Preserving the Empire Ranch for Future Generations

Photo by Alan Nyiri

Who We Are

The Empire Ranch Foundation (ERF) is a non-profit 501c3 volunteer organization that was established in 1997. Acting in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the purpose of the Foundation is to protect, restore and sustain the Empire Ranch historical buildings and landscape as an outstanding western heritage and education center.

News & Announcements

150th Anniversary Golf Tournament

Plan to join us on Sunday, April 19, 2026 for the Empire Ranch 150th Anniversary Golf Tournament at 49er Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde, Tucson. Cost is $150.00/player which includes 18 holes of golf,...

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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, the Bureau of Land Management, and Run Tucson, the Empire Ranch Run...

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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...

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