Our History From 1890s Homestead to Cowboy Experience

Cocoraque Ranch is a historic, working cattle ranch in Marana—minutes from Tucson—where real desert landscapes meet modern event comfort. Couples and teams come for the saguaro silhouettes, string-light evenings, and the covered Cocoraque Pavilion built for dinner, toasts, and dancing. Below is our story—and how to plan your wedding or corporate retreat here.

A Cowboy’s Dream, Still Alive Today

Long before the gates opened to visitors, Cocoraque was already part of the region’s history—homesteaded in the 1890s and among Southern Arizona’s long-running cattle operations. The Avra Valley landscape holds stories far older than any of us; we honor those histories by caring for the land and sharing it with respect.

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:

Planning a visit? See Directions and Hours on our Contact page.

A Working Ranch—With Spaces Made for Events

You’ll feel the ranch everywhere you go—open desert, mountain lines, and starry skies after dark—paired with event-ready spaces that keep guests comfortable.

  • The Cocoraque Pavilion: covered, open-air reception with string-light glow, flexible layouts, and smart power for entertainment. Learn more on The Cocoraque Pavilion page.

  • Outdoor ceremony settings: desert vistas timed for golden hour; level routes connect ceremony to cocktails and reception. Explore ideas on Outdoor ceremony.

  • Guest flow: parking near the Pavilion, clear signage, and weather-smart Plan B so the day stays easy.

Weddings at Cocoraque

Say “I do” with saguaro silhouettes, then celebrate under lights in the Pavilion. Our team keeps planning simple with transparent options, open-vendor flexibility, and photo spots your album will revisit for years.

Corporate Retreats & Team-Building

Swap boardrooms for desert horizons. Use the Pavilion for sessions, then add authentic ranch experiences that bring teams together.

  • Plan your event: Corporate retreats & team-building

  • Add experiences: Cattle drives and trail rides, Rodeos & roping events

Respect for Land & Culture

We steward desert habitat and follow guidelines that protect historic features and cultural sites. We ask all guests, vendors, and photographers to honor posted boundaries and leave the landscape as they found it.

Cocoraque Ranch entrance sign at sunset with cowboy silhouettes in Marana, Arizona