Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch - Tours
Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch - Tours
Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch - Tours
5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Canyon Creek Ranch is nestled on 130 breathtaking acres in Cold Water Canyon, just twenty miles north of Phoenix in Black CanyonCity, Arizona. The ranch is surrounded by 71,000 acres of National Monument land, featuring rugged hills, fantastic volcanic formations, ancient Native American petroglyphs and the Agua Fria River. The ranch offers great views of the surrounding mountains and miles of natural Sonoran desert to explore and enjoy.
Phoenix, Arizona
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch - Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,886 reviews
Excellent
1,827
Very good
47
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
4
korourke71
Marshfield, MA10 contributions
Aug 2021
Our family of 4 spent a late afternoon/early evening here in August as bit of a last minute excursion. We went into it not really knowing what to expect, but ended up having so much fun. Rusty was our guide and his humor made it so enjoyable and his knowledge made us feel safe!
Beautiful horse ride where we learned quiet about the cactus and other parts of the landscape. The horses were calm and clearly well trained. We received good instructions so we felt confident on the ride and Rusty was nearby if needed.
Rusty was full of silly jokes to make us all smile and even got our grouchy teen to laugh!
We threw axes and fired .22 pistol. Unfortunately we ran out of time to do the archery because it simply got too dark, which is our own fault as we arrived a bit late.
The experience in the old western town was so great and you absolutely felt like you were stepping back in time.
Overall a great experience and we highly recommend especially if Rusty if your guide!
Beautiful horse ride where we learned quiet about the cactus and other parts of the landscape. The horses were calm and clearly well trained. We received good instructions so we felt confident on the ride and Rusty was nearby if needed.
Rusty was full of silly jokes to make us all smile and even got our grouchy teen to laugh!
We threw axes and fired .22 pistol. Unfortunately we ran out of time to do the archery because it simply got too dark, which is our own fault as we arrived a bit late.
The experience in the old western town was so great and you absolutely felt like you were stepping back in time.
Overall a great experience and we highly recommend especially if Rusty if your guide!
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expedition254319
4 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
If there were more stars available, they would get them! Absolutely amazing experience! Canyon Creek Ranch provided excellent communication, met us at an easy location and led us by car to their harder to find ranch. The ranch hands were friendly, and our guide was not only knowledgeable about horses, but the landscape as well as the wildlife and plants. He (Rick) really did a great job connecting with our family and did a wonderful job taking us through the Old West town after our horseback ride. He insisted upon taking time to photograph our family with my own camera in great spots and even got our preteen to smile too 😉. The lunch spread the ladies cooked was absolutely delicious and well worth the extra cost. The was a definite high point on our vacation!!
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
want2trvlmr
Phoenix, AZ45 contributions
Apr 2020 • Family
Personal attention ✅ beautiful property ✅ genuinely kind staff ✅ well trained horses ✅ easy ride for young kids and novice riders ✅ more than just a horseback ride ✅✅
This was an absolutely wonderful experience and the best way to spend some time out of the house during this Covid-19 pandemic. Todd, our guide, and the staff were absolutely wonderful to spend the morning with and so kind with our family. It was our younger sons birthday and they even surprised us with cupcakes to sing to him! They spoiled us with a beautiful trail ride through preserved land, a full barbecue lunch (burgers, hot dogs, chicken, corn, chili, coleslaw, potato salad, chips and cooks), all the drinks we could drink, and an unforgettable visit to their old western town, complete with horseshoe tossing, hatchet throwing, lasso tossing and gun shooting. Every detail was thought of, safely planned out and pandemic friendly, with full accommodations made to put our minds at ease from germs. We are natives of Phoenix and this is by far one of the most memorable things we’ve done throughout our lives here... I would, without hesitation, highly recommend them to locals and anyone coming to town.
This was an absolutely wonderful experience and the best way to spend some time out of the house during this Covid-19 pandemic. Todd, our guide, and the staff were absolutely wonderful to spend the morning with and so kind with our family. It was our younger sons birthday and they even surprised us with cupcakes to sing to him! They spoiled us with a beautiful trail ride through preserved land, a full barbecue lunch (burgers, hot dogs, chicken, corn, chili, coleslaw, potato salad, chips and cooks), all the drinks we could drink, and an unforgettable visit to their old western town, complete with horseshoe tossing, hatchet throwing, lasso tossing and gun shooting. Every detail was thought of, safely planned out and pandemic friendly, with full accommodations made to put our minds at ease from germs. We are natives of Phoenix and this is by far one of the most memorable things we’ve done throughout our lives here... I would, without hesitation, highly recommend them to locals and anyone coming to town.
