Join us for the
2024 Saguaro Skies Summit
July 6 - 12, 2024
Tucson, Arizona

Unplug, explore, and connect with family and friends

Come stay with us at an award-winning historic dude ranch nestled between the city of Tuscon, the Rincon Mountains, Coronado National Forest, and Saguaro National Park. We will be deep in the wilderness yet only 30 minutes away from the Tucson airport. 

A True Oasis in the Saguaro

Our home for the week, Tanque Verde Dude Ranch, is a family-friendly wilderness retreat. Onsite activities include highlights such as horseback riding among the Saguaro cacti, nature trails, archery, and mountain biking. Between classes, you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, old-style saloon, or spa, all backed by stunning vistas. Reserve your spot for this incredible experience today!

Experience the oldest continuously inhabited area in the US

Explore the area inhabited by the Hohokam people for over 12,000 years. To gain a deeper understanding of the region’s evolution, we will explore archeological sites, centuries-old missions, and historic ranches. This long heritage heritage has earned Tucson the distinction of the only UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US. We will enjoy a unique blend of Native American and Mexican cuisine, with tasty ingredients such as Saguaro cactus blossoms, mesquite bark, and sweet prickly pear cactus – all sustainably cultivated in the desert for centuries. 

Explore the best of the Outdoors

In the mornings, discover the world’s second largest bird species habitat in the world, just behind the Amazon Rainforest. Find refuge from the hot afternoons in the nearby mountain ranges with temperatures 20 degrees cooler than the low lands, or go underground and explore one of the largest dry cave networks in the world. Evenings will bring out some of the darkest skies in the US, with star gazing on-site or at one of the most prestigious observatories in the world.

Pricing and Policies

Adult (18+)$885
Teen (grades 7th – 12th including summer after 12th)$775
Jr. Naturalist (grades K – 6th)$700
Early Discovery (ages 3 & 4. 1/2 day/full day programs)$560/$700
Future Explorers (ages 0 – 2. 1/2 day/full day program)$340/$560
No Program (ages 0-2)$0

The registration fee includes most programming, entry fees, and transportation to scheduled events. The registration fee does NOT include the cost of housing/meal plan (listed under the Lodging & Meals tab) or transportation to and from the Summit. A $200 per person registration deposit is required at the time of registration.

Registration Fees include the following:

  • Curated activities highlighting the best of the area designed and led by national and local experts
  • Guided hikes
  • All transportation to offsite activities
  • Lectures on local conservation and wildlife topics
  • Full-day youth programming by grade or age led by experienced outdoor educators
  • Family time activities 
  • Evening programming for all ages
  • Late-night programs for adults

Registration fees do not include:

  • Room and board
  • Specialized equipment rentals 
  • Supplies for some art/craft classes

Cancellation Policy: Cancel before Dec. 31, 2023, with a fee of $100 per registrant. Between January 1, 2024, and  February 1, 2024, the fee will be $350 per registrant. No refunds will be provided after February 1, 2024.

Airports

The closest airports are:

AirportApproximate distance from Saguaro Skies Summit
Tucson (TUS)30 minutes
Marana (AVQ)1 hour
Phoenix (PHX)2 hours

You will be responsible for transportation between the airport and the Summit. A shuttle from Tanque Verde is available and must be booked 14 days in advance.

Lodging and Meals

Housing and Meal Information

Room and board for the Summit includes 6 nights of accommodation and 3 meals a day. Meals start with dinner on the first day and end with breakfast the last morning. A total of 17 meals are included, with to-go meals provided for any offsite activities during meal times. 

 Due to the size of the venue, our accommodations are limited. All guests will be asked their preferred bed setup and any accessibility needs. FNS staff will be working closely with our participants and Tanque Verde to best accommodate everyone and maximizing use of the available space. Rooms assignments are based on family size and order of registration.To ensure everyone’s needs are met, please make your reservations as early as possible. Detailed reservation information will be provided after we receive your registration and deposit. 

Room rates include room and board (three meals a day). Rooms sleep up to 6 people. Our reduced room rates will be available to Summiteers up to three days before and after the Summit, subject to availability. 

Base room rate (all rooms): $275 per night 

Additional adults (ages 12+): $85 per night

Children (ages 4-11): $43 per night

Young children (ages 3 and under): No additional cost

Hotel room rates include taxes, which is subject to change. Rates include Wi-Fi and parking.

Traveling solo? We can help you find shared lodging.