When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
Smoke Tree Ranch
Why Smoke Tree Ranch is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Smoke Tree Ranch is a charming and historic resort located in Palm Springs, California, offering a unique desert getaway surrounded by natural beauty. With a rich history spanning over sixty years, this resort seamlessly blends privacy, comfort, and spectacular desert and mountain views. The Ranch features 49 private cottages, each designed to provide guests with an intimate experience amidst the stunning landscape filled with smoke trees and desert shrubs. Guests enjoy tranquil accommodations nestled amidst wildflowers, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxing with friends or family. The Ranch is also perfectly situated minutes from downtown Palm Springs, offering easy access to a wide range of activities including horseback riding, golf, hiking, biking, lively shopping, and entertainment. On the property, visitors can enjoy multiple amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling greens, and the well-known Ranch House dining room. The atmosphere is enhanced by attentive, hospitable staff who ensure a memorable stay for groups celebrating reunions, business retreats, or leisure vacations. Overall, Smoke Tree Ranch offers a thoughtfully preserved desert oasis that combines natural beauty, privacy, historic charm, and warm hospitality, making it an excellent destination for meeting up with friends or loved ones in a picturesque setting.
Here's what people think of Smoke Tree Ranch
As of recent, Smoke Tree Ranch holds a 4.8-star rating based on 28 reviews.
Guest reviews of Smoke Tree Ranch overwhelmingly praise the resort for its beautiful location, attentive service, and the overall experience of staying in a peaceful desert environment. Many travelers highlight the spectacular desert and mountain views visible from private cottages, noting the immaculate condition of accommodations and the quality of the ranch's facilities. Positive feedback emphasizes the friendly and helpful staff, the terrific food served at the restaurant—including notable desserts—and the peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for family gatherings or romantic getaways. Visitors also appreciate the activities available nearby, such as horseback riding guided by knowledgeable staff, and the accessibility of Palm Springs attractions. On the other hand, some critiques mention the exclusivity of the resort and the requirement of sponsorship for entry, which may limit spontaneous visits. Additionally, a few guests point out that the dining experience can be formal, with dress codes for dinner, which could feel restrictive to some. Overall, reviews reflect a strong satisfaction rate with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5, underscoring Smoke Tree Ranch as a well-regarded, historic resort that delivers a unique and memorable desert escape. Positive comments about the food, views, and staff hospitality are balanced by minor concerns about exclusivity and formality. Notwithstanding these, the consensus is that Smoke Tree Ranch is an exceptional place to relax and bond with friends or family in a beautiful desert setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joshua Hustedt
We have loved riding at smoke tree ranch. This place is wonderful! Betty is very kind to open her home and property to the kids and the riding community is excellent!
Janine “J9” Weatherby
It is a great place, and the people are the best. Awesome for starting lessons and very dedicated to the progress of knowledge. Thank you for everything, and I will continue to help out whenever needed.
Kerry Brock
The place, the staff and the attitude at this stable supports and provides a young person the experience of becomming a great rider.
Rex Wager
Betty Beran's Smoke Tree Ranch is a first-class operation for english riding lessons, training, and showing quality horses. Great place for youth and adults that are interested in learning to ride, improve their skill sets, or participate in local shows and beyond. Long-time horse woman, Betty Beran has started many folks who went on to great careers in the horse world.
Nora Walker
Training and instruction for high level hunter-jumper competition. Also a small lesson program for beginners who are drawn to the high standards of today's competition. Enter from Larkspur rather than Cactus.
How to reach Smoke Tree Ranch
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Why Smoke Tree Ranch may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Smoke Tree Ranch with your friends? Smoke Tree Ranch offers an unbeatable combination of privacy, natural beauty, and top-tier recreational amenities that make it the perfect spot for group meetups. Nestled on 375 acres of scenic desert landscape in Palm Springs, this exclusive gated resort has a rich history dating back to 1925, attracting guests who seek both relaxation and adventure in a luxurious yet rustic western setting. The ranch’s secluded atmosphere ensures you and your friends can truly unwind, away from the distractions of everyday life, while still being engaged with a variety of fun activities right on site. The expansive grounds provide ample space for everyone to spread out or gather together, making it ideal regardless of your group size. From soaking in the desert views by the pool to engaging in friendly sports competitions or exploring hiking trails, Smoke Tree Ranch invites groups to reconnect and create lasting memories. The blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and comfortable ranch-style accommodations means you can tailor your visit to exactly how you and your friends want to rally — whether that’s adventurous, leisurely, or somewhere in between.
