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Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Photo gallery for Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Property grounds
Welcome to the Ranch!
Private kitchen
moon rise in the courtyard
Welcome to the Ranch - our front gate

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 474.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Scottsdale, AZ
  • Place, Tom's Thumb Trail
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Troon North Golf Club
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Pinnacle Peak Park
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Airport, Phoenix, AZ (DVT-Phoenix Deer Valley)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Awarded LUX Magazine 2020 "Most Serene Desert Accommodation & Horse Boarding Facility - Southwest USA and recognized by MillionMile Magazine as one of the top 10 unbelievable places to celebrate a 10th Anniversary! Additionally, Miranda Lambert selected the ranch for a photo shoot, VRBO picked Rio Rancho Verde (one of 5 locations out of 3700 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) to film a social media promotion on YouTube, we've been featured on a Hulu series and booked for a Western film production. This beautiful and remote 62 acre ranch is located on the Tonto National Forest, 20 minutes from Scottsdale! We offer an exclusive, upscale Western equine experience which includes horse boarding, or you can rent a horse down the road at the local stable. Join in on the day to day operations of a first class equine facility, watch as we feed the horses, learn about barn operations, engage in manure management or take a roping lesson from our resident cowboy!
Enjoy breathtaking views, pristine scenery, awe-inspiring Arizona sunsets and Southwestern desert skies filled with stars!! Hike, bike or ride right out from the back gate into hundreds of miles of Sonoran desert trails, explore the Verde River (9 miles away through desert washes), explore the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, 1/2 mile from our gate, offering over 32,000 acres and 215 miles of trails in untouched, natural desert. You can stay a month and never see the same trail twice! Discover century old window rocks, double crested saguaros, Anasazi ruins, and experience local wildlife sightings, including javelina, coyotes and baby bobcats.
Our 800 square foot fully furnished Western bunkhouse/casita, features a combination of Southwestern/Western upscale décor, complete with a private patio with BBQ, offering the perfect setting for a cool cocktail at the end of the day. Amenities include a full kitchen with microwave/convection oven, stove, frig, big screen TV, king size bed and separate bathroom. Enjoy a glass of wine on the outside veranda as the sun sets and dine al fresco surrounded by native desert plants overlooking the organic garden, (help yourself to seasonal veggies) or start your morning with coffee in the barn as the horses wait for their breakfast!
Dogs are allowed (sorry no cats) with a $75 non-refundable pet fee. Cleaning fee increases by $50. Dogs must be crated in the owner's absence unless prior arrangements have been made with owner.
The owners are on site 24/7 and always available to help with suggestions on trails, local attractions and desert information. Please note that we board horses, with the owners on site (usually Jan - March). We also have 2 other short term rentals here so there are other guests on property.
There's something for everyone - come share the adventure and experience an authentic Arizona vacation at Rio Rancho Verde! Reboot, recharge, relax and rejuvenate!
Please note, the attached VRBO video highlights our 2 bedroom suite with a short viewing of the bunkhouse/casita. The pool featured in the video is only for use by the guests of the 2 bedroom suite and is not available for guests of the bunkhouse/casita.
If this is booked, please try our other listings 766813, or 763667.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Adults only
Not suitable for children
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Pets considered
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed
No events No additional overnight guests without prior reservation No 3rd party bookings

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Scottsdale

Located in Rio Verde Foothills, a neighbourhood in Scottsdale, this apartment is in a rural area. McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include George "Doc" Cavalliere Park and Arizona Powerchutes. Take some time off to enjoy the health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like rock climbing, ecotours and mountain biking nearby.
View more Apartments in PhoenixOpens in a new window
Map
Scottsdale, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tom's Thumb Trail - 23 min drive - 13.7 km
  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park - 24 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Troon North Golf Club - 29 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Pinnacle Peak Park - 29 min drive - 20.1 km
  • Estancia Golf Club - 31 min drive - 21.6 km

Getting around

  • Phoenix, AZ (DVT-Phoenix Deer Valley) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Needle Rock Kitchen And Tap - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Cochise Geronimo Clubhouse - ‬47 min drive
  • ‪Raven’s View Wine Bar - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Constantino's at Desert Mountain Club - ‬40 min drive
  • ‪Apache Clubhouse - ‬41 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest?

