Entire home

Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack

Exterior
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Miscellaneous
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 16

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Gym
    Gym

Explore the area

Map
Tucson, AZ
  • Golden Gate Loop Trail
    12 min drive
  • Sus Picnic Area
    12 min drive
  • Red Hills Visitor Center
    14 min drive
  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional)
    13 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Tucson

At this holiday home, you'll be 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from Saguaro National Park and 7.3 km (4.5 mi) from Golden Gate Loop Trail. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washer/dryer and free WiFi. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and home features 2.5 bathrooms, a fireplace and a furnished patio. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. In-room jetted baths, a sofa bed and a living room are also available. Housekeeping is available on request. .Enjoy the gym and Hot tub. Other amenities include a garden, barbecues and a porch. .Sights within a 15-minute drive of this Picture Rocks holiday home include Tucson Mountain Park and Sus Picnic Area.

What's nearby

  • Golden Gate Loop Trail - 12 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - 16 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Tucson Premium Outlets - 21 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Old Tucson Studios - 22 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Tucson Mall - 29 min drive - 26.7 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 29 min drive
  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sky Rider Coffee Shop - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Wagon Wheel Post - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Station - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Just Breakfast on Silverbell - ‬18 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack

You won’t find cows or horses at OUR ranch, just abundant, native Sonoran Desert wildlife amid stunning mountain views. The out-of-the way, private setting down our short dirt driveway invites a leisurely attitude towards such modern worries as pants. An ideal choice for an adventurous family, reunions, retreats, or several couples who like privacy while sharing the overall space.

Our main house is a locally storied and funky, two-story octagon filled with color, tropical plants, original artwork, heaps of books, and curiosities in every corner. You’ll also find all the comforts of home inside with our gourmet kitchen, washer and dryer (plus a clothes-saving, outdoor line), two and a half baths in the main octagon house (one with a jacuzzi tub), four bedrooms (one king and three double beds), a fold-out couch that sleeps two more, internet (50-100 Mbps in both buildings), central heating and A/C, wood fireplace, rustic pine floors under a cathedral ceiling with skylights. And it’s all encircled by a covered wrap-around porch so you can lounge in the shade or the sun anytime. For check-in security, there is a security camera outside to monitor for unauthorized guests and pets, so please be sure to disclose both before checking in. Over 10 guests there will be an additional $20 fee per guest/day for up to 16 guests max. Any unauthorized guests/pets will be charged $50 per addition.

The separate, repurposed metal building, our Sonora Shack, has a full bathroom with shower and kitchenette with convection/air fryer and small fridge/freezer. downstairs. It's an ideal meeting space with big windows, chalkboards, office chairs and conference table. You’ll also find exercise equipment, a workbench, and 2 double-bed futons. Up the spiral staircase, four can sleep with a double bed and a 2 twin (trundled) day beds with a sunset view and a telescope which can be used from the loft balcony!

Pets are welcome! Up to 2 dogs are allowed per booking and must be disclosed prior to your stay. There is an additional pet fee of $40 per stay for up to 2 dogs. Pets MUST be leashed outside, we have loads of wildlife and cacti that call our backyard home, so for the safety of your pups and the resident wildlife, please keep them leashed outside! A water bowl and a pooper scooper is available to clean up any doggy doos.

As biologists and artists, we are super excited to share our beloved solar-energy home adjacent to Saguaro National Park West with folks who crave a truly natural and one-of-a-kind experience. We hope you enjoy our home while we are away doing citizen-science work aboard our sailboat, Triplefin (look it up!), in Mexico. We might even tell you how No Pants Ranch got its name!

Your Interaction with Guests
Our bubbly and reliable friend and neighbor, Nancy Grosvenor, is available to meet you at the gate and help you with any questions or issues during your stay. She’s just a phone call away. Our nearest neighbor, Dennis, is our trusty handyman and ready to help with small fixes in a jiffy.

