News & Announcements

150th Anniversary Golf Tournament

Plan to join us on Sunday, April 19, 2026 for the Empire Ranch 150^th Anniversary Golf Tournament at 49er Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde, Tucson. Cost is $150.00/player which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, driving range, lunch and prizes for 1st through 3rd place teams

Empire Ranch Trail Run

Save the date for the first-ever “Empire Ranch Run” on January 24, 2026.  Produced as a joint partnership between the Empire Ranch Foundation and Run Tucson, the Empire Ranch Run will include a 10k Trail Run, a 5k Run/Walk, and a 1 mile family-friendly walk/run.  Click on Read More to learn more and register.

Christmas at the Ranch Trail Rides

Registration is now open for Christmas at the Empire Ranch trail rides. Five 45-minute rides  ($50) are scheduled starting at 10:15 am and ending at 1:15 pm. Click on READ MORE to register.

Christmas at the Empire Ranch

Start your holiday celebrations at Christmas at the Empire Ranch on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Walter Vail Biography

Walter Vail: Arizona and California Rancher is the story of Walter Vail, who founded the Empire Ranch in 1876 and later extended his ranching empire to Southern California. Published by the Empire Ranch Foundation and the Temecula Valley Historical Society the paperback version is now on sale ($25) in the Empire Ranch Foundation Gift Shop.  Kindle, hardcover and paperback versions can be purchased directly from Amazon.com.

Cowboy Festival

Almost 1,500 participants enjoyed the 24th Annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival on November 1, 2025.

Click on READ MORE to view the schedule of events.

Volunteer Days

Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters.  Please join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!

Monte Walsh

The September 27, 2025 outdoor showing of Monte Walsh (1970) was attended by 150 Western film fans.  Special thanks to Bunker deFrance and Marty Freese who provided background information on the filming of the movie prior to the showing.

National Day of the Cowboy

Over 350 guests enjoyed the National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 26, 2025.  Click on the READ MORE link to view the final program.

South Barn Roof

Recently a strong gust of wind significantly damaged the roof on the north end of the South Barn. To contribute for the supplies needed for the roof repair click on READ MORE.