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Kay El Bar Guest Ranch

Kay El Bar Guest Ranch

Kay El Bar Guest Ranch
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Kay El Bar is a historic western dude ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. Open year-round, we offer equestrian vacations that include meals, lodging and riding. It's a wonderful atmosphere for families, couples, and business team-building events. Soak in the splendor of the Sonoran Desert on horseback, hiking, at the pool, or in the historic western town of Wickenburg. We are a historic landmark with modern rooms, offering an authentic western experience. As a small guest ranch you will enjoy a quiet, disconnected vacation whether you ride or not.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • LoveTravel333222
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Experience
    My husband and I just spent 3 days here. Kyle and Emily were the best host. Keith the chef made some excellent meals. We were not disappointed and he makes a wonderful gluten dairy free bread. Clair the wrangler was very informative and a great teacher for someone who has only been on a horse one time before. Just what we needed a quiet time away from our busy life.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 25, 2023
  • Sah10
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great stay
    This is the 3rd Ranch from the True Ranch collection I have visited and it did not disappoint. The rooms were clean and the beds were very comfy. The chef ,Keith, cooked fabulous, tasty meals. The wranglers ,Sam,Grace and Clair, took great care of the horses and lead some fantastic rides. The scenery is amazing. All of the staff were friendly and professional. I enjoyed it so much I’ve booked again for next year!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 2, 2023
  • Malinda K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible in every way!
    To Angie, Ian, Jessica, Grace, Kylie and Chef, Words cannot even describe our experience at Kay El Bar! We are on a 5 week trip from Australia and the 4 days we spent at the ranch was an absolute highlight of our trip so far. Nothing was a problem, everyone was so incredibly nice and the delicious home cooked meals were just what we needed. We did so much riding, archery, shooting and just exploring around the amazing landscapes. A million thanks for memories that will us and children a lifetime.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 16, 2024
  • Laurielovestravel
    22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great smaller ranch especially for ranch “newbies”
    Chose this ranch for our latest riding adventure due to its smaller size (about 25 guests max) . We brought a couple with us who had never been to a guest ranch, we are experienced riders. They offered 2 2hour walking rides a day and every other day in the AM you could do a fast ride after you passed the lope test. Sunday afternoons there is no riding. The wranglers mentioned they also do all day rides but none was offered when we were there (typically on Thursdays) and that was the day we left. They said the loping is limited due to their smaller herd. Our friends were able to book 2 lessons during our 4 day stay and they were great - and private as there were only a few other guests there. . We had the same horses during our stay, and all of them were solid, great horses. You can groom your horse if you wish. Wranglers were awesome too! Trails were limited to one for loping due to a loose herd in the area but the walking trails were varied in terrain in the BLM and there was even a small slot canyon! Food was on point and plentiful, the ranch itself historic and rustic. Hot tub was broken during our stay and pool to cool to swim in - at least for us - at the end of February. There was archery and skeet shooting plus an ATV ride offered while we were there but we were busy riding. Perfect choice if you are looking for a smaller ranch experience with riding lessons! Visiting nearby Wickenburg was fun and also there were many roping clinics nearby if you wanted to watch.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 1, 2024
  • Elizabeth P
    24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must-do 1st time ranch experience...we might be hooked!
    My husband and I and our 2 daughters wanted to experience a real ranch. I only wished we had stayed longer to experience all the activities they offer at Kay El Bar. The food was excellent. The maple syrup, the steaks, the desserts, all of it was so good. The service was amazing. Grace and Kylee are just the nicest humans. The horses were also saints. We loved how quiet and peaceful it was. The scenery and the landscaping was great. The wildflowers along the trail were so pretty. Our room was very comfortable. And, we liked the offering of boots and hats if you wanted to borrow them for rides. Meeting the other guests and playing games in the lodge at night was very fun. Highly recommend.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles49 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
0

DonaldYokum
Ventura, CA709 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Booked this stay primarily because it was one of the few available in Wickenburg; a roping contest had filled up the bulk of the motels locally. All in all, it was a good experience, though we were surprised that the rooms had no TV, and that meals were served on a very exacting schedule. That said, the room was very comfortable, a good bed, and the breakfasts were the best we had ever encountered in our touring experience. We were there to investigate housing, and didn't participate in other meals provided by the Ranch, though I wish we had. We'll do it again for the total dude ranch experience next time!
Written March 8, 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.

GregandDebbie R
Kingston, Canada122 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
We stayed 2 nights. The 2 wranglers were terrific. Good with all the guests (varied ages), good with names, good with the horses. The food was good as well. Not fancy, but filling, healthy and tasty. Served buffet style, not family style as described on the website. The lounge is comfy, the pool and hot tub clean and appreciated. In the lounge it would be nice to have real mugs for the morning coffee instead of paper cups.
Things that need improvement: communication. One morning there was supposed to be a raptor event before breakfast, but it did not happen. No word as to why that we ever heard, except when another guest told us the following day what he was told by the manager.
I am an experienced rider and made a point of arriving in time on check in day to do the required slow ride, so that I could have a fast ride the next day. To be told by another guest that I was lucky they did an extra fast ride that day, as a make up for having non functioning fat bikes. The fast ride was great but nowhere in the website is it mentioned that they aren't every day. I understand that the horses may need rest (as they only lease about 20 horses for guests), but this schedule should be published so that no one is disappointed. If I had not lucked into this fast ride, I really would have been disappointed.
They have a hike around the property but it's not well marked and we couldn't find it and had to turn around. Please, better marking to help find the correct path would be helpful. I understand a new Manager is taking over in November so I hope he/she makes better communication a priority.
Written November 3, 2023
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.

