Overnight Cowboy Camp Out and Horseback Riding Holiday in Mohave County, Arizona

During this holiday, you will stay in a tent in a rustic cowboy camp.

Short history of the Grand Canyon Western Ranch

The Grand Canyon Western Ranch is nestled in Grapevine Canyon between the Music mountains and the southern end of the Grand Wash Cliffs, 15 miles from the west rim of the Grand Canyon. The water comes from an artisan spring called Grass Springs. The Stone Cabins date back to the 1880s built by miners who were processing gold ore. They ended their operations here when the Hualapai held their very first Ghost Dance in 1889. The ranch was surrounded by beautiful and scenic views and the Starkey family moved into the Stone Cabin after the miners had left.

The main ranch house was built in 1931 by Tap Duncan who acquired the ranch from the Starkey’s. It became the original headquarters of his 1.4 million acre cattle ranch then known as the Diamond Bar Ranch. In order to acquire 1.4 million acres, some folks still wonder how he came by that money. Some say honestly through hard work whilst others say from Bank and Train robberies.

Tap’s wife had an uncle named Black Jack Ketchum and he and Harvey Logan (known as Kid Currie) were a notorious bank and train robbers and associated with the Hole in the Wall Gang. Whilst Tap may have been guilty by association one thing is known for sure that Tap participated in a gun battle and killed a man in Bruneau, Idaho.

In 1956, the ranch was bought by Dale Smith who was a World Champion Calf Roper in rodeo. At that time, the ranch only operated as a cattle and horse ranch until it was purchased by the present owner's predecessor in 2002 and converted to tourism whilst operating on a smaller scale as a horse and cattle ranch.

The new and present operations include helicopter rides into the Grand Canyon, horseback and wagon rides, and a gun range. Buffalos were also introduced to the ranch to revive their past and future history. The main ranch house was converted to a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a bar that is fully licensed, and accommodations were added. Today, the ranch offers rustic cabins, glamping tents, and an overnight campsite for those wanting to take a horseback trail ride, sleep under the stars, and enjoy a meal cooked by a real cowboy.

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at McCarran International Airport (LAS). Please send an inquiry to Grand Canyon Western Ranch if you need any airport assistance service.

Driving directions from Las Vegas, Nevada

• With the opening of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge, the ranch is a short two-hour drive. Follow US 93S toward Hoover Dam.
• Continue past the dam for about 45 miles to Pierce Ferry Road.
• Turn left on Pierce Ferry Road toward Dolan Springs and continue through Dolan Springs.
• Continue for 29 miles to Diamond Bar Road.
• Turn right on Diamond Bar Road and continue for 5.4 miles until you reach an unpaved road.
• Continue one mile further on an unpaved road, on your right is Grand Canyon Western Ranch Gate Entrance.
• The last mile of the road like many ranches is not paved but a good surface.

Driving directions from Kingman, Arizona

• The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Follow north on US 93.
• Continue for about 28.5 miles to Pierce Ferry Road.
• Turn right onto Pierce Ferry Road.
• Continue for 29 miles to Diamond Bar Road.
• Turn right onto Diamond Bar Road and continue on for six miles.