Circle Z Ranch is nearly a century old. Established in 1926, this southwest guest ranch has been in business for 90 years. It is the oldest continually operating guest ranch in Arizona.
Circle Z Ranch is a traditional guest ranch, where folks come from all over the world to experience the charm and grandeur of the desert. Guests stay in spacious adobe cottages, colorfully decorated to reflect the Southwest heritage. Located in Patagonia, Arizona, Circle Z Ranch creates an environment where guests can enjoy the sheer comfort, and incomparable sights of the Sonoran Desert.
The Ranch opened for business in 1926 by Helen and Lee Zinsmeister. This small privately owned business has flourished over the years, and still maintains the original cottages and lodge built in the 20’s.
Helen and Lee Zinsmeister bought the 5000 acre property from John Sanford, who had run a cattle and sheepherding operation on the ranch proper.
They soon opened their doors to people around the world, and began the legacy of providing outstanding ranch vacations. Mrs Lucia Nash of Ohio purchased the ranch in 1976, and her son Rick and daughter in law Diana, along with long time ranch managers George and Jennie Lorta, continue to run the ranch. The ranch can accommodate up to 45 guests at a time and offers weekly packages or 4 night packages.
Circle Z Ranch’s focus is on its horseback riding, delicious cuisine, and down home hospitality. As an all-inclusive ranch, when guests come they know that all their needs will be attended. The horseback riding activities are tailored to suit each guest’s desires and abilities, with cook out rides, all day rides, horseback games and individual riding lessons.
The ranch also has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a game room and spacious lawns. Naturalist Vincent Pinto guides weekly nature walks as well as astronomy nights. The native habitat around the ranch supports a diversity of wildlife and birds.
Circle Z Ranch is also aware of the importance of giving back to the community. They support the community through local sponsorship of the Sonoita horse races, the county fair, rodeos, and through the purchase of local goods and services.
For more information, visit the ranch’s website at www.circlez.com or give them a call at 1-888-854-2525