This exclusive escape is designed for only 8 participants and is guaranteed to sell out!
Contact Elli today to secure your spot:
(970) 946-1686
elli@soulutionsbyelli.com
Join Elli for this 4-day / 5-night escape to sunny Arizona!
Leave your wooly winter ponies in their winter pasture and make new friends with the tried & tested, sure-footed ranch horses
at Kay El Bar, an exclusive western guest ranch!
You will ride out under the watchful (and proverbial) eyes of the big saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, experience the thrill of working cattle, and improve your riding even in the middle of winter!
Discover saguaro forests and slot canyons along the trails or ride through the sandy Hassayampa Riverbed.
Let’s create memories that will warm your soul and last a lifetime.
Kay El Bar Homestead
Over the week, you will undoubtedly become a part of the Kay El Bar family.
Homesteaded in 1909 by 18-year-old Romaine Lowdermilk, Kay El Bar Ranch is so historic that it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 70’s. It offers a cozy atmosphere, family-style meals, and a variety of rooms. Plus, a swimming pool and hot tub!
Itinerary
Please note, this itinerary may change due to weather and other influencing factors. Changes will be communicated as early as possible. More often than not, a change in itinerary will result in an equally amazing Plan B that you won’t want to miss!
Here is what our week is going to look like – keep in mind, though, that this is YOUR escape, which Elli is happy to mold to your dreams & desires.
Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is located northwest of Phoenix, southwest of Prescott.
It’s about an hour & 15 minutes drive from Phoenix’s Sunport airport (PHX) to Kay El Bar if you are planning on flying in.
Sunday, February 22nd
Arrive at Kay El Bar in time for a family-style dinner.
Monday, February 23rd
Energized by a hearty breakfast, it’s time to meet your horse. We will spend the morning riding in the arena, so that you can familiarize yourself with your horse.
After lunch, it’s time to hit the trail!
Before or after dinner, you might want to go for a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, or get comfy with a book in the living room where the old beams would have many a story to tell, if only they could talk…
Tuesday, February 24th
Today, we will take advantage of the cooler morning air and head out on a different trail first thing.
After lunch, we will try our luck at ranch sorting – get ready for a fun afternoon!
Happy hour by the pool? Or lounging in the lobby where the appetizers are being served? Whatever your heart desires is what we will do for the rest of the day.
Wednesday, February 25th
Are you ready to giddy up and go? This morning, we have the chance to go on a “faster” trail ride with footing that allows for trotting as well as short stretches of cantering. Not to worry, though, if you’d rather mosey along, there will be a chance for that kind of ride too.
After lunch, we are off to a very special event:
THE ART OF THE COWGIRL
This unique gathering of cowgirls, artists, and Western enthusiasts is a multi-day event happening just down the road from Kay El Bar and is not to be missed! Art of the Cowgirl features female creative master artists, silversmiths, braiders, saddle makers, and horsewomen. The event not only provides entertainment and honors women of the west but also provides fellowships to individuals to further their knowledge with master artists in their trade of choice.
Our next 2 afternoons will be filled with mixing and mingling with fellow cowgirls, observing the competitions & workshops, immersing ourselves in cultural experiences, and, ok, quite possibly some shopping.
We are on our own for dinner tonight, but I’m sure we will find a place to eat either at the venue or in town.
Thursday, February 26th
Inspired by the cowgirls we saw the day before, we will cowgirl up and have some fun with team penning this morning!
And yes, you guessed it, after lunch we will head back for more inspiration and retail therapy at Art of the Cowgirl. Or stay at Kay El Bar and go on a trail ride – it’s up to you!
We are on our own for dinner again tonight, but I’m sure we will find a place to eat either at the venue or in town.
Everything is optional, though, if you’d rather spend an afternoon by the pool or exploring the area, sleeping in and enjoying the comfort of your room in the lodge, that’s totally fine!
Other fun activities include roping a straw bale, target shooting, or archery, and other yard games!
