Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Spa pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Explore the area
Scottsdale, AZ
Tom's Thumb Trail
Place, Tom's Thumb Trail
‪14 min drive‬
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Place, McDowell Mountain Regional Park
‪15 min drive‬
Troon North Golf Club
Place, Troon North Golf Club
‪20 min drive‬
Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)
Airport, Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)
‪63 min drive‬
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest
Recognized by Million Mile Magazine as one of the top 10 places to celebrate Airbnb's 10th anniversary, and awarded LUX Magazine's 2020 and 2023 winner of "Most Serene Desert Accommodations/Horse Boarding Facility Southwest USA", Casa Rio Rancho is located on site at Rio Rancho Verde, an eco-ranch that is committed to supporting a sustainable environment in the midst of the Sonoran Desert. Additionally, VRBO selected 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, booked for a Western film production, music videos, product launches and catalog shoots. We offer a secluded and serene getaway, far from the maddening crowds, surrounded by the most amazing scenery, yet we're only 20 minutes away from fine dining and shopping in North Scottsdale if you want to enjoy the comforts of the city. This relaxing alternative to the fast pace of city life is a welcome retreat in a rural, upscale Western setting. Please note, we do board horses and the owners are on site with them (usually just Jan - March). We also have 2 other Airbnbs here at the ranch so there can sometimes be other people out and about that you may or may not cross paths with. We offer a private two bedroom suite, (attached to the house, but separated by an insulated wall so there is no access to the main house) with it's own bathroom and desk area. The master suite has a queen bed and the 2nd bedroom has two twin beds, if you need more space, or are traveling with family or friends. There is a separate private entrance and the suite opens to the pool and patio which includes an outdoor kitchen (please note: NO indoor kitchen or living room) and bar area with frig, microwave, counter top convection oven/airfryer/toaster, sink and outdoor BBQ, island with cooktop, fireplace, dining room table and seating on the deck for 55 people, overlooking the pool and the beautiful Sonoran desert. Rate includes both bedrooms for 2 people, we only rent to one party at a time. If you'd like to bring friends or older kids, the 2nd bedroom is $89 per night (for the room, not per person). VRBO hasn't quite mastered charging for reservations that are for 2 people or more, so please check the itemized charges to see if they included the additional $89 per night for a 3rd and/or 4th guest. Additional cleaning fee for 3rd/4th person is $75.00. Maximum 4 people. Continental breakfast, served poolside, is available upon request and at an additional cost. Come out and hike, bike or ride a horse (yours are welcome, rentals available at the stables down the road) or just relax and watch the spectacular sunsets on the ridge overlooking the mountains and desert vistas. You can walk right out our gate into the Tonto National Forest, or the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve where you'll find 32,000 acres and 215 miles of the most amazing trails filled with Saguaro cactus and perhaps a coyote or two! Or, just relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the pool as the sun goes down, or sip your morning coffee in the barn as the horses wait for their breakfast. Suite is available with either one or two bedrooms, one bathroom total. Please note that the pool is not heated and there is no TV. This is truly a unique and very special place, we hope to share it with you! Pricing is based on two guests - for additional guests (3 - 4 people), there is an $89 per night fee. VRBO is not able to calculate this rate so we will have to edit the quote they send, as it will be incorrect. Cleaning fee is increased by $75 for more than 2 people. So sorry, not suitable for toddlers or young children. Pets are allowed (sorry, no cats) with a $75 non-refundable pet fee. Dogs must be crated in the owner's absence unless arrangements are made in advance with owner Dogs must be on a leash around the barns and horses. Please note it's very dark out here, we adhere to the Dark Skies Ordinance so lighting is minimal. If you're looking to party hardy, the only ones out here howlin' at the moon are the coyotes.... Also, if the private suite is booked or for additional information about the ranch, please check out our other luxury listings, VRBO # 652267 or VRBO 766813.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
We'll be happy to light the firepit for you, please ask rather than lighting it on your own
Dogs can not run free by the horses or the barn, dogs are not allowed in the pool
No third party bookings.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 763667vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Scottsdale
Located in Rio Verde Foothills, a neighbourhood in Scottsdale, this apartment is in a rural area and in the mountains. Golf Club Scottsdale and Troon North - Pinnacle Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit George "Doc" Cavalliere Park and Arizona Powerchutes. Travelling with kids? Consider Frontier Town, or check out an event or a game at DC Ranch Tennis Center. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and cycling.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park - 15 min drive - 10.1 km
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center - 18 min drive - 12.8 km
Troon North Golf Club - 20 min drive - 16.2 km
Pinnacle Peak Park - 20 min drive - 16.5 km
Getting around
Phoenix, AZ (DVT-Phoenix Deer Valley) - 49 min drive
Restaurants
‪Circle K - ‬23 min drive
‪Needle Rock Kitchen And Tap - ‬24 min drive
‪Cochise Geronimo Clubhouse - ‬47 min drive
‪SWAN Sushi and Seafood Bar - ‬23 min drive
‪Raven’s View Wine Bar - ‬40 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 10 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 8 September 2026 start from NZ$495, 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, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).
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?
This family-friendly Scottsdale apartment building is located in the mountains, steps from Tonto National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of George "Doc" Cavalliere Park and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Tom's Thumb Trail and Golf Club Scottsdale are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous sunrises in this special place. Hiking Tonto trails right out the door, a dip in the pool and cooking all our meals outdoors…we can’t wait to return!! Carmela went over and above to ensure that we had an amazing stay despite difficult circumstances. The peace that they share here is truly a gift. Thank you Carmela!