B W
Wisconsin10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This is our third stay at a dude ranch. We stayed here because we were doing a circle tour of Arizona out of Phoenix and we did not have to book a full week. All our dude ranch experiences have been exceptional, but in different ways. This is not a place that has multiple activities happening every day. The ranch is about its quiet historical feel. Relax and chill out. For me, this sure beat Lake Havasu and the rest of the tourist/snow bird destinations. We rode twice a day and the trails, scenery, and wanglers are great. It is a small place with only several dozen guests. Talking with the other guests, which we find part of the joy of B&Bs, is part of the fun. Thanks Ken, Rhonda, and Bart for a nice several days. By the way, the food is good and they will bend over backwards to accommodate culinary needs. My wife has Celiac disease (must avoid gluten) .
Written March 16, 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.

mary s
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
Our visit to the ranch was exceptional. I’ve stayed at many and found our stay at Kay el Bar to be our favorite. This is a true ranch experience run by an outstanding management team including overall operations, wranglers and kitchen staff. Key here is riding. The horses are superb and in excellent shape. The rides are long and interesting. The add on activities are just enough. Sitting in the lodge between events is relaxing with a nice fire going and a honor bar with a variety of beverages. The hot tub was a treat and swimming is also available. If you really want a low key western ranch experience this is where to go.
Written November 18, 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.

Laurielovestravel
Atlanta, Georgia22 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Chose this ranch for our latest riding adventure due to its smaller size (about 25 guests max) . We brought a couple with us who had never been to a guest ranch, we are experienced riders. They offered 2 2hour walking rides a day and every other day in the AM you could do a fast ride after you passed the lope test. Sunday afternoons there is no riding. The wranglers mentioned they also do all day rides but none was offered when we were there (typically on Thursdays) and that was the day we left. They said the loping is limited due to their smaller herd. Our friends were able to book 2 lessons during our 4 day stay and they were great - and private as there were only a few other guests there. . We had the same horses during our stay, and all of them were solid, great horses. You can groom your horse if you wish. Wranglers were awesome too! Trails were limited to one for loping due to a loose herd in the area but the walking trails were varied in terrain in the BLM and there was even a small slot canyon! Food was on point and plentiful, the ranch itself historic and rustic. Hot tub was broken during our stay and pool to cool to swim in - at least for us - at the end of February. There was archery and skeet shooting plus an ATV ride offered while we were there but we were busy riding. Perfect choice if you are looking for a smaller ranch experience with riding lessons! Visiting nearby Wickenburg was fun and also there were many roping clinics nearby if you wanted to watch.
Written March 1, 2024
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.

bac26
Charlotte, NC1,047 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
I love this ranch and will definitely go back. It was a very relaxing environment to kick back, relax, and unwind with no TV. A morning and afternoon ride are offered. The guest lodge is made for kicking back with a good book and having an evening beverage at the "honor" bar. Wranglers "Biscuit" and "Dee" were personable and fun and UNO, my horse for the few days I was there, took good care of me! Thank you Ken for your wit, Connie for your organization, and James for the wonderful, healthy meals you served 3 times a day along with a fresh pot of coffee every morning before breakfast in the guest lodge!
Written June 3, 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.

Sah10
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Solo
This is the 3rd Ranch from the True Ranch collection I have visited and it did not disappoint. The rooms were clean and the beds were very comfy. The chef ,Keith, cooked fabulous, tasty meals. The wranglers ,Sam,Grace and Clair, took great care of the horses and lead some fantastic rides. The scenery is amazing. All of the staff were friendly and professional. I enjoyed it so much I’ve booked again for next year!
Written December 2, 2023
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.

KTGW
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
I spent a long weekend at this beautiful ranch with a friend and was delighted with every detail of my stay. Its unique historic atmosphere is carried throughout the ranch . We rode the stunning Sonoran Desert trails with expert and friendly wranglers and then relaxed in the jacuzzi at days end. Our meals were delectable and the staff were super attentive. It was absolutely wonderful and I am already planning my next visit. A perfect 10 experience.
Written January 6, 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.

Bob K
Castle Rock, CO30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Couples
Top notch staff. Very friendly and great conversation. My wife and I went for two night. Unfortunately, my wife got stomach bug, day we arrived, and was unable to ride or really even leave room until day we left. Staff gave me a different room to sleep in so she could rest. Absolutely EXCELLENT customer service. Cute place with wonderful horses and dogs. Oh my gosh the dogs were great. The rides were trail rides so pretty simple but very interesting country. If you are looking for "Glamping", probably not the place for you. Little older place but I think a place like this needs a little character. Loved the honor bar before dinner. Did not have a chance to use pool and hot tub was out of service when we were there. I would go back just because of the staff and the dogs!
Written January 11, 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.

Amy A
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Friends
We had no idea what to expect, but this was the most amazing trip! It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We also tried things we’ve never done before which was really cool. We made friends with the other guests but it was a smaller crowd so we always felt at home. The ranch hands Connor and Brooke were so knowledgeable and take great care of the horses. And the managers Kyle and Emily are welcoming and make sure your needs are met and that you enjoy your stay. Jeff and Keith made the best food and desserts during our stay too. Definitely missing the coffee and thick cut bacon each day!
Written April 24, 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.

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Kay El Bar Guest Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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