3155 W Elephant Head Road Amado, AZ 85645

Nestled at the base of the Santa Rita Mountains and conveniently located near Tucson, Green Valley, and Tubac, this remarkable 160-acre horse and cattle ranch offers a rare blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Adjacent to the property is a 6,000-acre Arizona state grazing lease, ideal for horseback riding, hiking, nature watching, and hunting. The ranch has deep roots in the region's history, once part of the Canoa Land Grant and later owned by the Amado family, after whom the nearby town is named.

SEE MORE... The ranch features two attractive residences at its headquarters, perfect for owners or extended family, along with four additional homes for guests or staff. Designed in a harmonious Colonial Spanish style, the buildings blend seamlessly with the landscape. The main house, custom-built manufactured home by the current owners, includes north and south porches, paved patios, a fountain, and native gardens designed to attract birds and butterflies. Inside, the home boasts high ceilings, quality wood laminate floors, stainless-steel appliances, barnwood-style cabinetry, a farm sink, and an open living-dining area with a wood-burning stacked stone fireplace. Sliding glass doors lead to a covered terrace with panoramic views of irrigated pastures and distant mountains. A spacious carport and a large, barn-style garage with insulation and climate control sit nearby, offering ample room for vehicles and storage.

The second residence, known as The Casita, includes three bedrooms, two and a half baths, an office, and a laundry room. Set in a fully fenced yard with a front porch, garden, rose beds, and a large fountain, this home has also been thoughtfully upgraded. The master suite includes a renovated bath with a soaking tub and walk-in closet, while the living room features a charming custom-tiled fireplace. The durable metal roof and shaded backyard enhance both comfort and practicality.

Designed for serious equestrians and ranchers, the property includes 80 acres of irrigated pastures divided by solar electric fencing, stallion corrals, dry lots, and several working arenas. A roping arena with alley, squeeze chute, and breakaway setup complements additional facilities including a dressage court, three round pens, a hot walker, and covered vet stocks. Historic retorque corrals, now rare in the region, still remain. The original adobe barn, featured in John Wayne westerns, adds to the ranch's rich legacy. All stalls are oversized, with most measuring 12 by 24 feet, while the Show Barn offers 12 by 16 stalls with turnouts. This barn also includes an air-conditioned tack room, ADA-compliant bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and a wide paved aisle ideal for events. Outdoor spaces accommodate tents for gatherings, weddings, or ranch events.

In addition to the extensive equestrian facilities, the ranch includes pastures, tanks, working pens, troughs, and ample water from multiple wells on both the deeded land and the state lease. A large machine shop, hay barn, and secure storeroom with roll-up doors complete the infrastructure.

Located just ten minutes from the artistic and historic town of Tubac and thirty minutes from Tucson, with its major university and international airport, the ranch is both secluded and accessible. It is directly across from the 4,000-acre Historic Canoa Ranch, owned by Pima County and restored as a living history site offering cultural and educational events. A recently upgraded county-maintained bridge (suitable for hay trucks, horse trailers and heavy equipment) over the Santa Cruz River provides reliable year-round accesscritical in a region where some river crossings are seasonal.

This ranch offers endless possibilities. It could serve as a private family compound, a working horse and cattle operation, a corporate or wellness retreat, a guest ranch or equestrian resort, or even a luxury equestrian community. With a shallow water table, abundant water, exceptional facilities, and unmatched location, there is truly nothing like this property in Southern Arizona.