We had a lovely stay. It was so quiet and relaxing but with hiking just out the door. Our host gave us a few ideas of what to enjoy around the area and the pool was all ours.
Becki S.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 April 2025
Thank you for the great review, we truly enjoyed having you and hope to welcome you back to Rio Rancho Verde!
We had an incredible time at our stay here! A bit off the beat but close enough to explore, hike and horseback ride. Carmela and Joe could not have been nicer and welcomed us so graciously to their home. Thank you for an amazing 50th!
Erica C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 December 2024
We so enjoyed having you two, glad you enjoyed the roping lessons!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Vivek R.
3 December 2015
Best Place to Stay in All of Scottsdale. Highly Recommended!!
Awesome view of sonoran desert. Well managed property. Owner was welcoming and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for quite and comfy getaway from city life.
Vivek R.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Thanks so much for your wonderful review. We enjoyed having you out to Rio Rancho Verde and am delighted that you enjoyed your stay!
Our stay at the Rio Verde was beyond anything we could have expected. Just steps away from hiking in the Tonto or Sonoran preserve. Great restaurants and attractions near by or quick drive to Carmela and Joe are amazing hosts
We wanted a quiet get away
Hiking, fresh air, kind, considerate people, birds, natural life
This is the VRBO for all of the above.
Camila & Joe hosts with the most!!! Plus, very fun people!
Jan S.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2023
We loved having you out to the ranch and are delighted you enjoyed your stay - come back and see us again!
The property was incredible. Beautiful landscaping and pool. Just a short walk to a Tonto National Forest trail. The rooms were comfortable and a fabulous bathroom. Loved the outdoor kitchen.
Michelle K.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2022
Just curious why we got a 4 star review when everything sounded like it was wonderful. Was there something we could of done to improve your stay and warrant a 5 star review?
I needed to recuperate after surgery and this home was everything! The land was so healing and Carmella and Joe were so hospitable. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!
Rio Rancho Verde is a magical place that you will absolutely love!
faith s.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amanda B.
7 April 2019
Breathtaking and peaceful!
We loved our stay. It is such a peaceful and beautiful place. The hospitality was amazing. We were able to hike and relax and see the horses and sit out by the fire at night. It was like grown up sleepaway camp. The rooms were clean and everything was well stocked. This place is so special!
Amanda B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
We so enjoyed having you out to the ranch and appreciate your wonderful review. Please come back and see us again!
We really enjoyed our stay at this beautiful property. The views are so breathtaking I didn't want to leave. We had a relaxing weekend spent lounging by the pool, visiting the horses and hiking nearby trails. The outdoor kitchen area was stocked with all the dishes and utensils we needed to prepare ourselves some delicious meals.
Tiffany H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2021
Thanks for the great review, please come back and see us again!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lynn K.
7 February 2019
Best of the Best!
Rio Rancho Verde is a well kept secret of vast beauty , comfort and retreat! Our amenities were ample, Carmela and Joe
Were gracious and welcoming. We'll be back soon!
Lynn K.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Thank you so much for the great review! We really enjoyed having you both and hope to welcome you back to the ranch soon!
Carmela and Joe
Verified
10/10 Excellent
PATRICK J.
2 April 2019
Great Stay.
We were lucky enough to stumble on this gem and we loved it. The area is beautiful the home is beautiful and we loved our host. Carmela is kinda a local celebrity and Joe is ready to point you in the right Direction for Trails for Mountain Biking or Horseback riding. We rented a Full size pickup truck and thank God we did. The ride back to the ranch turns to a dirt road but well worth the trip.
PATRICK J.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
We so enjoyed having you stay with us and love having guests that appreciate the beautiful desert surroundings as much as we do! A local celebrity, probably only in my mind, but thanks, I appreciate the vote of confidence!
About the host
Hosted by Carmela Lizzo
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 (seasonal) could feed an army!
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 would be the little girl in the car looking out the window at the wide open spaces and the cowboy riding the range and wish that was me. My dream has come true at Rio Rancho Verde.
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
Enjoy country living 20 minutes from the city of Scottsdale. You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere (and you kind of are!) but fine dining, shopping, nightlife and Western adventures are a short drive away. Our location is primo - we're on a one mile finger of land that is bordered by the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve on one side (32,000 acres and 215 miles of trails) and the Tonto National Forest on the other side (which our ranch borders). Rio Rancho Verde offers the best of both worlds. It's serene and peaceful, the views are incredible, we get visited by the local wildlife, the scenery is spectacular - it's amazing! We're not for everyone and if you don't like dirt roads (the last 2 miles), or are looking to party hardy, hang out at the mall 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! My daughter, when she comes to visit, says: "this is what quiet sounds like", and it's so true.
Please note, we're in a very rural, very remote area. There are no streetlights and we're mindful of the Dark Sky Ordinance, so we're dimly lit. It is dark out here, which we love, but again, realize that city dwellers may be feeling a bit out of their comfort zone. Also, note this is strictly a 2 bedroom suite, (with a bathroom) you are not renting the entire house. The suite is completely separate, has it's own entrance and is separated from the house by a wall so you have complete privacy. The kitchen is all outdoors, as is the seating. The pool is not heated and there is no TV.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests