10/10 Excellent
William B.
16 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful environment
William B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Apartment
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
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4800 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Scottsdale, AZ
- Place, Tom's Thumb Trail23 min drive
- Place, McDowell Mountain Regional Park24 min drive
- Place, Troon North Golf Club28 min drive
- Airport, Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)64 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.
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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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (96 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
Children
Adults only
Not suitable for children
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Pets considered
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Scottsdale, AZ
What's nearby
- Tom's Thumb Trail - 23 min drive - 11.3 km
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park - 24 min drive - 11.3 km
- Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center - 26 min drive - 12.4 km
- Troon North Golf Club - 28 min drive - 16.9 km
- Pinnacle Peak Park - 29 min drive - 17.7 km
Getting around
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
- Renegade Hideout - 41 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
James W.
8 Feb, 2019
Great hosts. Beautiful place.
James W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
Anna H.
6 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Destination All Its Own
Anna H.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Anne K.
9 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
True Desert Retreat
Anne K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amy S.
2 May, 2019
The setting is magical, perfect getaway!
Amy S.
10/10 Excellent
Rick R.
12 Apr, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Piece of Heaven
Rick R.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Florin G.
19 Nov, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Florin G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer G.
19 Apr, 2019
Desert Oasis
Jennifer G.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
10/10 Excellent
Regina B.
4 Apr, 2019
Perfect oasis in the desert
Regina B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
10/10 Excellent
sharmila V.
15 Apr, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Desert treasure
sharmila V.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Cherilyn V., Long Beach, California
26 Jan, 2017
The Perfect Western Getaway!
Cherilyn V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2017
10/10 Excellent
Alanna T.
25 Feb, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Alanna T.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Bob C.
27 Mar, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spectacular location!
Bob C.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jon S.
23 Mar, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Getaway
Jon S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
4 Jan, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice location.
Verified traveller
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Sally W.
14 Oct, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place
Sally W.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Timothy D.
2 Apr, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful getaway
Timothy D.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021
10/10 Excellent
Dan M.
9 Dec, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
FANTASTIC!
Dan M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
10/10 Excellent
Dr. William and Barbara S.
24 Mar, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Coronavirus cuts our trip short!
Dr. William and Barbara S.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2020
10/10 Excellent
Sally J.
26 Feb, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A trifecta!
Sally J.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
4 Dec, 2018
Rio Rancho Verde is a Fabulous Place!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
10/10 Excellent
Bruce E.
28 Nov, 2018
What a wonderful place to stay!
Bruce E.
10/10 Excellent
Danae H.
6 Apr, 2018
Experience life on a horse ranch with unbeatable desert views.
Danae H.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018
8/10 Good
Jane P.
6 Apr, 2018
Beautiful
Jane P.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
10/10 Excellent
Allison S., Torrance, CA
12 Mar, 2018
Incredible space!!
Allison S.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
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 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".
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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