News & Announcements

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!