About Historic Empire Ranch
The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for nearly 150 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, on public lands acquired and administered since 1988.The half-mile interpretive Heritage Discovery Trail is at the north end of the Empire Ranch Headquarters. Along this packed gravel trail, visitors learn the history behind the area, including the Hired Man’s House and the New Ranch House.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Historic Empire Ranch
Heading to Historic Empire Ranch? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Historic Empire Ranch?
No central reservation system listed for Historic Empire Ranch. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/262593) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Historic Empire Ranch?
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 …
How do I contact Historic Empire Ranch?
You can reach the park at phone: 520-258-7200 or email: BLM_AZ_TFOWEB@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