Checking In & Security Cameras
Check-in is anytime between 4-10PM, please let us know if you are planning on checking in later so that the lights can be left on for you! For check-in security, there are security cameras outdoors to monitor for unauthorized events, guests and pets, so PLEASE be sure to disclose your FULL guest count and any pets as well as any planned event for pre-approval before checking in. There will be an extra $50 charge per every unauthorized addition (guest or pet) or $300+ charge for an unauthorized event. Weddings are welcome at No Pants Ranch which include an extra event fee, please contact us if you would like to plan your wedding here!

Neighborhood
Outside, our five acres is a naturalist’s paradise just begging to be carefully explored. We have fifty-three (yes, we’ve counted!) saguaro cactus ranging from pin-cushion size, five-year-old babies to their giant grandparents well over 100 years old! You’ll also discover many other native cactus and agave, wildflowers, ancient desert trees, various lizards, birds, snakes, and interesting insects. You can cool yourself in the outdoor clawfoot tub or hang on the hammock and view our colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats as they emerge from their bat houses at sunset. After dark you might spy javelinas, coyotes, and bobcats who come to drink from our watering hole. Be sure to say “howdy” if you run into our eclectic friends and neighbors, from cactus-hugging hippies to die-hard cowboys out for an evening walk. They’ll love to give you local suggestions like hidden petroglyphs, nearby dive bars, neighborhood food trucks, and farmer’s markets. On moonless nights be sure to enjoy the dark, starry sky from the porch swing and spy planets and nebulas through the telescope. There’s also a patio with dining table and kiva fireplace to enjoy. You can play desert croquet, badminton, or even nighttime volleyball on our sand court.

Getting Around
Located on the edge of Saguaro National Park West and close to Tucson Mountain Park, your driving time to many hiking trails is just about zero. You can reach Park headquarters in just minutes, the famed Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in ten minutes, grocery stores and restaurants in under fifteen, while downtown Tucson is still only a thirty-minute, scenic drive away. Go just forty minutes to search for bighorn sheep in Ironwood National Monument and expect a forty-five-minute drive from the Tucson International airport or a ninety-minute trip from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor. Shuttles are available from both airports.

Property manager

Stephanie Jo Bowman

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Day bed
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Furnished patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Telescope

Laundry

  • Washer/dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Smartphone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Recycling
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Solar energy
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Beware: desert is spiny and sometimes dangerous!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 28
Note from host: Events must be pre-approved by host
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 28. Note from host: Events must be pre-approved by host This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Desert Living at No Pants Ranch the Sonora Shack
Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack Tucson

Frequently asked questions

Does Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

What luxury perks are available at Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack?

This property features 1 hot tub, as well as a jetted bath and a fireplace.

What makes Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub, Jetted bath, and fireplaces all help set the scene for a sizzling getaway at Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack.

Is Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a BBQ, children's books and travel cots, it's no surprise that Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a private hot tub at Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack?

Yep, there is a hot tub.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack?

No, Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Desert Living at No Pants Ranch & the Sonora Shack Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Penny D., Payson, AZ

Family Get Together
Perfect, different, fun, great out of the way location. Owners communicated constantly. Would definitely go back. Lots of beds. We cooked homemade pizzas, B&Gs, 5 mile walk. Tons of games for the kiddos 6 & 8. The wildlife was fun!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mercedes C., Takoma Park, MD

