Started by Emillio Carrillo and his son Rafael in 1868, the ranch changed hands and came under the ownership of Jim Converse. Jim transformed the working cattle ranch into a dude ranch in the 1920's.
After accidently shooting another cowboy and serving time for it, he decided to auction and sell off the guest ranch and cattle ranch.
Brownie Cote bought the Tanque Verde Ranch in 1957 and today his sons continue to run the ranch as a World Class Resort and as a home to Arizona's largest riding stable with over 100 horses.
It was a thrill to visit one of the last original dude ranches in Tucson. It's located at the very end of Speedway at the base of the Rincon Mountains. For about $15 you can enjoy their fabulous lunch buffet. And of course, go horseback riding!