Ride The Range: Five Day Cattle Drive Vacation

Out on a trail drive with the Double Circle herd of Texas Longhorns.

Due to the change in ownership of the Double Circle Ranch we are currently not offering programs, vacation packages, internships, and ranch-hand positions. We ask for your patience as we undertake the huge job of restocking the ranch with quality Brangus to maximum levels. Our intent is to offer programs and job positions in the future but cannot at this moment in time. When we are ready to do so we will make an announcement on the website. Thank you.

Arizona drought conditions have forced the cancellation of the 2012 September Cattle Drive but we can offer a custom cattle ranch vacation experience that includes cattle herding and is tailored just for you! Because of the drought and the prospect of another dry monsoon for us, we can’t do a cattle drive later this season. The Forest Service has stopped most activity on the forest and camp fires are a big no-no! We can still ride as much as you want, and move cattle to different pastures, but we can’t move camp and cook outdoors as planned. See our Custom Cattle Ranch Vacations for more info.

Come ride alongside the cowboys (and cowgirls) here at the Double Circle Ranch for a five-day trail drive on your cattle herding vacation! Step back in time to when cowboys and the herd of Texas Longhorn cattle made the long drives to railheads.

You’ll gather and herd over two hundred Texas Longhorn steers, learning, testing and mastering your skills on almost 37,000 acres of remote and wild country in southeastern Arizona and following in the grand tradition of the American West.

This is not a pampered trip!

Camp will be moved every night and cattle trailed daily. You will sleep in a bedroll under the stars at night, your horse grazing quietly nearby. You’re likely to be serenaded to sleep by the coyotes or perhaps a Mexican Gray Wolf. Your days will be long, spent astride a sure-footed cowpony in country made famous by old cowboy songs and books. And ride you will, no matter the weather! This is the real thing, with unlimited riding in wide, open spaces.

While no experience is required, you will need to be in good physical condition and have an adventurous spirit. This range hasn’t changed much in 150 years…and that’s just the way we like it.

Tentative Schedule

Day 1. Arrival and orientation at base camp. Match up with horses, and receive basic riding and herding instruction.
Day 2.  Gather and set out on the trail. Camp under the Arizona  stars.
Days 3 and 4. Keep those steers moving! Camp on the trail.
Day 5. Arrive at new pasture. Sleep back at base camp in outfitter tents.
Day 6. Back to civilization with lots of cowboy pictures and memories in store.

Price

This five day cattle herding vacation program is all inclusive for $1,500 per person. Bring your sleeping bag and your spirit of adventure; leave your cell phone and alarm clock at home. Whatever you bring has to fit on your horse, so don’t overpack for this one!

Trail drives require a minimum of 4 guests and are limited to 6 guests.

Price includes training, three family-style home cooked meals each day on the trail (the grub is good, too!), horses and any drive-related gear.

Dates
September 15 to 20, 2012 – CANCELLED – see our Custom Cattle Ranch Vacations for an alternative.