As of 3 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest on 4 May 2026 start from NZ$508, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Serene & Secluded, Heart of the Sonoran Desert, 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest located?

Located in Rio Verde Foothills, this apartment building is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Tonto National Forest and within 9 miles (15 km) of McDowell Mountain Regional Park and Tom's Thumb Trail. Golf Club Scottsdale and George "Doc" Cavalliere Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alanna T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay, relaxing and peaceful! We were very comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful environment

The ranch is beautiful. Great accommodations and friendly community.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Great hosts. Beautiful place.

Highly recommend. Beautiful spot close to Phoenix area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Destination All Its Own

Staying at the Rio Rancho Verde was the highlight of our trip to Arizona. . . so beautiful and wonderful accommodations.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

True Desert Retreat

Beautiful surroundings and comfortable property. So many places to explore, and Carmela and Joe were such nice hosts. Hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

The setting is magical, perfect getaway!

We loved the accommodations, especially the outdoor seating area, Carmella and Joe are wonderful, attentive hosts, and great fun to chat with! We highly recommend the ranch—with the Tonto National Forest and a preserve literally across the street, there were endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the scenery was stunning.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Piece of Heaven

Wonderful, charming , Carmela and Joe are fabulous hosts. Great experience!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Florin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

It was everything we need. Couldn't have hoped for a better get away. If you have a chance, definitely listen to Joe talk about the local history!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

Desert Oasis

What a find in this desert oasis. If you love to spend time enjoying the outdoors, this is a true treasure. While surrounded by the tranquil beauty of desert you can rest and relax in this nicely decorated and maintained bunkhouse. The owners are a delight and can assist with trails, outfitters, and adventures.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regina B.

Perfect oasis in the desert

Joe and Carmela’s property is an amazing, perfect oasis in the desert. The bunkhouse or casita Is charming and had everything we needed for a weekend stay. I spent hours wandering between the outdoor patio, the organic garden, the barn to visit the horses, and at the ranch with its majestic saguaro cacti. It was a magical, peaceful, rejuvenating weekend. Joe and Carmela are as charming as their property. We can’t wait to book our next trip there.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sharmila V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Desert treasure

The bunkhouse was a sweet desert retreat for us! It was delightfully appointed with so many southwestern touches and unique furniture accent pieces! And the view from the porch was excellent! With hills on the horizon and stark/ dramatic desert foliage in the foreground! Loved it! And the hostess- Carmela was charming! Thanks for sharing your corner of a desert treasure!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cherilyn V.

The Perfect Western Getaway!

RRV far exceeded our expectations, a truly gorgeous ranch experience. My husband and I stayed for 3 nights but we sure will stay longer next time. The Casita had everything we needed for a comfortable, enjoyable stay. The charming hospitality of our hosts Carmela & Joe made us feel so welcome and we loved meeting some of the return guests (and their horses and dogs!) Joe was kind enough to give Bryan a roping lesson, I'm going to give it a go, too. It was a short drive into town to meet my family for a great dinner (so many good restaurants) but otherwise we were content to leave the car parked and simply enjoyed the beauty surrounding us. Our hosts provided great tips and maps of the area. We brought our mountain bikes and every day we found new trails to explore in the Preserve and Tonto NF. We can't wait to return! C&B from Long Beach
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bob C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular location!

! The staff is friendly, flexible and fantastic.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway

This is a beautiful property located in a beautiful area. It’s remoteness makes it an even better way to relax and enjoy!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice location.