What activities can you enjoy at Smoke Tree Ranch, and why is it perfect for group meetups? Smoke Tree Ranch is a playground for all kinds of outdoor and indoor recreation that caters perfectly to groups. You can dive into organized sports like tennis on six courts, including both clay and hard surfaces, or challenge each other in friendly games of basketball, croquet, or horseshoes. The croquet lawn offers options for all ages, including American Six Wicket, Golf Croquet, and a kid-friendly Backyard Croquet set. For golf lovers, there’s a charming three-hole course that’s perfect for relaxed rounds with scenic desert mountain backdrops. Hiking and biking enthusiasts will appreciate miles of well-maintained trails that wind through the 350 acres of natural desert, offering both fitness and exploration opportunities. Bird watchers in your group will find plenty to admire, with the ranch hosting a variety of desert bird species such as quail, roadrunners, and hummingbirds; a handy bird guide booklet is even available.
Why does Smoke Tree Ranch’s recreational diversity make it a go-to meetup destination? The ranch excels in providing options so that every group member can find something enjoyable to do, making it an inclusive venue for everyone from active adventurers to those who prefer low-key relaxation. Its Olympic-size pool and outdoor jacuzzi provide stunning and refreshing spots to cool down and socialize. Meanwhile, a fully equipped fitness center offers a space to workout amidst beautiful surroundings, so health-conscious guests don’t miss out. The presence of amenities like a general store, dining room, poolside bar service, and babysitting referrals adds added convenience for groups with diverse needs, including families with children. Also, the ranch house acts as a comfortable gathering spot with lounges, a library, card and conference rooms, and outdoor patios, which are great for group meals, meetings, or simply catching up.
How does Smoke Tree Ranch’s unique setting enhance your group experience? Located in the heart of Palm Springs with private gated access, Smoke Tree Ranch merges peaceful desert wilderness with understated luxury, creating an ambiance that encourages both connection and calm. The rustic ranch style, combined with hand-carved furnishings and stone fireplaces inside the Ranch House, evokes a warm, homey feeling where groups can relax together in comfort. Outside, the landscape dotted with iconic smoke trees, towering saguaros, and native desert plants provides a breathtaking backdrop for gatherings, photography, or quiet contemplation. The ranch’s proximity to numerous Palm Springs attractions — including museums, theaters, shopping centers, and natural parks — means groups can easily balance on-site activities with excursions to local cultural and entertainment hotspots.
What kinds of events and group gatherings can Smoke Tree Ranch accommodate? Beyond casual meetups, Smoke Tree Ranch offers versatile venues and services that support larger celebrations and corporate retreats alike. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a corporate team-building event, or a themed party, the ranch boasts beautiful outdoor spaces and historic ranch grounds to fit your vision. The ranch’s events team can assist with everything from Western cookouts and rehearsal dinners to product launches and engagement parties, ensuring a seamless experience. Offering practical amenities like business services (fax, mail, computer access), secure parking, and massage services, the ranch ensures your group’s needs are met from start to finish. For those interested in horseback riding, the nearby Smoke Tree Stables provide access to over 150 miles of riding trails and western cookout events, adding a truly distinctive element to your gathering.
In what ways does the combination of natural beauty and modern amenities at Smoke Tree Ranch benefit group meetups? The marriage of pristine desert scenery with high-quality facilities at Smoke Tree Ranch creates a setting that feels both authentic and upscale. Groups can begin their mornings with a brisk hike through scenic trails or a game of tennis on well-maintained courts, then wind down at the expansive Olympic-size pool or relaxing jacuzzi. With amenities like bike rentals, fitness equipment, and a variety of lawn sports, there’s no shortage of activities to keep your group engaged throughout their stay. Additionally, the lodge-style Ranch House and outdoor gathering areas provide cozy spots to share meals, drinks, or storytelling, deepening connections in an inviting atmosphere. This seamless blend makes Smoke Tree Ranch equally appealing for groups seeking active adventure or laid-back companionship in a single destination.
