News & Announcements

Spring Trail Ride, March 28, 2026

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 register.

Volunteer in our Gift Shop

We seek volunteers to work at our Gift Shop at the historic Empire Ranch.  Volunteers are needed for four hour shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Responsibilities include stocking, organizing, and cleaning the Gift Shop; processing sales using an iPad and Square software; providing general information about the Empire Ranch and Las Cienegas National Conservation Area; and completing various reports.  Training for all tasks provided.  Volunteers must be personable and willing to engage with visitors.

Click here to apply.

150 Years of the Empire Ranch

The January 2026 issue of Desert Leaf features an article by Steve Renzi on the 150th anniversary of the Empire Ranch.

Volunteer Days

Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters.  Please join us on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

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

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

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 Ranch Run included a 10k Trail Run, a 5k Run/Walk, and a 1 mile family-friendly walk/run.

Christmas at the Empire Ranch

Almost 400 visitors enjoyed a beautiful day filled with holiday activities at Christmas at the Empire Ranch.

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.

Gift Shop Member Discount

Did you know ERF active members receive a 10% discount at our gift shop?   To join or renew your membership click on the READ MORE link below.