Everybody needs a Digital Detox : Circa 1918 Western style
While most parents find it hard to lure their children away from social media, tour operator, Ranch Rider claims a Western digital detox might be the answer. Where tweens and teens can truly switch off, Arizona’s Kay El Bar Ranch is the latest addition to the specialist’s collection, exploring the outdoors on horseback the main focus of the seven-night stay.
Listed on the U.S. national registry of historic places, the ranch’s history dates back to the early 1900s, today’s guest itinerary not dissimilar to what the first dudes would have experienced in 1918.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments, “Perfect for families who want to unplug and bond through nature, the Kay El Bar is located in the Northwest Arizona desert, the property set in the shadow of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness.
“The trails take you across the Sonoran Desert – its 260,000 square kilometres home to the famous giant saguaro (a staple of many Western movies), while steep rocky ridges with superb mountain views tempt the more adventurous. Back at the ranch, there’s a huge emphasis on real-life social gatherings from cookouts to campfires, and when possible, informal cowboy poetry sessions – evening activities and meal times bringing families closer together.”
Team penning, hiking and bird watching are alternative pursuits for the maximum 28 guests, and only a five-minute drive away from historic Wickenburg, there is every reason to explore the old gold mining town and its fascinating past.
Complete with a wide range of lodging options, the property features a guest building, two casitas, and a family guest lodge with space for up to six people – many of the ranch’s adobe brick buildings built over the years by Maricopa Indians who lived on the nearby reservation. A swimming pool and hot tub are also on site.
Tony Daly comments, “Ideally situated for families who want to explore more of the state and neighbouring Nevada, Las Vegas is only a three-hour drive from the Kay El Bar, and in just four hours you will reach the Grand Canyon.”
Seven nights at the Kay El Bar with Ranch Rider start from £1,339pp (two sharing) and £1,185pp (seven to 17 years) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes car hire (from Phoenix) on request and return flight from £879pp. Children under seven years go free if there are two paying adults in their party. Under 7’s can sit on a horse providing a parent is present. October half-term prices: from £2,065pp (two sharing) and £1,185pp (seven to 17 years).
