The horses
There's no better way to see the Old West than by horseback with our seasoned wranglers as guides. With more than 20,000 acres of rolling hillsides, wide-open spaces and flowering Sonoran Desert beauty, you can ride all week and never see the same trail twice.
All levels of ability are welcome at the corrals, where we offer scenic beginning, intermediate and advanced rides. Rides are geared to individual ability and horses are assigned accordingly. With a string of 100 horses, there's sure to be one that's right for you!
Rides depart the corrals daily at 10am and 2:30pm, except Sunday afternoons. Nature and cookout rides are regularly scheduled. Children ride in the Caballeros Kids Program in the morning, and family rides are available in the afternoons.
The Horses
There's no better way to see the Old West than by horseback with our seasoned wranglers as guides. With more than 20,000 acres of rolling hillsides, wide-open spaces and flowering Sonoran Desert beauty, you can ride all week and never see the same trail twice.
All levels of ability are welcome at the corrals, where we offer scenic beginning, intermediate and advanced rides. Rides are geared to individual ability and horses are assigned accordingly. With a string of 100 horses, there's sure to be one that's right for you!
Rides depart the corrals daily at 10am and 2:30pm, except Sunday afternoons. Nature and cookout rides are regularly scheduled. Children ride in the Caballeros Kids Program in the morning, and family rides are available in the afternoons.
Team Penning
Team penning is our newest craze! When was the last time you got a look at a cow from the back of a horse? Never? Now is your chance! This event is mostly for adults, but if some of the kids age 10 & older have been on loping rides, they're more than welcome to sign up.
Here's how it works: we break into teams of three or four guests plus a cowboy. There are a dozen yearling steers in the arena. Your job is to ride in, cut three out of the bunch, and with your teammates, herd them to the other end of the arena, into a 12' by 12' pen. Your team cowboy will give you as much or as little help as you desire during this timed event.
Activities
Tennis, Swimming, Trap & Skeet
Tennis on our four courts is offered at no charge. Lessons are available from our professional at reasonable rates. Balls are available at the front desk, and we have a few racquets for loan. Appropriate tennis clothing, including tennis shoes and shirts are required.
Our trademark oval-shaped swimming pool is open from dawn 'til dusk, and we try to maintain the temperature at 78 degrees. There is no lifeguard on duty, so you'll need to watch yourself and your children. Towels are available in the bright pink poolside cart.
Whether or not you've ever shot before, trap & skeet is a great way to spend the afternoon in true Western style. Expert instruction is provided. Children age 12 and older may shoot at the discretion of the instructor, and must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Activities Pricing
| Morning Ride | $50.00 |
| Afternoon Ride | $45.00 |
| Lunch Cookout Rides | $90.00 |
| Nature Rides | $50.00 |
| Team Penning | $50.00 |
| Trap & Skeet | $40.00 per round + 15% gratuity |
We recommend guests reserve their activities ahead of time, as availability is limited. For reservations, call 800-684-5030 or your preferred travel professional, email reservations@sunc.com, or book your stay online.
Activities
Tennis, Swimming, Trap & Skeet
Tennis on our four courts is offered at no charge. Lessons are available from our professional at reasonable rates. Balls are available at the front desk, and we have a few racquets for loan. Appropriate tennis clothing, including tennis shoes and shirts, is required.
Our trademark oval-shaped swimming pool is open from dawn 'til dusk, and we try to maintain the temperature at 78 degrees. There is no lifeguard on duty, so you'll need to watch yourself and your children. Towels are available in the bright pink poolside cart.
Whether or not you've ever shot before, trap & skeet is a great way to spend the afternoon in true Western style. Expert instruction is provided. Children age 12 and older may shoot at the discretion of the instructor, and must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Los Caballeros Golf
Rancho de los Caballeros features an 18-hole championship course which proudly won Golf Magazine's Silver Medal Award as one of America's top 75 resort courses and is acclaimed by Golf Digest as one of the top five courses in Arizona.
This par 72, 18-hole championship layout surrounds the Ranch and plays 7,025 yards with a slope rating of 138. It's an exquisite ribbon of lush green beauty surrounded by the contrast of pristine desert. Out here, the only sound you'll notice (besides the ball in the cup) is the rustle of jackrabbits in the brush.
The Hardin & Nash course is a masterpiece in design. The front nine is a classic desert layout with wide landing areas and ample greens. The hilly back nine requires every club in your bag.
Ranch guests are invited to use the clubhouse's full facilities. Club care and storage are available at the pro shop.
For membership information, see the Los Caballeros Golf Club website.
2010 / 2011 Golf Rates
| Dates | Ranch Rates 18 Holes / 9 Holes |
|---|---|
| Oct. 1, 2010 - Oct. 31, 2010 | $60 / $36 |
| Nov. 1, 2010 - Jan. 15, 2011 | $70 / $42 |
| Jan 16, 2011 - Ap. 30, 2011 | $75 / $45 |
| Oct. 1, 2010 - Oct. 31, 2010 | $60 / $36 |
** Children of guests at the Ranch and 16 years of age or younger, play for 25% off the Ranch rates.
Activities
Nature Program & Birdwatching
The flora and fauna in the high Sonoran Desert ecosystem are something special to behold. Enjoy their beauty with our resident naturalist while taking a nature horseback ride, guided hike or birdwatching expedition. (Hikes and horseback rides are tailored to your fitness and riding skills).
Rancho de los Caballeros is proud to offer an exciting and instructive Nature Program. Our 20,000-acre ranch affords unique and wide-ranging exposure to desert plant life, birds, mammals and reptiles. Nature lovers and birdwatchers will spy on some of the 300 different bird species, learn about the living desert and see ruins of early desert inhabitants.
Activities
Exploring
Whether it's your first or 50th visit to the Ranch, you've never seen the desert and its wildlife like this before. Experience the gentle, silent flight of a hot air balloon ride with mountains and desert visible for over 100 miles in all directions. The flight will be low enough at times to see coyotes, mule deer and even javelina.
Come see the famous Hassayampa River Preserve and all the beautiful flora in the surrounding area. Take advantage of marked and self-guided hiking and strolling trails as they wind their way through the desert and the "upside down" riverbed.
Take a thrilling and educational desert Jeep or ATV tour. Our Jeep and ATV rides offer something few companies can boast anymore: miles and miles of untouched desert to explore. We have ghost towns and abandoned mines waiting for you and rivers to cross, canyons to descend and mountains to climb. Don't miss this opportunity to see why we believe this just might be the prettiest corner of the world.
Activities
Historic Wickenburg
Relive history in the nationally recognized Desert Caballeros Western Museum. Explore the Native American Room, Gem & Mineral Room, and numerous famous historic street scenes. Additionally, we maintain an impressive collection of Western artists including Remington and Russell.
Spend the morning shopping in charming downtown Wickenburg where you'll find plenty of souvenirs and gifts with the flavor of the Southwest. The town offers dozens of specialty stores featuring antiques, Western apparel and tack, Mexican furniture, Native American crafts and jewelry, art, collectibles and more. Galleries and antique shops are located in the historic district and throughout the town, so feel free to wander about and see what you discover.
Activities
Evening Entertainment
Come experience a cookout like you never have before! We're off to South Yucca Flats where our Cookout Cowboy will be strummin' his guitar and singing our favorite songs by the fire all evening long. And, nothing tastes better than the finest steak, chicken and BBQ ribs cooked to perfection over an open mesquite fire.
In the evenings come to the Saloon and sing along with our cowboy balladeer or relax to the romantic sounds of a classical Spanish guitar. Or why not head over to the card room and try your luck in a game. These are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy during your evenings with us.
Jobs at the Ranch
Thank you for your interest in employment at Rancho de los Caballeros. The following information is included to give you a brief background on our operation. To see a list of current openings or submit an application, use the links to the left.
In 1947 Dallas Gant, Sr. and his two business partners, C.L. Maguire and Belford Howard, began building a very special guest ranch which they christened Rancho de los Caballeros (Ranch of the Gentlemen on Horseback). In 1948 the first guests were welcomed to the Ranch.
The Ranch has grown throughout the years to a total of 79 guest rooms, a 200-seat dining room, a full-service saloon, a full conference & meeting facility, 20,000 acres of owned and leased land, fully-automated trap & skeet ranges, four tennis courts, horseback riding, hayrides, cookouts, heated swimming pool, putting green, and an 18-hole championship golf course rated one of the top 75 resort courses in the country.
Today, Dallas ("Rusty") Gant operates the Ranch and still follows the philosophy of personal service his parents fostered. As an employee, this becomes your primary responsibility too. Employment at Rancho de los Caballeros is an excellent opportunity to work in an area renowned for its beautiful desert plants and wildlife, historically famous cowboys and breathtaking sunsets. It can also be used as a chance to meet new people from all parts of the United States and many foreign countries. Employment with us at Rancho de los Caballeros is, however, serious work. We strive to provide the very best in guest service and are proud to see each and every guest leave with a smile.
While living in a small town can be challenging, the rewards are numerous and many of our employees of all ages come to the Ranch for their first season and return year after year. Although it's not required, if you have a recent photo of yourself please feel free to include it with your application. We look forward to hearing from you and hope that your Rancho de los Caballeros experience is a pleasant one and that you will remember it for a lifetime.
Applications
Submit your application here. Please complete the application in its entirety; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please provide full addresses for all employers. Include all zip codes, area codes and telephone numbers where they are requested. All references will be checked.
Many things enter into consideration for employment and assignment to a specific job. These include your willingness to accept an entry-level job, the positions available when you apply, and previous experience which may be utilized.
Please include the dates you are available to work, these are very important. We are only interested in those individuals who are willing to work throughout the entire season (October-May). Please do not include travel time in your dates-available-to-work information. Job assignments are offered on the basis of dates specified on the completed applications, availability, experience and interview. Any employee who does not complete the season and/or does not give sufficient notice of intention to leave will not receive satisfactory references and may not be eligible for rehire with the Ranch. The Ranch awards an end-of-season bonus to all employees who complete the entire season. A bonus is paid only after completion of the season.
As a further note, Rancho de los Caballeros is only open from October through mid-May and therefore remains quite busy throughout the entire season, so be ready for some hard work!
Employment Qualifications
- Have a consistently positive service attitude.
- Be willing to maintain a neat appearance and be well groomed while on duty or in contact with the Ranch guests.
- Accept employment to work Saturdays, Sundays, religious holidays, national holidays and any shift, if required.
- Accept employment to work the number of hours and days deemed necessary by the Ranch.
- Be willing to occupy a room with other employees in staff housing (if you require housing on property).
- Be able to submit proof of your identity and legal right to work in the United States.
- Be at least 21 years of age and be willing to complete the season.
- Be willing to obtain a health certificate if necessary.
- Be willing to accept Rancho de los Caballeros' Substance Abuse Policy including pre-employment, post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing.
Substance Abuse Policy
Rancho de los Caballeros believes that it is important to promote a drug-free community, to maintain a safe, healthy and efficient operation, and to protect the safety and security of all employees, facilities and the property of the Ranch. Rancho de los Caballeros has a separate Substance Abuse Policy and all employees need to understand and abide by the policy, and will be required to sign an acknowledgment and receipt of the Policy. All offers of seasonal employment for employees who will reside on the Ranch are conditional upon passing a pre-employment drug test. Any applicant who tests positive on any drug test required by Rancho de los Caballeros and who does not successfully refute the test results in a timely manner by explanation and/or re-testing will not be hired and will not be reconsidered for employment.
