The Historic C.O.D. Ranch Story
The C.O.D. Ranch history dates back to 1879 – making the ranch older than the State of Arizona! The once-large cattle ranch was originally owned the Dailey family, who raised and ran cattle down to Tucson through Oro Valley, stopping overnight at the Buena Vista Ranch and Steam Pump Ranch along the way.
The C.O.D. Ranch cattle brand was originally recorded in 1886. In true Old West fashion, “Cash on Delivery” is what the letters “C.O.D.” in the original ranch brand stood for.
In the early 1900’s, the Dailey family sold the C.O.D. Ranch to another famous family, the Huggetts, whose daughter Wilma Huggett became a barrel riding champion and Rodeo Queen. Wilma Huggett later established a wildlife preserve nearby the C.O.D. Ranch that still exists to this day.
The Biosphere 2 Connection
From the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, the C.O.D. Ranch was owned by the founders of Biosphere 2, Margaret Augustine (CEO for Biosphere Ventures) and Norberto Alvarez-Romo (Chief Scientist). They resided at the C.O.D. Ranch during construction of Biosphere 2, as well as during the project’s first and second launches.
From Cattle Ranch to Casitas
When the Biosphere 2 founders left their project in the mid 1990’s, a poet and restorer of historical properties, Stephen Malkin, bought the Historic C.O.D. Ranch, envisioning turning the property into lodging with a commercial kitchen and an event center. He spent 2 decades growing the Historic C.O.D. Ranch into one of southern Arizona’s most sought after nature sanctuary and retreat centers. Malkin sold the C.O.D. Ranch to new ownership in 2022.
The C.O.D. Guest Ranch Resort
After spending a year restoring and renovating the ranch, in Fall 2023, the C.O.D. Ranch opened the doors of its 26 casitas vacation rentals to travelers. As a guest ranch resort, the Historic C.O.D. Ranch now offers Luxury accommodations, alongside traditional Standard and Deluxe casita rentals at the ranch.
As a result of this expansion, more people can now enjoy the C.O.D. Ranch and its blissful and inspiring views. Additional Southwestern decor and furnishings, fountains and outdoor entertainment areas have been added and now can be enjoyed by groups hosting weddings, retreats, events and family reunions, and for those staying at vacation rentals at the property.
Ranch Wedding Venue & Event Center
The C.O.D. Ranch now hosts weddings and events year-round at both indoor and outdoor locations across the 32 acre property. The C.O.D. Ranch outdoor event venues include lawns and desert landscapes overlooking Oracle State Park, the Galiuro Mountains and the San Pedro River at the main C.O.D. Ranch Village, or top-of-the-hill 360-degree views of Mt Lemmon, the Galiuro Mountains and Oracle State Park on the upper acreage of the C.O.D. Ranch. There is also a prayer circle on the edge of a cliff that is perfect for smaller weddings or elopements.
The C.O.D. Ranch indoor Wedding Venues and Event Centers include a large beautifully finished event center and ballroom called Wilma’s Barn, a glass-walled event center called the Pavilion, the Main House Dining Hall, and the new Main House Formal Dining Room.
A High Sonoran Desert Paradise
Situated directly between the Phoenix and Tucson metros at 4,580 feet in elevation, the C.O.D. Ranch has 26 vacation rentals for travelers seeking breath-taking views, nearby hiking, biking, off-road and zip-line adventures in both comfortable luxury accommodations, and standard and deluxe casitas with Southwestern decor.
Southern Arizona Retreat Center
The Historic C.O.D. Ranch also continues to provide a venue for retreats and other groups seeking a place for embracing creativity, growth, spirituality and sanctuary. Having hosted retreats for nearly every Native American tribe in Arizona, the largest mountain bike manufacturer in the world, and countless meditation, yoga, business, educational, environmental and spiritual groups, the Historic C.O.D. Ranch continues to be a place for healing, personal transformation and renewal.
Steve’s Story
Somewhere in Brooklyn around 1954 a seven year old boy named Steve Malkin spent most of his day dreaming of the west. More specifically he dreamt of his heroes, the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
One day much to Steve’s excitement, it was announced the Lone Ranger would be visiting his school auditorium. As soon as he could, he flew onto that stage to shake Clayton Moore’s hand. He was allowed to hold the Lone Ranger’s silver bullet and even share a few words with his hero. Unbeknownst to Steve, his fate was sealed.
Years later, Steve decided to attend the University of Arizona with hopes of finding the Lone Ranger and Tonto’s campsite in the great southwestern desert. After he graduated from college at UofA, Steve continued searching for the elusive Lone Ranger campsite.
One day in 1996, Steve discovered the C.O.D. Ranch in need of much care. On the far end of the ranch, Steve spotted an exquisite grouping of boulders, and amongst these majestic boulders, Steve attests that he believes he finally discovered the “original” campsite of the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
Steve began a 20-year passionate journey to build the ranch into a retreat center. He wanted to create a sanctuary in a natural southwest, cowboy setting for a diverse manifestation of groups to meet. The C.O.D. Ranch then came to host and welcome families, businesses, and many groups and organizations from across the world to come experience transformation and wellness.
Since then, the Historic C.O.D. Ranch has hosted a variety of groups with the natural space to leave behind everyday life and accomplish a new perspectives, foster spirituality and more, for themselves and each participant.