Friday, February 27th
How is it Friday already?
After breakfast, it’s time to check out.
If you are not in a hurry to head home, you have the opportunity to go on another fast trail ride, a ride with the opportunity to trot & canter.
What’s Included:
★ 5 nights of accommodation
★ Ranch horse fee, wrangler fee, cattle fee
★ Cow working instruction
★ All Meals – 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
★ Tax & service charge
★ 2-Day Passes to Art of the Cowgirl
What’s Not Included:
✗ Two dinners in town
Snow to Sunshine Escape: $3,995
Deposit:
★ A deposit of $2,000 is due by October 15, 2025
★ The remainder of the balance is due by December 15th, 2025
Cancellation Policy
★ 10% of the full price is non-refundable if canceling before or by October 31st, 2025
★ 50% of the full price is non-refundable if canceling after November 30th, 2025 (or find a replacement rider for your spot).
★ No refunds are given if canceling after December 31st, 2025 (or find a replacement rider for your spot).
FAQ’s
This Snow to Sunshine Escape is best suited to intermediate riders who are
confident cantering inside of an arena (and maybe even out on the trail…).
Rider weight limit is 240 lbs.
Ranch attire is casual, but if you wish to dress up for evenings or photo shoots, western wear is appropriate. Dressing in layers is usually best as desert temperatures will vary throughout the day.
Below is a list of suggested packing items:
Clothing
• T-shirts/Comfortable shirts
• Long sleeve shirts – riding in long sleeve shirts to block the sun is highly recommended
• Comfortable western or denim shirts
• Jeans/Long Pants
• Outerwear – Jackets, vests, and layers are suggested for cool desert mornings and evenings
• Hoodies or pullovers
• Bathing suit – For the pool/hot tub
Footwear
• Walking/Hiking boots
• Riding/Cowboy Boots
• Sandals/Flip flops – For the pool/hot tub area
• Long socks for riding
Accessories
• Cowboy Hat (w/Stampede String) and/or Ball Cap
• Gloves for riding
• Riding Helmet (recommended, but not required; helmets are available for lend)
Additional Items
• Sun Protection Items – Sunglasses, Lip balm, Sunscreen, After-sun moisturizer
• Camera
• Reusable plastic or stainless-steel water bottle
• Lightweight backpack – allows you to carry your essentials during the day while keeping your hands free
• Flashlight or headlamp
The weather at the ranch depends on the time of year. Kay El Bar is located in the Sonoran Desert at 2130’ of elevation, so a large daily temperature swing can occur no matter the time of year; it is recommended to pack layers.
Winters can warm up by day, but be brisk in the mornings and evenings.
The highs in February average in the high 60ies, the lows in the mid-30s. Perfect riding weather!
2-4 hours; everything is optional though! If your body or your heart is telling you, you need a break, take it!
Kay El Bar has a maximum of about 25 guests at one time. Some of the guests might join us on the trail rides. Great opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends!
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (1 hour & 15 minutes drive)
• Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the ranch. Wickenburg-based Airport Express shuttle information is available.
Kay El Bar’s kitchen is happy to accommodate special dietary needs or requests with advance notice.
Each room is equipped with basic toiletries and a hair dryer. There are no televisions in the rooms.
In our Lodge Living Room, we have a full bar with wine, beer, and spirits available for your purchase.
There is cell service at the ranch, but it can be spotty. Wi-Fi is available.
There are no guest laundry facilities on the ranch, however, the housekeeping team would be happy to do a separate cycle for you for a small gratuity. Please arrange this with ranch staff once on-site.
Kay El Bar does not allow pets on the ranch.
Tipping is appreciated if you feel you have received exceptional service during your stay. You are welcome to tip directly or notify the front desk at check out. The rates are subject to a Ranch Service Fee, which supports our staff compensation. Staff is paid above minimum wage.
Kay El Bar does not offer Trip Insurance but recommends an outside provider called TravelGuard, which is an associate member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.