Rancho de la Osa has been impeccably preserved and maintained.

A few years back I hosted a travel show that aired on Delta flights worldwide called “State X State.” For one episode, the network wanted me to explore what I thought best showcased Arizona. This is no easy task since Arizona is a very cool state top to bottom and side to side. One thing I love about it, besides the beautiful landscapes, is the history of the Old West. What better way to experience it than to stay at some of the famous guest ranches throughout the state?

Now, you’ve got it right if you think of guest ranches as dude ranches. In the ’50s, there were over 100 of them in the Tucson area. And, yes, riding horses is one of the staples of a ranch stay. But what if you aren’t a horse person like me? That’s the best part. You don’t have to be! The locations and accommodations are beautiful and pretty luxe, and there are many activities for any explorer. Hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and even ATV rides are offered, and when the chow bell rings, the food is downright delicious.

My first stop is about 90 minutes from Tucson International Airport, in a very remote and stunning part of the state. Rancho de la Osa is a magical adobe hacienda on a 540-acre ranch a mile from the Mexico border.

I learned about this ranch 20 years ago while on tour in the U.K. In the lobby of my hotel in London, there was a book called Hip Hotels and on the second page there was a picture of an indigo blue wall with a cow skull and a cactus. Naturally, it grabbed my attention.

The history alone is worth coming here and it reads something like this: It started off as a Tohono O’odham village, then the Spanish missionaries led by Father Kino, who built missions throughout Baja and Sonora, built an Adobe mission outpost in 1720. This is the cantina at the ranch today and billed as Arizona’s oldest continually used building. In 1812, the ranch become part of Mexico when they gained their independence from Spain. In the late 1800s, it was bought by a cattle baron named Col. William Sturgis, who built the beautiful hacienda in the center of property. Pancho Villa attempted to take it in 1916, and in 1925 it was turned into a dude ranch.

Since then, many politicians and presidents have made the journey. Lyndon B. Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt have been guests, along with John Wayne whose favorite room is still in use today. Plus, Zane Grey and Joan Crawford.

I love the history and I love the remoteness, but most of all I love the look and feel of the ranch. It has been impeccably preserved and maintained. The 22 rooms are all uniquely decorated and themed, and filled with antiques, art and furniture. It’s like living in a museum. I really enjoyed sitting on one of the brightly painted Adirondack chairs, breathing the fresh air and taking it all in. The folks that run the ranch are a real treat. Lynne and her husband, Ross Knox, a real cowboy and poet (look him up!) are amazing hosts, and I loved getting to know them.

Stay at Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, Ariz.