The Sonoran Desert is Calling You this Winter

Saguaro Lake Ranch

The historic Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, originally established in 1930, is one of the most scenic guest ranches in the Southwest and one of Arizona's hidden treasures.

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is 45 minutes east of Metropolitan Phoenix. Located in the Sonora Desert of the Tonto National Forest, we operate under a National Forest operation's permit.

Location
Arizona
Season
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Staff size
15-20
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
Housing available for select positions
Pet friendly
No
Meals
Some meals / discounts
Cell phone service
Some, ask for details
Internet access
Intermittent

About Saguaro Lake Ranch

The ranch offers lodging & meals, exclusive corporate team building/training events, destination weddings, private family reunions or school tour groups with on & offsite recreational activities. In between our group events, we offer Bed & Breakfast lodging to individuals. We have 20 cabins with an average occupancy of 35 to 50 guests at a time.

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch history started in 1928 as the work camp for the builders of Stewart Mountain Dam. This dam was part of the National Reclamation Act of 1903 and was completed in 1930. At this time the temporary structures were procured and became the lodge and cabins that we still use today. The owners have worked very hard to preserve as much ranch history as possible. This gives you the feeling of going back in time when life didn’t seem so busy or complicated. Probably the most appealing aspect of the ranch is the natural beauty of the “Bulldog cliffs” – which are actually the north edge of the Goldfield Mountains. The Goldfield Mountains are famous for the very rich, high-grade gold ore found beginning in 1892 thru 1897 with the mines giving out only five years after being tapped.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Having a vehicle is a must as public transportation options are only available in Mesa or Fountain Hills located 20 minutes away. Even though there is much to enjoy at the ranch there are times that you will want / need to go offsite for recreation or errands.

For Fun

Home at the ranch activities: Even though we are only a 20 - 25 minutes from the nearest cities (Mesa or Fountain Hills) being located in the Tonto National Forest we still enjoy a rural location. The ranch is located along the Salt River, with horse trails and hiking trails right onsite. Saguaro Lake with a full service marina is just one mile from us offering boating options as well.

Nearby offsite attractions: The ranch is in a great location for 1 or 2 day trips. Some close by attractions include: 1 hour drive to being in the pines (Payson, AZ) 1 hour from sporting events / Museums, Concerts / and from downtown Historic Scottsdale Arizona. 1 hour drive to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Botanical Garden. 2 hours from Tucson Arizona – with the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. 2.5 hours from Sedona, Arizona with the amazing Red Rock State Park or Jerome, Arizona an old mining ghost town. 3 hour drive along the famous Apache Trail. This is the #2 attraction for Arizona, second to the Grand Canyon for our European guests. 5 hours from the Grand Canyon itself.

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Current Job Openings

    Horse Stables

    Stable Manager / Head Wrangler

    up to $80,000.00 / year
    Mesa

    Job Title: Head Wrangler / Stable Manager

    Position Overview

    Saguaro Lake Ranch is seeking an experienced, dependable, and personable Head Wrangler / Stable Manager to lead daily operations of our guest ranch horse program. This is a senior leadership role that combines horsemanship, team management, guest service, and operational oversight.

    The Head Wrangler / Stable Manager is responsible for the overall success of our horse operation, including guest ranch and public rides, horse care, staff supervision, ride coordination, safety standards, and the quality of the guest experience. This role oversees a herd of approximately 40 horses and the new leader will help hire a team of 4-5 wranglers. We are looking for someone who wants to build a long-term home with our ranch and take pride in leading a safe, professional, and welcoming horseback program.

    Key ResponsibilitiesHorse & Stable Management
    • Serve as the leader and public face of the horseback riding program at Saguaro Lake Ranch

    • Oversee the daily care of all horses, including feeding, watering, grooming, and health monitoring

    • Identify and respond to injuries, lameness, or behavioral concerns, and coordinate with veterinarians and farriers as needed

    • Maintain conditioning, schooling, and training programs for ranch horses

    • Ensure tack is clean, safe, properly fitted, and well maintained

    Guest Experience
    • Lead and guide trail rides for guests of varying experience levels

    • Provide clear safety briefings and riding instruction

    • Match horses appropriately to rider ability, confidence, and temperament

    • Create a welcoming, educational, and memorable experience for guests

    Staff Leadership
    • Hire, train, supervise, and mentor wranglers and stable staff

    • Set daily schedules, assign responsibilities, and maintain accountability

    • Uphold high standards of horsemanship, safety, professionalism, and guest service

    Safety & Compliance
    • Enforce all rider and staff safety protocols

    • Conduct routine inspections of equipment, tack, horses, and facilities

    • Maintain incident reports and other required documentation

    • Ensure compliance with ranch policies and applicable local regulations

    Operations & Maintenance
    • Oversee cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the barn, corrals, tack rooms, and related areas

    • Coordinate and help oversee the maintenance of horseback riding trails

    • Manage feed, supply inventory, and ordering

    • Assist with budgeting and cost control for stable operations

    • Create and manage ride schedules for both ranch guests and public rides

    Additional Responsibilities
    • Report directly to the General Manager

    • Communicate clearly and professionally with staff across the ranch

    • Assist with sourcing and evaluating new horses

    • Help trailer horses to and from the summer pasture at the beginning and end of the season

    • Support broader ranch operations as needed, including general maintenance and related duties

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Qualifications
    • 8+ years of professional wrangling, horsemanship, or equine management experience

    • Strong riding ability and confidence in handling a variety of horses

    • Previous leadership or supervisory experience required

    • Excellent communication and guest service skills

    • Strong knowledge of horse health, behavior, and basic first aid

    • Ability to work outdoors in hot weather and demanding ranch conditions

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Physical Requirements
    • Ability to lift 50+ pounds on a regular basis

    • Comfortable standing, walking, and riding for extended periods

    • Able to work in heat, dust, and other outdoor conditions

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Schedule & Compensation
    • Full-time position; weekends and holidays required

    • August 1st or earlier starting date

    • Six-day work week from September through May

    • Two-month paid summer vacation in June and July

    • Compensation: $80,000 annual salary, plus a $20,000 end-of-year bonus, plus additional profit-sharing opportunity

    • Health benefits

    • 401(k)

    • Housing provided

    Why Join Us
    • Lead a horseback program in one of the most beautiful settings near Phoenix, Arizona

    • Be part of a team delivering authentic guest ranch experiences

    • Join a family-owned business in operation since 1930

How to Apply

Please email all resumes complete with references.

We begin our interviewing process in the Fall. Please note the best time and way to contact you in your cover letter.

Contact Info

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