Photos: Ann Tracy & Dick Hortshone respectively. View more ranch photos.


Is a Stay Right for You?

Life here is pared down, but the experience is rewarding. Read more so that you know what to expect.

Nature & Weather

We are situated on 114 acres in the northern Catalina foothills, with unimpeded mountain views. Scrub oak, mesquite trees, tall grasses, cholla, prickley pear and blue agaves grow in abundance. Raptors swoop, turkey vultures soar, javelinas troop, coyotes serenade. In the heat of day, humming birds and lizards dart among flowers. So do snakes, some deadly. And bugs, large and small. You must exercise intelligence when hiking or walking around, at all hours. We will share tips when you get here.

In the summer, while the heat is dry, daytime temperatures can soar to 110. Monsoons (or chubascos) sometimes cool the air and create unbelievable sunsets. Luckily, the guest house and studio have air-conditioning and there is a swimming pool. Shade hats, sunscreen, and water bottles are essential—especially when hiking, biking or driving distances.

Oracle is seasonal. We even get snow! In the winter, daytime temperatures range from the 30’s to the 70’s. Nighttime temperatures often drop to the 20’s. From November through March, you will need layers and winter gear.

Amenities

PLEASE NOTE: All Visiting Artists are responsible for premises upkeep, transporting & provisioning themselves (see below), and generally making do.

Visiting Artists. You will be provided a one-bedroom cottage, with living room, kitchen, bathroom—and stupendous mountain views. In the cottage, you’ll find fresh linens, basic cleaning supplies, a washing machine and clothesline, as well as WiFi. In addition,

  • Visual Artists will be given a private 350 SF studio, in the barnyard near the other ranch studios. Artists are responsible for supplying their own materials.
  • Musician Awardees will have space to rehearse, compose and hang out in the art-filled Lodge, where the Oracle Recording Studio is based.

Transportation. You must have a car or be an avid cyclist (in all weather), as there are no shops within walking distance and no vehicles available on loan. To avoid heat stroke, no one should bike (or hike) mid-day in summer.

Other Amenities. The unheated swimming pool is open year round. There is an art library, well-stocked book library, and art gallery. There are hiking trails. Oracle boasts a few eateries, a tavern, a specialty market, two dollar stores, a hardware store, a state park, public library, history museum, zipline. Plus there are music and art venues, and even more hiking trails. Biosphere is 2 miles south. Nearby Mammoth has terrific Sonoran fare. Catalina has a large supermarket and carnicería. Both towns are a 20-minute drive. An hour away in Tucson, you can find art supplies, restaurants, museums, a vibrant cultural scene, and shopping aplenty.

Social Life. The ranch hosts events about once a month. You are welcome to walk around, introduce yourself and get to know people. Residents will respect your privacy, however, it is also understood you are here for creative exchange.

Nearby, live music and art displays can also be enjoyed at the Oracle Center for the Arts, Triangle L Ranch, and Wilson Barn. Local musicians take to the stage weekly at the Ore House and Way of Bean Coffee Club. For great hiking trails, bird walks and star gazing, visit Oracle State Park.

Access. As a private artist community, we welcome people with different creative perspectives, personal backgrounds, and physical abilities. As we are not a publicly funded institution, we can only offer limited accommodations. That said, please reach out if you have special considerations—and we’ll see what can be done.

Bringing Children. Many children have grown up on the ranch. For young kids, the environment can be magical and eye-opening. There are nearby age-appropriate activities, but these thin out during the summer or may require driving distances. For independent kids who are used to unstructured play time, the Ranch can be ideal.

About pets. We have many on the ranch and most dogs run free. You are however responsible for your pets and their interactions. Because of predators, you are advised to keep small animals on leash or indoors. Please email us if you have questions.

Emergency Services. The nearest available medical services are in Oro Valley, about a 30-minute drive south on 77 (see map). These include Carbon Health Urgent Care (12155 N Oracle Rd.), Oro Valley Urgent Care (11015 N Oracle Rd # 121), and the Northwest Hospital Emergency Room (6200 N La Cholla Blvd). Sun Life is a local Oracle clinic, but registration and appointments are required.

Interested?