Historic Empire Ranch
The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for 140 years. Its rich history includes successive ownership by two prominent ranching families, two corporations, and finally by the federal government on behalf of the general public.
The Empire Ranch Headquarters is magnificently situated in the high Sonoran Desert and rolling grasslands of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (LCNCA), located just 50 miles southeast of Tucson, and 10 miles north of Sonoita. The Ranch Headquarters and the LCNCA are open daily to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
The Empire Ranch House is a 22-room adobe and wood frame building, which dates to 1870 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The ranch sits at the heart of the 42,000-acre Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (NCA), on public lands acquired and administered since 1988.
Draft Recreation Business Plan Fee Proposal
To continue providing a quality recreational experience on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a draft business plan fee proposal for this site, in addition to other BLM-managed recreation sites across Arizona. The BLM wants to hear from you about these draft business plans. Visit the Recreation Business Plan webpage or our announcement for more information about how to share your input by October 21.
Phone
Activities
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Tucson, follow I-10 E to AZ-83 (exit 281). Follow AZ-83 S for 18 miles. Watch for Historic Empire Ranch sign between mileposts 39 and 40. Turn E on LC 900 road and follow signs for 3 miles to the Empire Ranch House. From Sierra Vista, follow AZ-90 N to AZ-82 W to AZ-83 N. Follow AZ-83 N for 6.6 miles. Watch for Historic Empire Ranch sign between mileposts 39 and 40. Turn E on LC 900 road and follow signs for 3 miles to the Empire Ranch House.
Fees
None