Property is as advertised. Recommend to anyone who is looking to go more remote.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

Carmela and Joe were gracious hosts. We loved the place. Clean and well equipped. We highly recommend. It's a bit of the beaten path, but for us that was the charm of it.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway

What a wonderful getaway! It was so quiet and peaceful with a beautiful night sky full of stars to enjoy. Close enough to activities and food and far enough to feel like you’re at the “end of the road”.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

FANTASTIC!

We were looking for a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This property was exactly what we were looking for. Easy access to trails. Perfect getaway for us! The ranch was extremely well kept and the unit was spotless with everything functioned as needed/described. Our hosts were there if needed and also helped getting a package we needed to have delivered which we greatly appreciated. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dr. William and Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Coronavirus cuts our trip short!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Rio Verde ... a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Arizona desert. The hostess, Carmela, was so warm and inviting and easy to reach if we needed anything...a friend! Because of the coronavirus, we had to leave 5 days early to return to our home in Washington state...a real disappointment! We hope to return!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A trifecta!

For those of you who enjoy desert hiking , biking and horseback riding trails, this should be your destination. Not only is the location great, but the owners and the casita we stayed in were, as well. Much care was taken in the furnishing of the roomy casita,with authentic western flare and unique, artistic touches delighting the eye. An organic garden is located behind the casita , accessible to all guests, thanks to the generosity of owners, Joe and Carmela. Though at first glance this ranch might appear more suitable to those folks who bring their horses, it really is the perfect place for any guests who enjoy the solitude and beauty of the surrounding desert/mountains, whether you're on your horse, your bike or your feet...or just sitting in a patio chair with a good book! We hiked, played golf at surrounding area courses, and relaxed at a lovely ranch, with snickering horses and sweet dogs as an added bonus. Terrific!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Rio Rancho Verde is a Fabulous Place!

My sister and I stayed at the “Casita” recently. We loved it and hope to return again! If you are coming for your first visit, make sure to arrive before dark. Although Carmela gives clear instructions about how to find the ranch, it is difficult to figure out where you are after dark. Don’t bother with your auto’s GPS – it won’t help until you get close. The Casita is set up like an efficiency apartment. There is a large bed, a sitting area with a large, new television set, a kitchen area with a large refrigerator, sink, microwave, small electric oven, plenty of cooking and serving utensils. We asked for a second bed to be brought in and it was there when we arrived. The WiFi worked perfectly. We also used the dining area on the patio outside. The ranch is charming! Beautiful landscaping with cactus of all sorts and sizes. Our hosts display their collection of metal art works, some small and some large, all situated very appropriately to the landscape and the space. When you go for a walk in the morning, you will find horses in the stable, a beautiful garden where you can pick greens for your salad, and maybe some people tending the horses or preparing for a trail ride. There was a full moon while we were there, so that the night was almost as clear as the day. It is a beautiful, peaceful place where you can rest and relax and regenerate your soul! I can’t say enough good about Rio Rancho Verde and its charming, helpful, friendly hosts, Carmela and Joe. Thanks to them, we had a lovely visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bruce E.

What a wonderful place to stay!

Wow- this ranch is beautiful- amazing views, well-furnished and decorated rooms...and Carmela was always there to help. Lovely, lovely experience, will stay there again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danae H.

Experience life on a horse ranch with unbeatable desert views.

We spent 5 days and would have loved (at least) 5 more. Joe and Carmela were wonderfully accessible and helpful. They convey the heart of their ranch life and options for activity (hiking, biking, riding) if you’re inclined; you can choose your level of interaction. The property has been built and tended with evident love. We’d set out on morning walks accompanied by Grace-the-dog, passing by the campers who were boarding their horses at the ranch. (They were pajama’d and enjoying outdoor coffee & breakfast.) We hiked in the Tonto several times, where the views are spectacular and the quality of light, amazing. Because we had friends and family nearby, we drove into town several times for golf, massage and good restaurant options. On another trip, we just might stock up on groceries (and maybe a little tequila) and stay on the ranch the whole time! Take the time to talk with Carmela to understand which of the lodging options (there are several) will best suit you, as the amenities vary across them. We were in the Bunkhouse and would happily stay there again, but will likely try the other building with pool and outdoor living room on our next stay...
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Jane P.

