Ride with us on Saturday, March 28, 2026. 2-hour guided rides through the historic rolling hills of the Empire Ranch. Rides depart at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Click on Read More to...
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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.
Historic Empire Ranch
News & Announcements
Volunteer Days
Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters. Please join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026. To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you...
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Empire Ranch Trail Run
More than 600 runners participated in 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...
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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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