Riders on horseback crossing a slope above a pond in a juniper-covered valley.Photo: Cherry Creek Lodge
Working ranch

Young, Arizona

Cherry Creek Lodge

Lodge near Young on a 40,000-acre Tonto National Forest cattle ranch with cattle drives.

Ranch work available

Season
Ask the ranch
Ages
Kids welcome

What you'll do

  • A half-day cattle drive, sorting and moving cattle with the ranch hands
  • Cowboy for a Day: roundups, branding, weaning or vaccinating, depending on the day
  • Extended trail rides, an overnight camp ride, lessons, and archery and shooting ranges

When to go

  • The season isn't published; calving goes on year-round
  • July to September is monsoon season
  • Priced by the night, with three meals and one activity included

Who it's for

  • Experienced riders, for the cattle drive
  • Families: kids 6 to 12 are half price and under 6 free; archery and shooting from 10, shotgun from 16

Good to know

  • The cattle drive uses your included activity plus $95, and the site doesn't say how often cattle work is available
  • Riders are limited to 250 lb
  • You need a high-clearance vehicle on the road from Young, and the off-grid lodge has no laundry
  • Cattle work
  • Horsemanship
  • Sport shooting
  • Trail riding