To get to the Empire Ranch take 10 south out of Tucson, to State 83, then south 17 miles to a small sign on the left that says "Empire Ranch." Take the good dirt road 3 miles to the ranch headquarters. From the main ranch take the south road further into the ranch, watch out for high water if in a low clearance car. Another interesting ranch road goes north to State 82, but I found it impossible going because of sand and mud. Check at ranch house if it has been raining for road conditions. Information, 520-258-7240
Ranch House and ranch hands dorm on left.
Note recessed doors and windows. These are thick adobe walls to keep out the heat.
Detail of kitchen door showing a ceramic door handle.
Main barn. Below are various other barns for equipment and storage.
Use of masonry walls makes this one of the oldest buildings. I also notice that some old building seem to have less clearance (see door) and are shorter than the rest. These are almost always made to be used by the shorter Mexican workers. At 6'4" I am always bumping my head at all these older building and mining sites. People living in the 1800's must all have been shorter than today's standards.
Bird watchers: take the dirt road south to Cienega Creek. Check at ranch house to make sure road is OK for regular cars.
I have seen Red-Tailed Hawks in this area.
