Today is arrival day. Please plan to arrive at the Tucson International Airport by 3 PM or at the Tanque Verde Ranch by 4 PM. After brief introductions, we'll settle into the ranch, our home base for the trip. Located on the edge of the Rincon Mountains and overlooking the rolling foothills of Saguaro National Park, Tanque Verde Ranch offers charming, southwestern lodging, and is one of Tucson's top destinations for hiking, sketching and horseback riding. We'll take a short hike to familiarize ourselves with the ranch and then gather for a Welcome Cookout Dinner - Cowgirl style! After dinner, start playing with your watercolors and nature journal to record the vivid colors of the sunset from the courtyard outside our rooms, then join the evening campfire. (D)
Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch

After an early breakfast, we'll have a private riding lesson and then saddle up for a ride around the ranch. After this warm-up ride, we'll stretch our legs on a hike and sketch in neighboring Saguaro National Park. With our packed lunches and sketchbooks, you will have a choice to “hike more” on a 6.5-mile loop hike of Gardwood Dam and Little Wildhorse Tank trail, or “sketch more” stopping more to sketch the spectacular views and variety of cactus and wildlife along the way. For those wanting an extra challenge, there's also the option to take a 1.2-mile round-trip spur trail to Bridal Wreath Falls. We will get back to the ranch in time to take a quick dip in the pool or hot tub and freshen up before heading into Tucson for dinner (and a margarita if you choose!). (B, L, D)
Overnight Tanque Verde Ranch

After a hearty breakfast we'll drive about 90-minutes south to explore Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. The canyon is one of the most renowned birding locations in the United States and we'll have two hike options to add to our bird lists: “Hike More” on the 6.5-mile Josephine Saddle Loop via Super Trail. The trail follows a moderate grade for 3.6 miles before reaching the Josephine Saddle, returning on the Old Baldy Trail, descending the 1700 feet we just climbed up but in only 2.2 miles. Or “Sketch More,” hiking as far as we want, again stopping several times to pull out our sketchbooks, complete with short sketching lessons and tips. Whatever you chose, we will keep our eyes and ears open for wildlife, including the stunning Elegant Trogon! After our hikes, we will continue about an hour south to the historic town of Tubac, which was founded as a presidio, or fort, in 1752 as the Spanish empire expanded into the desert Southwest. Today, Tubac is a thriving artist community with over 100 galleries, shops and great restaurants. You'll have the option to stroll the town at your own pace or shuttle a short distance to the Tumacácori mission - a 19th-century Franciscan mission and now a National Historic Park. You can take a tour of the park or walk 4 miles back to Tubac along the historic Anza trail that follows the Santa Cruz river. We will meet back up around sunset for dinner at Elvira's - an iconic, vibrant and award-winning Mexican restaurant. If you want to try mole while in Arizona, this is the place to do it! Overnight Tanque Verde Ranch (B, L, D)

Today begins with an early breakfast and plenty of cowgirl coffee! We'll then drive a short distance to Sabino Canyon and catch a shuttle to the Seven Falls trailhead. It's one of Tucson's most popular hikes but it's easy to see why and worth getting there early to beat the crowds. On this 5-mile out and back trail, we'll be surrounded by saguaros, cholla, ocotillo and the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. And after a gradual and steady climb, we'll be rewarded with the views of Seven Falls and time to relax and dip your feet in the cool pools. You will have a chance to learn techniques to practice painting water in your sketchbook. We’ll return on the same trail, and take the short shuttle ride down the canyon. We'll then visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place! We'll arrive in time to witness the Raptor Free Flight and have a private guided tour of this unique museum, taking sketch notes along the way. (B, L)

After an early breakfast we'll drive about an hour to the top of Mt. Lemmon, stopping along the way at a few of the highlights and viewpoints. Depending on the conditions and energy levels we'll hike one of the many shaded trails near the top of the mountain. After a lovely picnic lunch, we'll treat ourselves to a cookie at Mt. Lemmon's famous cookie cabin! We'll be back at the ranch by mid-afternoon with options to partake in one of the numerous activities and amenities at the ranch, take more time with your nature journal and/or a sunset horseback ride. Save your energy and your appetite though because tonight's dinner is not to be missed. Sadly, our time together is coming to end but we'll share a tasty final dinner together at a Tucson landmark restaurant. Overnight at Tanque Verde Ranch. (B, L, D)

Wow, it's our last day, already? We sure packed a lot of fun into these 5 days together! You are free to leave any time after breakfast. We will have you to the airport by 11 AM for flights out after 1 PM. Or there are shuttles and ride-shares available for a fee if you would like to leave at another time.