Rancho Sonado

Nestled at the base of the Santa Rita Mountains and conveniently located near Tucson, Green Valley, and Tubac, this remarkable 160-acre horse and cattle ranch offers a rare blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Adjacent to the property is a 6,000-acre Arizona state grazing lease, ideal for horseback riding, hiking, nature watching, and hunting or running cattle. The ranch has deep roots in the region’s history, once part of the Canoa Land Grant and later owned by the Amado family, after whom the nearby town is named. Designed for the elite equestrian, the property includes 80 acres of irrigated pastures divided by solar electric fencing, a total of 5 barns totaling 33 stalls, a 375 x 185 arena with return alley and roping shoot. An additional 275x100 track compliments additional facilities including a dressage court, three round pens, a hot walker, and covered vet stocks. Historic retacque corrals, now rare in the region, still remain. The original adobe barn, now home to mares and babies, was featured in John Wayne westerns, adding to the ranch’s rich legacy. All stalls are oversized, with most being at least 12x14, with runs. The Show Barn includes an air-conditioned tack room, supplement room and lab, ADA-compliant bathrooms, laundry, and wash racks with hot and cold water. All barns have both fly and water mist systems.
The ranch features a total of 6 homes to house staff, trainers and guests. Designed in a harmonious Colonial Spanish style, the buildings blend seamlessly with the landscape.
In addition to the extensive equestrian facilities, the ranch includes irrigated and pastures, tanks, working pens, troughs, and ample water from multiple wells on both the deeded land and the state lease. A large shop, hay barn, and secure storeroom with roll-up doors complete the infrastructure.
Located just ten minutes from the artistic and historic town of Tubac and thirty minutes from Tucson, with its major university and international airport, the ranch is both secluded and accessible. It is directly across from the 4,000-acre Historic Canoa Ranch, owned by Pima County and restored as a living history site offering cultural and educational events. A recently upgraded county-maintained bridge over the Santa Cruz River provides reliable year-round accesscritical in a region where some river crossings are seasonal.
This ranch offers endless possibilities. It could serve as a private family compound, a working equestrian and cattle operation, a corporate or wellness retreat, a guest ranch or equestrian resort, or even a luxury equestrian community. With a shallow water table, abundant water, exceptional facilities, and unmatched location, there is truly nothing like this property in Southern Arizona.