News & Announcements

Spring Trail Ride, March 28, 2026

Almost 100 riders participated in the Empire Ranch Spring Trail Ride on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Such a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.

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, June 6, 2026.

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

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.

Tour the Cienega Watershed

Take a free audio driving tour of the Cienega Watershed and learn about the social and cultural history, ecology, wildlife management, and conservation efforts in the watershed. Start by downloading the TravelStorys.Com App to your phone or other device.   Open TravelStory and select “Tour the Cienega Watershed” to save the tour on your phone. Once you’ve download the app and the tour, no Internet access is needed.

The tour includes 21 podcast-style stories that will automatically play at the appropriate location using your phone’s GPS. The route loop includes the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead (in Vail), Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, the Empire Ranch Headquarters, wildlife viewing and many other features along Hwy. 83 ending (or beginning) in Sonoita.  And you don’t even have to drive through the watershed to enjoy the tour! You can download the tour to your computer or tablet, listen to each of the site descriptions, and view photos of the sites wherever you are!