Our History From 1890s Homestead to Cowboy Experience
The story of Cocoraque Ranch is woven from generations of grit, tradition, and a love for the cowboy way of life.
A Cowboy’s Dream
In 1999, Tucson native and third-generation cattle rancher Jesus Arvizu opened Cocoraque Ranch to the public. His vision was simple but powerful: to let guests experience the freedom and authenticity of the western lifestyle.
“I started the dude ranch business back in 1999. My main goal is to have my guests experience the western, cowboy lifestyle. The freedom we feel when we are out on the range is unthinkable, and we strive to pass this on to our guests.” – Jesus Arvizu
An avid roper and genuine cowboy, Jesus carries forward the traditions of his ancestry, which traces back to Nacosari and San Pedro de la Quierva, Sonora, Mexico. Every trail ride, cattle drive, and campfire story is infused with the spirit of the land and the people who came before him
Roots That Run Deep
Long before Jesus took the reins, Cocoraque Ranch was already steeped in history. The ranch was homesteaded in the 1890s by the grandfather of Oscar Robles Sr., making it one of the oldest working cattle ranches in Southern Arizona.
The land itself tells stories that go back even further:
- Once part of a large Mexican land grant before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
- Home to ancient Hohokam petroglyphs carved into desert stone.
- A landscape that saw Apache encampments and U.S. Cavalry arrivals during the shifting borders of the Southwest.
The Historic Ranch House
At the heart of Cocoraque lies the Cocoraque Ranch House, a two-bedroom, 1200-square-foot burnt adobe home built in the 1890s. Known as “the casita,” it stands as a living monument to the ranch’s past. From its saguaro-studded views, guests can look out over the same desert horizons that generations of ranchers and cowboys have called home.
Carrying On the Tradition
Today, Cocoraque Ranch spans 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert in the Avra Valley, just seven miles west of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. We continue to honor our history by living it every day.
Guests can immerse themselves in authentic western traditions, including:
- Cattle drives and trail rides across open desert ranges.
- Rodeos and roping events that showcase cowboy skills.
- Jeep tours and UTV “razors” for modern-day adventure seekers.
- The Cocoraque Pavilion, a one-of-a-kind venue that blends rustic charm with modern amenities for weddings, events, and gatherings.
A Living Legacy
At Cocoraque Ranch, history isn’t behind glass — it’s alive under the desert sky. Our mission is not only to preserve the heritage of the American Southwest but to share it with every guest who rides alongside us.
We invite you to step into our story. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the Old West, Cocoraque Ranch offers more than just a visit — it offers a connection to history, land, and tradition.