The Flying V is the oldest continuously operated guest ranch in the Tucson area. Established as a mining claim in the early 1900’s and homesteaded before Arizona became a state, Flying V became a working cattle ranch which evolved into a full blown “Dude Ranch” in the 1920’s, encompassing some 25,000 acres of leased and patent land. Purchased in 1946 by the Shields family, the ranch played host to many famous names, most of whom came incognito for the informality and tranquillity of the canyon and its environs. In the 1970’s when high taxes and the unrelenting march of “progress” made it impossible to continue operation as it was, much of the perimeter acreage was sold as a buffer. In 1979, the remaining acreage was sold to developers, with the home ranch and 70 acres retained by the family. The cottages were converted to fully self-contained units with kitchen facilities, emphasizing simplicity, comfort, privacy, and retention of the original Sonoran desert atmosphere.

Today the Flying V Ranch stands as one of the last outposts of yesteryear and a vigilant caretaker of the past.