Beautiful

The owners were very responsive to the issues that arose for us. Very flexible. It's a lovely quiet place
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison S.

Incredible space!!

What luck we ended up at Carmela and Jon’s place. After having 2 prior bookings for the weekend cancel last minute during one of the busiest times in Scottsdale (spring training) we were left with few options. I found this location and promptly emailed asking if my dogs would be welcome. Carmela replied quickly with a yes and I booked it. I am so glad I did. They have a beautiful ranch and were lovely hosts. The space itself is a converted garage, but it is tastefully decorated, totally functional and very comfortable. Plenty of space for my hubby and I with our 2 large dogs. The patio is great, with a very nice view. We enjoyed sitting outside and taking in the view for morning coffee and wine in the evening. It’s far out of town, but really, it is so beautiful out there that I found it to be totally worth the drive time to old town Scottsdale. In fact, I’d like to go back to just spend a long weekend to just hang at the ranch. There is tons of open space just outside their ranch gates, so perfect for the dogs. They have horses on the property and I had a great time doing a little roping with Jon. They have a beautiful organic garden that guests can access. I really can’t say enough good things about this property, other than it is probably one of my very best HomeAway finds. Definitely recommend this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

About the host

Hosted by Carmela Lizzo

Host profile image
My husband and I love living in the desert and enjoy sharing this incredible space with our guests. We've made some amazing friends who return year after year and who love to ride their horses with us to discover new trails and places. We're both avid horseback riders, Joe's a roper, and we also like mountain biking and hiking on the trails outside our gates. We have an organic garden on site, we compost and are big on reduce, reuse, recycle and re-purpose! We like being sustainable, we're on a well so we're always mindful of water consumption, and the veggies in our garden could feed an army - so feel free to help yourselves!

Why they chose this property

Why do we own this property? We wanted to live as far out in the desert as we possibly could, but still have the conveniences of town. We specifically looked in the Rio Verde Foothills area because we wanted to live on the National Forest and have neighbors who were close enough to become friends but far enough away to give us our space. (we have awesome neighbors!!). I was born and raised in Chicago and on every vacation we ever took, I was the little girl in the car looking out the window at the wide open spaces and the cowboy riding the range and wishing that was me. Rio Rancho Verde is truly our dream come true.
Why should you select Rio Rancho Verde for your next trip? There's truly nothing else like it! When you see how beautiful our land is you'll know immediately that it's a very special place. We're incredibly blessed and grateful to call this home and we love to share it with guests who love the outdoors and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It's an amazing place with 360 degree views that feature mountain vistas, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, skies full of stars and a peaceful serenity that gets right down in your soul. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city/corporate/daily life - we have a annual visitor who told us "I may reside in Missouri, but I LIVE here on the ranch".

What makes this property unique

We are 30 minutes away from 4 MILLION people, and we pretty much have the trails and the desert all to ourselves. This is a remote location that gives you the sense of total wilderness, yet only 20 minutes from a gas station, Walgreens, pizza and a beer! The sunrises and sunsets are almost spiritual, they're picture postcard pretty, and the sense of being able to wake up and look at the Four Peaks Wilderness area is humbling. We're not for everyone and if you don't like dirt roads (the last 2 miles), are looking to party hardy and hit the bar scene, or enjoy watching TV 8 hours a day, we're probably not for you. However, if being outside recharges you, if you appreciate the beauty and solitude of the natural desert and if your idea of a life well lived includes the path less traveled, you're in the right spot. It doesn't get much better than this!

Languages:

English

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