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay!
Our family enjoyed our stay. Lovely desert setting with lots of activities and full kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nickie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedded Bliss
We were lucky enough to be able to have our wedding in this wonderfull setting. Before our stay the owners invited us out to see the property and get a better feel of the place so we'd be able to plan out our event. Our wedding went smoothly and we were able to have friends and family join us for our celebration. The setting was perfect for a setting sun reception and celebration. I appreciated the care and attention they gave us and the quick response when something went amiss. Thank you again for letting us use this lovely eclectic home for our special day in October.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Memories
Such a great place to stay with family and friends! It was exactly what we were looking for! The outside areas were beautiful, the sunsets were amazing, and the house was fully stocked with everything you would need! We loved the curiosities around every corner and appreciated the prompt responses to our inquiries! Highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Sonoran Retreat
No Pants Ranch is a natural, funky, and fun desert property near Sonoran National Park and the Desert Museum in the small town of Picture Rocks. The house is octagonal, wooden, two-story and unusual with a wrap around deck good for watching the birds and other wildlife. The Sonoran Shack is a two story casita with an attached cover for an RV. The house is comfortable, decorated with biologically-based artwork, and roomy. We are a couple and used it for two months as a base for Tucson activities, with groups of family and friends visiting for periods. You need to cross a mountain pass and portions of the National Park to get to the property, but in 15 minutes you are to I-10 and in 30 minutes downtown Tucson. We enjoyed it so much, we will return next year.
Stayed 52 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thecla M.

Liked: Cleanliness
If you don't want ordinary!
Unique architecture, beautiful setting - this is not an ordinary property! You almost "get to know" the owners and their passions through the art work and objects throughout their home! Great communication about how the house operates, check in, where things are located. We enjoyed our stay very much!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a corporate retreat
We had our annual planning session and wanted to find a way to disconnect from the office to focus on the business rather than be distracted by the day-to-day of the business. There was plenty of space for 6 adults and two great working locations to plan our year. Working outdoors by the fire made for a great venue, and we even snuck out to Saguaro National Park for a quick hike. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kerri S.

Liked: Cleanliness
So Beautiful!
We all enjoyed the uniqueness of the property and homes. There was plenty of room for our large party and all of the necessities were provided. The views were lovely and we loved the porch swing and outdoor fireplace. Would definitely stay again to accommodate our large family!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steven G., Clovis ca

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location
We had such a great time. the trails and views are beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sonoran Desert Wonderland
We had such a wonderful time at No Pants Ranch, Sabino Canyon, the Saguaro National Park, the Tucson Botanical Garden, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Coyote Pause Cafe, the U of Arizona, & Tucson! What a week! The mornings & the sunsets on the ranch porch are among my favorite memories! Till next time!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Family Getaway
Our family does a lot of traveling using VRBO and we rely heavily upon the reviews others have left to guide our decisions. This home will not disappoint! We specifically looked for somewhere that was not a commercialized condo with a pool. We were right on the edge of Saguaro National Park and within about 10 minutes of several great hikes. The house was very unique and had plenty of room to sleep more people than we had. It also comes with a guest house that was perfect for the family that came to stay with us. The kitchen was stocked with every cooking item you would everr need! The property was perfect for watching the sunset on the mountains and the nature around the house kept the kids busy for hours! While the owners are often away and out of reach, their property manager is local and was extremely responsive and very friendly! You will not be disappointed staying at this unique desert home!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deven C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Eclectic getaway
Property owners are amazing. Very accommodating and flexible with our wedding arrangements. Grounds were beautiful and maintained and was a wonderful spot for our special day
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Randolph J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical Oasis
This is one of the nicest, best equipped, most comfortable house swe've rented. The location seems remote -- which may not appeal to all, but is the reason we chose it -- but it is actually easy to reach the city for activities or a night out. There are great hikes literally in walking distance across the road in the Saguar National Reserve. The photos and description of the property are a very accurate depiction of the reality. (That's too often not the case, in our experience.) In addition to comfortably accommodating eight adults in various combinations, the kitchen was well-equipped for the cooking our family enjoys when we are together. The grounds delivered on the promised wildlife, with a javelina, a bobcat, coyotes, and flocks of birds. It was still a little chilly, so no reptiles, but that's OK. Also, no relaxing in the outdoor hot tub/bath tub. The other thing to note is that the property manager, Nathalie, is outstanding. Quick to reply to any question, quick to provide the couple of things that ran out, and a delightful artist, whose drawings can be seen in the house. All in all, can't say enough good about our 2 1/2 weeks at the No Pants Ranch,. We almost never return to a place, but if we did, we'd happilly spend another couple of weeks here.
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Lynn R.