Appearance Requirements
A clean and wholesome appearance for men and women is a must for employment. Visible tattoos and extremes in hairstyles, clothing, jewelry or makeup are not permitted. Our guests expect each of us to present a neat and clean appearance at all times. Men should have neatly groomed hair, cut above the collar and be cleanly shaven prior to coming on duty at the Ranch. Beards, goatees, excessive sideburns and new-growth facial hair is not allowed for seasonal employees. Women should have hair styled neatly with no unnatural dying. Good personal hygiene is expected of all employees at all times.
Uniforms
The Ranch provides most required uniforms. All employees are responsible for the care and cleaning of their uniforms. Kitchen uniforms can be exchanged weekly for cleaning. Most uniforms are permanent-press. Coin-operated washers and dryers are available for employees in the staff housing area.
Housing
Housing is provided by the Ranch based on availability only. Employees are required to live in the quarters provided at their assigned location.
Ranch housing is available only to full-time seasonal Ranch employees and is provided for $40.00 per pay period. When an employee completes the "entire season" the room charge is fully refundable after successfully passing a room inspection. In most cases rooms are not available for single occupancy. In the case of married couples, to be eligible for housing, both persons must be employed by the Ranch. No employee living in a Ranch-owned housing unit is permitted to keep a pet(s).
The staff's housing areas are regulated and are subject to unannounced inspections. Employees are required to be quiet going to and from and within their quarters between 11pm & 7am.
The Ranch provides sheets, towels, blankets and pillows for employees living in staff housing. Employees may provide their own if they so desire. We recommend that employees bring their own alarm clocks. Removal of Ranch property from staff housing is cause for dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.
Any employee found to have unauthorized guests, pets or firearms (including bows, ammunition or other explosive materials), will be subject to termination. No firearms of any type may be brought onto the Ranch or be kept by employees on the Ranch at any time.
The Ranch will not be liable for loss of personal belongings.
Hours and Wages
Rancho de los Caballeros complies with the wage and hour regulations of the state of Arizona and the Federal government. The Ranch is a seasonal property and work hours will fluctuate each week according to occupancy levels. Employees are expected to work such hours and days as necessary to do their jobs. Work shifts, hours and wages will vary from job to job and all employees are paid on alternate Mondays after 2pm by their supervisor. Wages are based on an hourly rate, no less than Federal minimum wage, depending on position, experience, length of service and performance.
The tip fund is a 15% gratuity added onto each guest's bill. These funds are then distributed to service departments as compensation in addition to their hourly wages. Overtime is paid at time and one-half after forty hours a week.
Meals
Employees who live on property are provided meals at no charge at the following times (unless otherwise posted): Breakfast 7:15am. Lunch 11:30am. Dinner 5:30pm. Cooking is not permitted in employee housing. Employees who do not live on the Ranch are provided a meal when scheduled through a meal period.
Entertainment
Living in a small town can be challenging, however, there are many things to do if you come to the Ranch armed with an imagination. We suggest bringing a vehicle to give yourself easier access to the surrounding attractions and shopping.
There is not an employee recreation room. The out-of-doors is popular in Arizona; hiking, Lake Pleasant, Sedona, Jerome, Phoenix, ghost towns, national parks, the Grand Canyon, skiing, malls, camping, and the local night life are just a sampling of what Wickenburg and the surrounding area have to offer.
The Ranch will also be providing various employee activities, parties, tournaments and bonfires at our cookout site throughout the season for the staff. A discounted rate for horseback riding and golf are available throughout the season. Employees are welcome to bring their own golf clubs.
Climate and Clothes
The winter in Wickenburg is typically quite mild with generally low humidity. The Ranch sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet, making for warm days with surprisingly cool nights. Believe it or not, we may even get one day of snow a year, but it doesn't last. Sweaters and jackets will generally be needed in the mornings and evenings. Dress is casual but we occasionally dress up for dinners, staff parties and holiday parties/dances.
