Explore and Play in the Southern Arizona

Private or Guided Options

We offer both private, customized hikes as well as group, guided hikes. Reservations are required.

Night Hike

When the sun goes down, nocturnal creatures come out. Discover the sights and sounds of the desert at night in this casual one-hour hike.

Sunset Hike

Experience the Sonoran Desert at the height of its beauty at sunset during this two-hour challenging hike.

Views and Vistas Hike

This moderate fitness hike offers a 500-foot elevation change and is geared towards getting your heart rate up while you enjoy stunning desert vistas.

Ancient Rock Art Hike

Discover ancient Hohokam petroglyphs found in Wild Burro Canyon on this casual hike.

Cactus Discovery Hike

Navigate the Lower Javelina trails on this moderate hike, and sample different cacti, cactus fruit, and other edibles, or sit atop Pride Rock and take in panoramic views of Wild Burro Canyon.

• Par 36


• 3,894 Yards


• Serves as front nine for the Accenture Match Play Championship


• Set against the backdrop of a majestic Saguaro cactus forest to the West

• Par 36


• 3,955 Yards


• Course winds along the base of the Tortolita Mountains


• Serves as back nine for the Accenture Match Play Championship


• Par-3 third hole marks the highest elevation of the course


• Fifth through the eighth holes wander through a secluded canyon


• Grassy hillside stadium setting surrounds the ninth green, ideal for matches that go the distance

• Par 36


• 3,897 Yards


• Jack Nicklaus’ favorite nine holes at Dove Mountain


• Incredible vistas of the Tortolita Mountains highlight several points on the course


• The fifth green includes a panoramic view of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Resort

We offer two unique 3 hour programs daily, starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., in the Dove Mountain Ritz Kids Ranger Headquarters. Young explorers are welcome to join us for the Half Day Expedition by participating in only one of the two programs offered or the more adventurous among them may opt for the Full Day Expedition and participate in both programs offered. Participants in the Full Day Expedition will be served a healthy lunch between adventures and will have the opportunity to enjoy more personalized time with their Ranger guide.

A sampling of currently offered programs includes:

• Things We Eat – Delve into varieties of food, where they come from and who eats what. Look at different foods people eat around the world and be shocked by how far some of our own food travels. Through a variety of unique activities and games, we will have you asking, “What exactly are the things we eat?”


• Our Desert Friends - Discover all the unique features that make our Sonoran Desert different than all other deserts of the world as well as honor the legacy left behind from the civilizations of long, long ago. Create a habitat for your favorite desert friend and finish the morning with a Desert Detective Scavenger Hunt to see how many of our plants and animals you can identify.


• What Is a Good Tree? – Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein guide this activity by helping explain the value of the tree through their heart-warming and inspiring stories. Young guests will expand upon the lessons through a variety of games and activities that will remind us just how important trees are and why they are so special.


• Living Deserts – Find out about all the special critters that call the desert home and some of the fascinating ways they have adapted to live there. We look at different deserts around the world while asking how life can "beat the heat" through a variety of experiments, games, and art projects.

Full Day Expedition
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Includes lunch

Half Day Expedition
9 a.m - 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Reserve Now

For more information, please call (520) 572-3000. Reservations are required for all Ritz Kids Rangers programs at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations are requested 24 hours in advance, or the full cost of the program will be charged. All programs are limited to participants aged 5 to 12 years. We require closed toed shoes, sunscreen and a hat for all daytime activities.