Great location for large groups
The location and serene setting are wonderful. Had 14 guests for overnight holiday party and was perfect even though it rained and was cold (29 degrees!) Kitchen was well stocked and beds good. Would have appreciated a gas grill. We felt the living room furniture was warn out and not suitable for older folks. The space heaters made the Shack comfortable even though the downstairs flooded after a rainstorm. Loved having the new bathroom. Internet /streaming great. Fireplace great on cold nights. Needs some maintenance (interior painting, deck, stairways, handrails etc) Nathalie was kind and very responsive.
Stayed 24 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding Family Stay
We had such a fun time at the family wedding, as do most or all, but our time was exemplified by the fact that our whole family stayed at "no pants ranch" we cooked pizza on the fireplace. it was so peaceful and such a great family setting for us to enjoy our time together. It was so organized and everything was labeled and very easy to keep clean. THOSE BEDS WERE AWESOME!!! We would do this again in a heart beat.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Paige P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Outdoor Spaces
The house was very comfortable and had all we needed. What we enjoyed most, though, was being outdoors "in" the Sonoran Desert. There are many outdoor "living" areas and sitting areas, and we enjoyed morning coffee outside while watching the sun rise. It was a very relaxing area, and we wanted to be "in nature." The kids enjoyed exploring and playing outside, and we all enjoyed the new-to-us landscape.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sean B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pretty awesome place
Everything was great and the gone was stocked with everything we could need.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Al N., Tucson

Liked: Cleanliness
LOVED IT ! Perfect for groups!
LOVED it! Great art, beautiful space and very safe and cozy. Nice to see a rental so conservation conscious. Hope to return one day!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bianca B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for relaxing and entertaining
We came to Tucson for a family gathering and No Pants Ranch was the perfect place for our needs. My husband and I and our 3 teenage boys had all the space we needed plus there was room for us to entertain other family members who were in town. We hosted a brunch for 16 people during our stay and everyone was comfortable and enjoyed the house, porch and surroundings. Nathalie was quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. We hope to stay here again the next time we come to Tucson! Thanks for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun & Interesting Home!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this fun & interesting home! I brought a group of 8 fifth - seventh grade students and their parents on a 3-day history and environmental education field trip and this was the perfect place for us to stay! We went hiking in Saguaro National Park, saw petroglyphs at Signal Hill Trail and Picture Rocks, and went to Funny Foot Farm, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Titan Missile Museum, and the Pima Air & Space Museum. We had 8 kids and 5 adults and with the Sonora Shack and the main house, there was plenty of room for all of us. We appreciated how all the drawers and cabinets in the kitchen were labeled with what items are in them. We also appreciated that they supplied shampoo, conditioner, body wash, laundry supplies, and a very high quality rechargeable flashlight. There was plenty of space for parking. The wrap-around deck, outdoor sitting areas, and the hammock provided relaxing areas to visit and enjoy the evenings. We saw lots of wildlife. The living room was the perfect place for playing games with the large group. We enjoyed viewing all the nature photography from the Biodiversity Group and their Biodiversity PEEK program. Absolutely amazing work! We also enjoyed the information book and learning about the owners. We definitely want to go sailing with them one day. Nathalie was very helpful and easy to communicate with. The home is filled with lots of interesting items and curiosities. We created a scavenger hunt activity for the kids. They had a blast reading the clues and searching for photos and artifacts around the home. We liked the classroom and exercise equipment in the Sonora Shack and the views from the balcony. The kids enjoyed playing badminton in the yard, although one student had a too close encounter with a cactus. We loved watching all the bats come out of the bat houses as we enjoyed the sunset from the deck. We bought blacklights and went on a walk to find scorpions at nighttime. We definitely plan to rent this beautiful home for future trips!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021