Written April 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana B
7 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Rusty treated myself and a guest to a private ride on a Friday afternoon. We ended up having more fun than imaginable even as we got caught in a surprise thunderstorm. Rusty is a great narrator as he leads the horses through the desert and points out what may help you win at your next trivia night. The rain didn’t phase him and he encouraged us to continue to skeet shooting. I’m glad he did because I shocked myself with my ability! We visited the old town and I was intrigued by his freezer full on snakes. We learned about the different kinds to keep us safe if we encounter on while on the trails. From there we had ax throwing and pistol shooting. Rusty made sure safety came first as we enjoyed the competition. We perfectly timed our tour with sunset which glows brilliantly against the surrounding mountains. The rain caused flooding in the area but Rusty escorted us through the back roads all the way to the highway to ensure our safety. This is a must do activity I will certainly be sending friends and visitors to experience.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lilianm104
Black Canyon City, AZ5 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Had such a great time, our tour guide Rich was AMAZING! We saw so much and he was so informative. Absolutely recommend the jeep tour we also got to see their replica western town and threw axes, shot a 22 pistol and shoot arrows with a bow. A must do if in Arizona.
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patti
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • Family
Perfect mid-morning outdoor activity for the entire family. Our teens enjoyed showing us up with their archery skills, while learning how to throw tomahawks and shoot a pistol. Our guide Ashley was great, as were our horses Champion, Sally, Trixie and Nick. Highly recommend if you’re looking for some great scenery and something to keep your teens engaged in some outdoor fun!
Written November 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenae T
7 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Let me start by saying, definitely book with Rusty! He was simply AMAZING! We came here to celebrate a birthday and it was the best birthday by far!
For starters the location was very easy to find. We met by their sign near a steakhouse and then followed Rusty out to the ranch on a dirt road (it was very manageable, even in a little Chevy cruze). Once we got there we went and paid in the little office and we’re offered restrooms before the ride.
We got to ride on Blue Eye and Gizmo, two well trained horses. Everything we did from the trail ride to the Wild West town was included in our price! The trail was so relaxing and had some beautiful views and Rusty taught us A LOT about the nature, animals and Indian markings out there! We all swapped some really fun stories on our ride as well. He also took tons of great pictures of us on the ride and even some of the views and nature he taught us about too (a few are attached)!
After the ride he took us by jeep to a really cool Wild West town they had built and we got to go into his saloon for a drink. He taught us a lot about the stuff in his saloon that was really cool too! Then we got to throw axes, shoot a pistol and do some archery. Rusty offered to take many pictures for us while we were in the Wild West town and showed us all of the buildings they had out there. They even had some real grass out in the middle of the desert, who would’ve thought? We loved that it was just our group there too! It made it feel so catered to us.
We will definitely be going back again to ride with Rusty and 110% recommend that anyone else go and experience their ranch and Wild West town as well! We can’t wait to return!
For starters the location was very easy to find. We met by their sign near a steakhouse and then followed Rusty out to the ranch on a dirt road (it was very manageable, even in a little Chevy cruze). Once we got there we went and paid in the little office and we’re offered restrooms before the ride.
We got to ride on Blue Eye and Gizmo, two well trained horses. Everything we did from the trail ride to the Wild West town was included in our price! The trail was so relaxing and had some beautiful views and Rusty taught us A LOT about the nature, animals and Indian markings out there! We all swapped some really fun stories on our ride as well. He also took tons of great pictures of us on the ride and even some of the views and nature he taught us about too (a few are attached)!
After the ride he took us by jeep to a really cool Wild West town they had built and we got to go into his saloon for a drink. He taught us a lot about the stuff in his saloon that was really cool too! Then we got to throw axes, shoot a pistol and do some archery. Rusty offered to take many pictures for us while we were in the Wild West town and showed us all of the buildings they had out there. They even had some real grass out in the middle of the desert, who would’ve thought? We loved that it was just our group there too! It made it feel so catered to us.
We will definitely be going back again to ride with Rusty and 110% recommend that anyone else go and experience their ranch and Wild West town as well! We can’t wait to return!
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise Gustavson
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Friends
We recently visited Canyon Creek as part of a girls' trip to Scottsdale. We went for the horseback ride but from the moment we met our handsome cowboy Tim we knew it would be so much more... The ride and ranch are amazing and Tim brought the desert and old west to life with a ton of fun facts and silly jokes that had us all in stitches!! It's been a month and we're still talking about how much fun we had on our western adventure!!!
