Rancho El Choyal offers a variety of activities. hiking, bird watching, horseback riding lessons, massage therapy, and Mexican Southwest-fusion cooking classes.

Because this ranch is in production there are horse and cow paths that go through some of the most picturesque scenes on the ranch. Hikers can take in sights that include a wide variety of the 2,000 native plants including the Giant Saguaro Cactus that thrive in the Sonoran desert. Depending on the time of year you can also see some of the 100+ reptiles, 60 mammals and 20 amphibian species as well. The terrain includes canyons, large rocks, and mountains for the more advanced hikers. There are some flat and close paths to headquarters for those who prefer an easier go of it. The best part is that all paths lead to water! For the more adventurous we can also organize a GPS treasure hunt!

For those interested in bird watching you can document and photograph an abundant variety of the 350 bird species that make the Sonoran desert their habitat year around or that winter here

http://www.friendsofsaguaro.org/birdsmainpage.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonora_Desert

http://www.desertmuseum.org

Rancho El Choyal offers it’s guests the delightful treat of massage therapy. Whether you are starting or ending your day you can indulge yourself with a choice of general Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, hydrotherapy, or body wraps.

Whatever level of expertise you will be able to appreciate the gentle quality of horses we have. Born and raised on the ranch, the carefully selected registered quarter horse stallion and his harem of mares are regionally famous for their natural cow sense and easy disposition. The herd runs free range and are ‘gentle broke’ at about 2 years old. Known for their quick speed powerful strength they are well adapted to the rough terrain and sure footed in the rocks. We can teach even the most novice rider a quiet confidence around this most noble and useful ranch animal.

http://www.aqha.com

Rancho El Choyal can organize one on one or small group cooking classes. Learn about our special fusion of Mexican southwest flavors and cooking. Everything from tortillas, sweet or hot tamales, natural cheese, cactus with red chile, prickly pear jellies to a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner Rancho El Choyal style.