There really is a Spirit Tree here at our secluded Patagonia, Arizona guest ranch. A massive Fremont Cottonwood tree dominates the view from the front of the Ranch House. It symbolizes what this special retreat is all about. Solid, deeply rooted in the earth, reaching up and out, it takes only what it needs from the environment and returns comfort and shelter to those who encounter it.

In the days before water came in plastic bottles, the sight of a cottonwood tree signaled the presence of precious water to those who lived in the southwest. It was known by many as “the water tree,” pointing to an oasis where life could be sustained and spirits refreshed.

Today water is pretty easy to find, but places hospitable to refreshing one’s spirit are increasingly rare. When you experience an Arizona Horse Ranch vacation at the Spirit Tree, you’ll know you’ve found one of the great ones.