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana'68
Chandler, AZ2 contributions
Aug 2021
Day 3 of Phoenix vacation...called Western Destination and scheduled the trail ride for my 12-year old kids and me. BEST decision I could have made. From the call with very kind Opal through the 3+ hours of the horseback riding, axe throwing, shooting, and archery, we were in awe of the scenery and absolute depth of knowledge, experience, and attentiveness that our guide Rusty showed us. He was both astute and genuinely interested in ensuring we enjoyed every story and aspect of our day. He explained so much and yet allowed us to be in awe of our surroundings. We will always remember this day and will always come back as this was an experience we will never forget. AND I MUST SAY: To have pre-teen kids have questions and conversations with Rusty and walk away so happy made this mom feel like she won the lottery. Please visit this ranch. It's so worth it! And ask for Rusty!
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon M
90 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Amazing time at the ranch. We were group of 26 some of us in high 40’s low 40’s, 30’s and then the kids ranged from 19- 8 years old. We all had a fabulous time!! We did archery, pistol shooting, axe throwing, horseshoe throwing, and of course the highlight was the one hour horse train ride. The ranchers are super professional and we felt very safe riding. Was one of our best days in Phoenix . Highly highly recommend for the western experience.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is it to ride? Are you allowed to canter through any open space or just a walking trail ride? Experienced rider here
Written July 22, 2019
100.00 for the day included leisure ride through the desert and agua fria river, lunch your choice, hatchet throwing,gun shooting, bow and arrows etc.. lots of fun.
Written July 22, 2019
Jacqueline N.W.D
Apache Junction, Arizona
What's the price like for a three hour ride for two people?
Also, could I host an event like a wedding here?
Written January 18, 2019
Broken Arrow is the kind of professional one that we took. It would be in the low $300 ish range. It is well worth it - no doubt!
The area has many cheaper options, probably cheaper on both price and service.
Have fun and good luck.
Written January 19, 2019
You’ll want pants or some type of long leggings. Long-sleeve shirt or just a lot of sunscreen before you begin. I brought water on the ride, but it was pointless. I don’t have the experience to ride and drink water at the same time. They provide some refreshments afterwards.
Written April 8, 2021
Sonali B
55 contributions
What should we do when we are riding horses and see rattlesnakes on the trail? Also do we get to choose which horses we will be riding or do Canyon Creek Ranch staff choose the horses for us to ride? Can we see cactus plants when riding on the trail? Is there a sunset horse riding trek that we can ride and enjoy cactus plants at sunset?
Written August 29, 2018
Hi Sonali, if we come across snakes, we'll take some great photos. We line up horses to riders, and yes you'll be riding close to all the cacti. The sunset rides are Amazing!
Written October 5, 2018
Harpdog02190
Norwell, Massachusetts
My wife is anxious about being on a horse. Would someone be able to hold the reins for her if we come?
Written April 26, 2018
No your wife would need to hold the reins. There is some instruction on how to hold them at the beginning.The guide is in front and the horses are walking very slowly.
Written April 26, 2018
Sonali B
55 contributions
Is there stallions that I can ride on that tour? Also what is like to go riding on sunset horse trek?
Written December 31, 2017
There are a variety of horses there; I do believe they have sunset rides
Written August 25, 2018
Will an August late afternoon be too hot for our family to horseback ride and experience the cowboy town? Two kids are 8 and 11.
Written May 16, 2017
I love the heat, so I probably wouldn't mind it. My 9 year old son, however, not so much. Although the guides provide plenty of water and you do get a reprieve from the heat in the Western town, the kids might be too hot. I think it's really what you can tolerate. You might also try the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix. My son (9YO) loved that and we spent most of a day there.
Written May 17, 2017
644sonalib
Wellington, New Zealand
48 contributions
Is afternoon horseriding the best time of day to enjoy the sunset coming down on the horizon before night falls?
Is Sonoran desert near Tombstone in southern Arizona, USA?
Written April 30, 2017
This ranch is located north of Phoenix. The Sonoran Desert is a few hours south of here. The sunsets in Arizona desert are gorgeous no matter where you are.The best places we experienced were the Grand Canyon and the Saguaro National Parks. Good luck!
Written May 3, 2017
pdxgiantfan
Portland, Oregon
Can I bring my kids just to play the cowboy games and shop or do you have to sign up for something?
Written March 31, 2017
All our adventures are private and by reservations only, Please contact Opal direct at (623) 374-5245. Opal is the owner and handles all special request.
Thank you
Written March 31, 2017
You are not required to wear a helmet, but you must sign release stating you choose not to wear one.
Thank you
Written February 16, 2017
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