It is not difficult to imagine the Flying V in its early days one hundred years ago in the Southeastern territory of Arizona. Established as a mining claim in the early 1900s and homesteaded before Arizona became a state, Flying V became a working cattle ranch which evolved into a full blown “Dude Ranch” in the 1920s, encompassing some 25,000 acres of leased and patent land. Purchased in 1946 by the Shields family, the ranch played host to many famous names, most of whom came incognito for the informality and tranquility of the canyon and its environs. Today one will find the housekeeping cottages still nestled in Ventana Canyon at the base of the scenic Catalina Mountains. The old ranch house is in a constant state of renovation. Massive rock fireplaces dominate the living and recreation rooms. Guests are invited to browse the extensive library, or enjoy a game of pool, Ping-Pong, or cards.

The ranch is located 15 miles Northeast of downtown Tucson at an altitude of 3000 feet. It is the oldest continuously operated guest ranch in the Tucson area, but as owner Nellia Shields-Young states, they are not a B&B, they do not do meals. The cottages are fully self-contained units with kitchen facilities, emphasizing simplicity, comfort, privacy, and retention of the original Sonoran desert atmosphere. Some units such as the Hacienda, a renovated bunkhouse on a quiet hillside surrounded by trees, contain a microwave, small refrigerator, and outdoor grill. Others offer a kitchenette in units like the Sierrita, and some have full-size kitchens such as the Santa Rita, a family cottage perched on the creekbank, or the Esperero, high on a hillside above the ranch with a view of the Rincon, Santa Rita, Sierrita and Tucson mountain ranges. For those not inclined to cook in the cottages, guests are welcome to pick their own breakfast from the grapefruit trees and the ranch is within a few minutes of shopping and restaurants in Tucson.

A “few,” minutes is no exaggeration either. In the 1970s when high taxes and the unrelenting march of “progress” encroaching upon the ranch made it impossible to continue operation as it was, much of the perimeter acreage was sold as a buffer. In 1979, the remaining acreage was sold to developers, with the home ranch and 70 acres retained by the family. Progress has not stopped its pursuit of the Flying V. The property is for sale, and according to Shields-Young, “It is doubtful that it will be kept as what it is. After a hundred years of existence most likely it will be torn down and more houses will arise.”

The owners do not anticipate more than another season as there are many entities looking to purchase. But as Shields-Young states, “[We] just had a nice couple who spent four nights, they found us on the Internet. They said they had never bought a lottery ticket but were going to start as they want to get enough money together to buy this place and preserve it. We get so many people who react that way after they've stayed with us!”

Though progress engulfs its perimeters, at the Flying V, wildlife abounds. In residence are raccoon, bobcat, javelina, and coyote families. Ringtail cats reside in the unrenovated portions of the ranch house. Cooper’s and Redtail hawks nest along the creek. Deer drink from the pond below the dam; an occasional gray fox or coatimundi may be seen. Lizards and tortoises are everywhere, as are the birds: Cardinals, towhees, finches, roadrunners, thrashers, wrens, hummingbirds (14 varieties), Inca, whitewing and mourning doves, and Gambel’s quail nest on the grounds. Some are seasonal visitors, but many are seen year ‘round.

As Shields-Young says, “We are here during the ‘closed’ season (June 1st through Labor Day), painting, cleaning, fixing, whatever needs done and sealing out the ‘critters’ which make themselves very evident during the hot months. I think they read my mind sometimes and are just waiting for a chance to ambush me. We have a lizard living in one unit but he doesn't bother anything and is always gone by the time we open in the fall - and he's a little guy.”

Shields-Young does take a break though every year, choosing to take her own vacation in Colorado at Blue Lake Ranch, a B&B at Hesperus, outside Durango. The owners are old friends and she takes a "busman's holiday" there for a month every summer, where as she says, “They love to put me to work.”

The ranch property adjoins the Coronado National Forest, a 1,780,000-acre forest with elevations ranging from 3000 to 10,720 feet, biologically diverse with spectacular views, giant saguaros and colorful wildflowers, and obviously plenty of wildlife. The ranch trail continues on into the forest for miles and connects with a network of trails spanning the Catalinas. Hiking guides showing the trails are available locally.

Although “progress” has intruded upon them, the ranch has managed to keep its aura of the past.  From mice to floods, to wildfires, to erosion, the Flying V has withstood the worst Mother Nature can dish out. It is a shame it will not withstand the machine of man and remain a “step back in time,” because they work diligently at maintaining a balance of old and new in a unique, one-of-a-kind atmosphere, catering to those who appreciate relaxing in peaceful surroundings. Some have called the ranch, “a rare Jewel in Mother Nature’s Crown . . ..” The Shields family would call that a fair analogy. If your vacation plans call for respite from a stressful world, they invite you to come and experience their particular brand of “Western Hospitality,” while you still can.

For reservations call 520-299-0702
or visit their website at www.flyingvranchtucson.com