Southern Arizona Grasslands

Explore the diverse Southern Arizona Borderlands, with Saguaro forests and grasslands.

On this exciting journeys, custom designed for clients and special friends like you, we will practice field-based mechanics, learn about the ecology of our precious borderlands, and experience the deeply-rooted culture of the Desert Southwest - traditional lands of the Tohono O’Odham, Sobaipuri, Ndee (Apache), Opata and other Indigenous peoples who have inhabited and cultivated the fertile plains of our region’s rivers and alluvial plains for thousands of years.

Expedition highlights include learning about our region’s fascinating ecology with a Master Naturalist and Educator. There will be a tour of the Sonoita/Elgin Wine Region, a highlight stop being at Dos Cabezas WineWorks. You will be hosted by the Canelo Project and Bill Steen, visiting the cattle ranch where the Marshall Plan was drafted and getting up close to the US-Mexico Border, and of course driving the dirt roads of our unforgettable landscapes while learning about our classic Land Rover Defenders from our vehicular guides.

Itinerary

Evening:
- Dinner in Tucson at Moto Sonora: Savor the flavors of Southern Arizona with local cuisine and craft beers.
- Trip Briefing: Go over the itinerary, safety protocols, and introduce the trip experts and fellow adventurers. This time is to ensure everyone understands the goals of the journey and any necessary preparations, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Morning:
- Meet at the Sonoran Rovers Shop: Gather at the shop to finish any last minute preparations and begin our journey towards Las Cienegas.
- Set Up Camp: Arrive at the campsite to prepare Basecamp.
- Trail Discussions: Before setting off, we will review the specific trails to be explored, including any geological features or anything of historical significance for you to look out for along the way.
- Off-Road Adventure: Drive through the stunning landscapes of Las Cienegas, taking time to appreciate the diverse wildlife and unique flora.
Evening:
- Dinner at Dos Cabezas: Enjoy a selection of Southern Arizona wines paired with gourmet pizza. After dinner, we’ll head back to Basecamp to wrap up our first day on the trail.
- Campfire Gathering: Wind down around the campfire, enjoying discussions about Land Rover adventures, local lore, and stories from our first day!
Morning:
- Breakfast at Camp: Wake up to hot coffee (or the beverage of your choosing) and a hot breakfast to keep you fueled for the full day of adventures ahead!
- Expert Training Session: Engage in hands-on off-road driving exercises, including navigation techniques and recovery methods. This training session includes practical scenarios to test skills in real-time situations, all in a controlled environment.
Evening:
- Visit Patagonia Lumber Company: Conclude the day with cold beers and a casual dinner. Enjoy the ambiance and connect with locals to learn more about the region's culture.
- Campfire Gathering: What better place to finish the day than sitting around the campfire? Enjoy another night of conversation, a digestif or two, and maybe even some dessert. You’ll certainly have earned a treat after a long day!
Morning:
- Breakfast at Camp: Reflect on the experiences shared during the trip as you prepare to pack up camp and return to Tucson.
- Pack Up and Depart: Once the vehicles are loaded and camp is cleaned up, we’ll start the journey back to the Shop.
- Return to the Shop: Arrive for a final debrief and share highlights from the adventure, discussing any trouble spots and triumphs from the trail.