How does the privacy and exclusivity of Smoke Tree Ranch enhance group quality time? The gated and secluded nature of the ranch gives your group a sense of being in a private retreat, free from the common distractions and crowds of more commercial resort areas. This exceptional privacy allows for uninterrupted conversations, customized group activities, and a highly personal experience. The expansive property and thoughtful recreational layout mean your group has plenty of room to enjoy both solitary moments and group fun without feeling cramped or exposed. For those seeking a getaway where the focus is on friends, family, and shared experiences, this level of exclusivity is invaluable, fostering a genuine sense of belonging and relaxation.
What nearby attractions can complement your meetup at Smoke Tree Ranch? While the ranch offers an abundance of on-site entertainment, its location in Palm Springs provides easy access to a wide variety of off-site activities perfect for groups. Options include cultural stops like the Palm Springs Art Museum and Moorten’s Botanical Gardens, outdoor adventures in Joshua Tree National Park or the Indian Canyons, and family-friendly venues such as Boomer’s Family Fun Center and the Children’s Discovery Museum. For shopping and dining, the nearby El Paseo Shopping District or Smoke Tree Village offer diverse selections. These varied attractions enable your group to craft itineraries that combine the tranquility of the ranch with the dynamic offerings of the area, ensuring everyone’s interests are met.
Why is Smoke Tree Ranch’s historical and celebrity legacy an added allure for group visits? The ranch has been a treasured desert hideaway since 1925, favored by celebrities like Walt Disney, which adds a unique charm and prestige to your gathering. Staying and meeting at a place with such a storied past cultivates an inspiring ambiance that feels both special and timeless. This historical richness enhances group visits by providing a deeper narrative to your stay, connecting you and your friends to nearly a century of Palm Springs’ social and cultural heritage. This legacy elevates your experience beyond just recreation, making your meetup feel like part of a grand tradition.
How does Smoke Tree Ranch support diverse group needs with its guest services? The ranch’s extensive guest services ensure that all members of your group, regardless of age or interest, can fully enjoy their time. From babysitting referrals that ease the minds of parents to bicycle rentals and massage services that cater to wellness enthusiasts, every detail is thoughtfully addressed. The general store and pro-shop supply essentials and gear for on-site activities, while business services support any professional needs for corporate groups. Complimentary private parking and dining room reservations add convenience, allowing your group to focus on fun and relaxation rather than logistics. This all-around support facilitates smooth, stress-free gatherings where the focus remains on connection and enjoyment.
In what ways does Smoke Tree Ranch’s environment encourage both active fun and serene relaxation? The Ranch perfectly balances its offerings between energetic pursuits and peaceful retreats. Early risers can explore the desert trails capturing the beauty of native plants and birds, or engage in spirited games of tennis, basketball, or golf. Meanwhile, those seeking rest can lounge poolside, unwind in the outdoor jacuzzi, or enjoy a quiet read in the Ranch House’s cozy library. This versatility means groups can split activities by preference yet still share the space cohesively, fostering inclusive experiences where everyone feels catered to. The inviting blend of nature and comfort provides an ideal backdrop for both lively socializing and tranquil downtime, enhancing every moment spent together.
Why do group meetups at Smoke Tree Ranch create lasting memories? Meeting at Smoke Tree Ranch is more than just a gathering; it’s an immersive experience that combines stunning natural surroundings, rich history, versatile activities, and warm hospitality. The scenic desert landscape, combined with the charm of a historic western ranch, provides a unique setting that is memorable and inspiring. With opportunities for both collaborative adventure and quiet connection, groups strengthen bonds and create stories worth retelling. The thoughtfully maintained facilities and attentive services ensure everyone’s needs are met, allowing your group to focus entirely on being present with each other. As a result, a meetup here is not simply a weekend away but a treasured chapter in your shared journey of friendship or family.