MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale: Hours, Address, MacDonald's Ranch Reviews: 4.5/5
MacDonald's Ranch
MacDonald's Ranch
4.5
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
About
Your trip to the Valley of the Sun will be a memory you will never forget! Leave the city behind and enjoy the peaceful, scenic Sonoran Desert on one of our many horses. We are proud of our gentle and friendly herd! Call today to check availability!
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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Top ways to experience MacDonald's Ranch and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: North Scottsdale
Best nearby
Restaurants
39 within 3 miles
Tomaso's Italian Kitchen
89
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Jalapeno Inferno
338
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Spiga Cucina Italiana
482
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Italian Daughter
19
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian
Lorenzo's Pizza & Pasta
88
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
JJ's Deli
93
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Pita Cafe
42
1.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mediterranean • Greek
Soul Cafe
319
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Egg N’ Joe
137
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Scottsdale Burger Bar
6
1.6 mi$
Attractions
24 within 6 miles
Arizona Fine Art EXPO
17
0.2 miArt Galleries
Musical Instrument Museum
6,426
Speciality Museums
Pinnacle Peak Park
1,003
Parks
Penske Racing Museum
337
Speciality Museums
Brown's Ranch Trailhead
123
Hiking Trails
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
48
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Celebration of Fine Art
79
Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Desert Ridge Marketplace
68
Shopping Malls
Pima-Dynamite Trailhead
3
2.6 miHiking Trails
Apache Wash Trailhead
35
Hiking Trails
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
322 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
65
Average
13
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Joseph K
1 contribution
Couples
If you are looking for a great experiance riding in the Arizona desert this is the place to go. Amy the general manager has everything under control and is so sweet. My wife and I went out on a sunset ride with Mike and BIll and Mike was so informative on our surroundings along the ride. Even took our camera to take many memorial pictures of us on the ride which gave us pictures that we will always have especially to show our grandkids. Our horses Bulls-eye and Tommy were so pleasant to ride. Coming from Florida this was our third time and can't wait to come back hopefully next year.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chelsey
1 contribution
Took my mother and our family on a ride at the MacDonald's Ranch for her birthday. It was a wonderful experience! Eva and Bill were our guides. Eva was sweet, kind, and made us all feel very comfortable and safe on the horses. Two of the riders we were with had more experienced than the rest of the group. Eva allowed them to follow her and go off the trail, all while making sure the less experienced rides were comfortable. Bill was very knowledgeable and made sure to make the experience fun and educational. The set up process was efficient and seamless. All the people who work at this ranch love animals and take very good care of them. It is evident. I would HIGHLY recommend going to Macdonald Ranch. We will be returning!!
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tami H
1 contribution
Friends
I have been to the ranch 3 times now, let me tell you, it has been the BEST EXPERIENCE EVERY TIME!!! The staff are so easy to talk to, Eva is the best!!! She even pulled my favorite horse from a Parade the day I came, JUST FOR ME!!! The customer service at the ranch is top notch, and I love keeping up with their ranch stories on social media. Great place to ride and visit, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MACDONALDS RANCH!!!
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tracy F
1 contribution
Family
We wanted to do a cowboy cook out again because we had enjoyed making wonderful core memories with our daughters when we took them years ago. My oldest daughter and granddaughter joined this time and this was to be our big adventure after 2 years of pandemic.
Started out great, waiver signed, very friendly check in staff and the Gal who chose horses was wonderful as were most of the cowboys and cowgirls. Horses were great, very interesting names! I am not sure how to rate this fairly as all but one staff person were good to great but she (Eva) just made it SO unpleasant.
The tour guide that rode with our group soured our experience.( EVA is her name)She talked to guests including my husband and daughter like they were idiots.
The entire ride she asked questions but did not seem genuine or interested. It felt scripted and once she got an answer she quickly shifted the conversation to her. She’s from Wisconsin and her parents are there. She was sure to tell everyone that Not everyone could do her job. She works 12 hour days 6 days a week. She talked about the horse she rode and how skilled she was with him. She clearly has a high opinion of herself.
She pointed out an old animal den as were were passing at a snail pace and then said “too late”when we passed it.
The youngest girl in our group was in front and her stirrups were so long she was practically on tip toes and she couldn’t kick to make the horse go. The guide repeatedly told her to kick the horse but it was too difficult. It made her feel frustrated and instead of fixing it she asked if she was alright and proceeded to tell me she looked unwell but not to worry?.( I have been a RN for 25 years) Eva said she (my granddaughter) didn’t look good and should add electrolytes to our dinner? My granddaughter was flushed and frustrated BECAUSE she could not effectively kick the horse like she was being told. She was well hydrated but her eyes were red from the chlorine in the pool.
We payed $706 for 4 of us for a trail ride and dinner. The trail ride was a bummer because of EVA. The meal was fine. The music was great “cowboy John”. The owner or a very nice man on a cart with wood for fires seemed very approachable and friendly. My daughter sat and talked with him for a while about snake encounters.
I know it’s hard to find good skilled help and maybe she’s good with horses? . I grew up around horses and horse people and I know there are many types. Suffice it to say Eva is NOT my type. She is abrasive and rude. I would not have her be a voice of representation for the experience.
Started out great, waiver signed, very friendly check in staff and the Gal who chose horses was wonderful as were most of the cowboys and cowgirls. Horses were great, very interesting names! I am not sure how to rate this fairly as all but one staff person were good to great but she (Eva) just made it SO unpleasant.
The tour guide that rode with our group soured our experience.( EVA is her name)She talked to guests including my husband and daughter like they were idiots.
