About halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, near Picacho Peak off Interstate 10, is Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. This is a definite must-stop if traveling between the two cities. It is also a great day trip destination, especially in the spring when combined with a trip to Picacho State Park and the amazing spring superbloom.
Granted, in the record heat we have been having, August is probably not the ideal time to make the stop. Still, when a trip to Tucson is needed for a change of scenery and some cooler temperatures,
why not start out early in the morning and make a quick visit.If you like animals, this is the place to be. If you get a kick feeding animals, the $12 bucket of feed is a bargain ($15 if you add stingray food, too). The ranch folks have set up various animal feeding stations to perfection. Each feeding station has a unique feel and appropriate interaction with the animals. Yes, you do get to interact with a large variety of critters. There are posted signs which guide you in what and how to feed each group of animals.
Admittedly, I regret that we passed this place for years and never stopped. Ostriches, really? Do not be fooled. It is so much more than ostriches and well worth the stop to stretch your legs and smile on your two-hour journey between Tucson and Phoenix.
If you want to learn more about the ostrich ranch, Roadside America published a nice article including the history, stories and photos. It's a long article with advertisements, so keep scrolling down to read the entire piece.
The first four Saturdays in August will describe the four stops we made on a day trip to Tucson. This was a whirlwind day with all four stops. It could easily be a two-day trip to fully enjoy these and so many other fun locations in Tucson.
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