Religious Services
Services of varying denominations are available in the town of Wickenburg.
Travel Information
Travel to the Ranch is at your own expense. Wickenburg is located 54 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Most major airlines serve Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Ground transportation to Wickenburg is available by bus or private vehicle. The Ranch will be available to pick up employees arriving at the Wickenburg bus station if needed.
In Conclusion
Rancho de los Caballeros would like to thank you for taking the time to read through this information and for understanding that working for the Ranch will not be a walk in the park. The work can be strenuous and is generally physically demanding. If you are more interested in a vacation than work, please do not apply. Because of occupancy level variances, it is certain that at one time or another during the season you will be asked to assist in another department or job position. A cheerful attitude is what is expected and appreciated.
Although there are plenty of demands, there is another side to time spent working at Rancho de los Caballeros: the opportunity to meet new people, to experience close working relationships and to make lifelong friendships. Rancho de los Caballeros provides a wonderful experience for all. Our staff works very hard throughout the season and the Ranch provides fair compensation along with positive motivation, making it a very special place. We look forward to receiving your application and speaking with you either in person or by telephone.
Good luck!
pricing
| Jeep Tours | $65.00 Adults $35.00 Children 10 and under |
| ATV Tours | $200.00 per person 3-hour ride, 2 person minimum, 10 person maximum |
| Hot Air Balloon | $275.00 Adults $250.00 Children 12 and under |
| Trap and Skeet | $40.00 Per Round + 15% gratuity |
Horseback Riding15% Gratuity for all Rides |
|
| AM Ride | $60.00 / 2 Hour Ride |
| PM Ride | $50.00 / 1 1/2 Hour Ride |
| Nature Ride | $60.00 |
| Team Penning | $55.00 |
| Cookout Ride | $95.00 |
| All Day Ride | $95.00 |
| Riding Lessons | $75.00 per hour (Please check availability) |
| Horse Boarding | $20.00 |
Meals |
|
| Breakfast | $13.00 Plus Tax and Gratuity |
| Lunch | $16.00 M-S / $18.00 Sun. Plus Tax and Gratuity |
| Dinner | $46.00 Plus Tax and Gratuity |
Prices subject to change without notice.
Family Services
Younger guests are particularly welcome at Los Caballeros and we offer an entire children's program for our guests 5 to 12 years of age at no charge.
The Caballeros Kid's Program has been around since 1947 and generations of families have enjoyed the program. It makes for a perfect family vacation. It allows parents to have some adult time: golfing, riding or just relaxing, while the children enjoy activities geared specifically for their age group.
Our counselors meet the children beginning at 8am for breakfast. After a hearty meal the group heads to the corral. Children 8 years of age and over enjoy a daily trail ride. (There is a charge for horseback riding.) Our younger guests, age 7 and under, enjoy a ring ride in the corral where basic horsemanship skills are covered. Then it's off to swimming, tennis clinics, hiking, scavenger hunts or crafts until it is time for lunch. After lunch the children are returned to their families.
From 2 - 6pm is family time at the Ranch. Enjoy a family horseback ride or jeep tour, trap & skeet shooting or just a dip in the pool. The counselors meet the kids again at 6pm for dinner. The evening is filled with games or a marshmallow roast around the campfire or maybe even line dancing. Meanwhile the adults can enjoy a relaxing dinner in our Dining Room. The Caballeros Kids Program ends at 9pm nightly—just in time to tuck everyone in bed for a good night of rest!
Babysitters
If your children are too young for our children's program, we will make every effort to help you secure a babysitter for your family. Your children can then join the program activities while still receiving the special attention they deserve. We can make babysitting arrangements at the time you make your reservations, or with a minimum of 24 hours notice, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs once you arrive at the Ranch.