The entire ride she asked questions but did not seem genuine or interested. It felt scripted and once she got an answer she quickly shifted the conversation to her. She’s from Wisconsin and her parents are there. She was sure to tell everyone that Not everyone could do her job. She works 12 hour days 6 days a week. She talked about the horse she rode and how skilled she was with him. She clearly has a high opinion of herself.
She pointed out an old animal den as were were passing at a snail pace and then said “too late”when we passed it.
The youngest girl in our group was in front and her stirrups were so long she was practically on tip toes and she couldn’t kick to make the horse go. The guide repeatedly told her to kick the horse but it was too difficult. It made her feel frustrated and instead of fixing it she asked if she was alright and proceeded to tell me she looked unwell but not to worry?.( I have been a RN for 25 years) Eva said she (my granddaughter) didn’t look good and should add electrolytes to our dinner? My granddaughter was flushed and frustrated BECAUSE she could not effectively kick the horse like she was being told. She was well hydrated but her eyes were red from the chlorine in the pool.
We payed $706 for 4 of us for a trail ride and dinner. The trail ride was a bummer because of EVA. The meal was fine. The music was great “cowboy John”. The owner or a very nice man on a cart with wood for fires seemed very approachable and friendly. My daughter sat and talked with him for a while about snake encounters.
I know it’s hard to find good skilled help and maybe she’s good with horses? . I grew up around horses and horse people and I know there are many types. Suffice it to say Eva is NOT my type. She is abrasive and rude. I would not have her be a voice of representation for the experience.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
teethteeth
Hilton Head, SC15 contributions
Family
My family had a blast! We did the horseback riding and cowboy cookout. The ride was beautiful, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! My kids are 14 and 11, and they enjoyed it very much. I would recommend!
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alexa
Milton Keynes, UK18 contributions
Solo
Came here to see how different the burgers where compared to the UK ones and they’re massive! They tasted great and the milkshake machine actually worked! Worth the 2K I spent on planes
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy L
3 contributions
We did a sunset horseback ride with cowboy cook-out. Loved! If you are anything like us I suggest you get there early to play in the petting zoo!
Thank you!
The Willens Family
Thank you!
The Willens Family
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robin S
Cleveland, Ohio780 contributions
I probably should have chosen a different ride as I am an experienced rider and was frustrated at the slow pace (head to tail ride) of the ride. I also was not able to hear any of the dialogue from one of the wranglers who was at the back and talking about interesting desert life. I was at the front and the leader did not talk at all.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane M
Steamboat Springs, CO17 contributions
We went for the Cowboy Cookout with our daughter and son-in-law and two grandkids (5 and 6). We chose the hay wagon ride because the 5 year old is not old enough to ride a horse yet. It was a wonderful evening for everyone! The kids had so much fun at the petting zoo, the pony ride, and the games before our hayride. The hayride was lovely in the evening. Following that dinner was super good with LOTS of food and live entertainment. The evening was topped off with s'mores around the campfire. Everyone loved that! The staff is so nice and friendly and kid-oriented. This is perfect outing for friends and family. We will go back again and ride the horses when our youngest is old enough. I know it was a big hit because the kids brought it up twice the next day and asked to go again. What better recommendation is there than that!
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl M
2 contributions
My husband & I thoroughly enjoyed the one hour horseback ride and cookout!!! Kylie worked with us in registering "last minute" and we were thrilled to have experienced MacDonald's Ranch. The horses were in great shape and very gentle. The scenery was beautiful leading to a relaxing ride. The cookout was SUPERB!!! The portions were very generous; the steak a great cut & grilled to perfection! The cowboy singer was also engaging! MacDonald's provided a great experience!!! We look forward to returning.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan H
27 contributions
I’ve emailed you on a couple of occasions but no response , we’re a family of 4 adults and 2 children coming from the uk end of may and would like to book a day at the ranch can you please advise on how to do this in advance of our trip?
Kelcie B
Peoria, AZ
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out! We respond to all of our emails on a daily basis and I have not seen one that fits the details you have listed above. Could you please email us again so that we can accommodate you and your group?
You can find our email on the Contact Us section of our website. As I cannot post our email address here.
We apologize for any confusion. Thank you
Management
Grace Wiggins
Columbia, SC4 contributions
How much is the basic entry fee? Are any of the other activities extra?
Renee H
Strongsville, OH32 contributions
We made an appointment for a ride. We went in and paid when we checked in. They allowed us to walk around and see the petting animals and the grounds but there wasnt really anything special going on.
crispdc12198
Avondale, AZ
Are you guys open Fridays for horseback riding? if you are from what time to what time?
Susan M
Phoenix, AZ43 contributions
According to MacDonald's website, they are open on Fridays, but are on summer hours. According to their website, They are open 6:30 - 10:00 am and 5:30 - 7:30pm. and closed on Mondays. It is best to call them for reservations and questions @ 480-585-0239. They are super nice and I am sure they will be glad to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions about MacDonald's Ranch
- MacDonald's Ranch is open:
- Wed - Sun 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Wed - Sun 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near MacDonald's Ranch:
- (0.49 mi) Love living the outdoors lifestyle?
- (4.24 mi) Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
- (5.34 mi) Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas, Scottsdale
- (0.72 mi) This guest house offers sleeping for 6. Panoramic views close to Troon Village
- (3.61 mi) JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
- Restaurants near MacDonald's Ranch:
- (1.70 mi) Spiga Cucina Italiana
- (1.89 mi) That's Amore Gelato
- (1.81 mi) Soul Cafe
- (2.58 mi) Mastro's Steakhouse
- (4.19 mi) Talavera