Capital of the World’ for the extended winter season.  The abundant clean air and open spaces continue to attract a whole new generation of those searching the Southwest.

RECREATION
While roping and riding are the most obvious activities in Wickenburg, the quiet beauty of the desert abounds.  Birding includes cardinals, big horned owls, orioles, thrashers, not to mention full coveys of quail and dove living side by side with the desert white tail rabbit and the plentiful jack rabbits.  Wildlife is often seen, the occasional visits of the mule deer and javelinas, occur with the occasional echoes of the coyote.  Hiking on the easy trails will bring everyone face to face with the ever-present vistas and the serenity of this property.

SUMMARY
Steeped in history as a livestock, dude, and guest ranch, Rancho Casitas occupies a highly coveted location in the Southwestern landscape. The property’s elevated setting provides breathtaking skyscapes, with unparalleled sunrises, sunsets, moonrises, and starlit nights. Its authentic Western ambiance remains vibrant, as management has carefully preserved the traditions and spirit of the Western lifestyle for generations of guests. With its exceptional location and character, Rancho Casitas offers versatile opportunities, from continuing or expanding its guest operations to developing an equestrian facility, luxury homes, or a wellness, rehabilitation, or retreat center. The property can also be acquired in parcels, with select vacant land available separately, providing flexibility for development or investment.