Feeding giant ostriches is already a pretty wild experience, but what if you could also ride a monster truck through the desert?
There’s a quirky ranch in Arizona where you can do exactly that, along with feeding miniature donkeys, hanging out with colorful parrots, and even getting up close to stingrays.
And yes, we’re talking about a real monster truck with enormous tires that takes you on an adventure across the desert.
If you’re looking for one of the most unusual roadside attractions in Arizona, this place deserves a spot on your road trip itinerary!
Where Is It?
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is located in Picacho, Arizona, right off Interstate 10 at Exit 219.
You’ll find it about 40 minutes from Tucson and over an hour from Phoenix, making it an easy stop on a road trip between the two cities.
The ranch sits at the base of Picacho Peak, just a few minutes from Picacho Peak State Park, which is famous for its hiking trails and spring wildflowers.
About
Ever wanted to ride a monster truck through an ostrich farm?
Well, Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is where you can make that happen!
This family-owned ranch opened to visitors in 1999 and started as a working ostrich farm before becoming one of Arizona’s quirkiest roadside attractions.
Today, it’s famous for its huge collection of friendly farm animals, hands-on feeding experiences, and monster truck tours that take you across the desert in an oversized monster truck-style vehicle .
And the best part?
You don’t just get to look at the animals from behind a fence.
You can actually feed them!
The ranch is home to hundreds of animals, including ostriches, miniature donkeys, goats, deer, ducks, lorikeets, and stingrays.
Of course, the ostriches are the stars of the show.
These enormous birds can grow up to 9 feet tall, weigh up to around 300 pounds, and run at speeds of around 43 miles per hour.
You’ll get to feed them using specially designed feeding chutes, which let you experience their surprisingly powerful pecking without putting your fingers directly in front of those giant beaks.
And if you’ve never fed an ostrich before, prepare for some serious laughs because these birds are anything but shy when food is involved.
But the fun doesn’t stop with the ostriches.
You can also feed miniature donkeys, offer treats to goats, and watch deer eagerly approach for a snack.
One of the funniest experiences is feeding the goats through the ranch’s elevated feeding system, where visitors send treats up to the animals using a conveyor belt.
Then there’s the lorikeet enclosure, where colorful parrots can land on your hands and arms to drink nectar from a cup.
These little birds aren’t afraid to get up close, so don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself surrounded by a bunch of hungry feathered friends.
Another unexpected attraction is the stingray feeding experience.
Yes, you read that right, you can feed stingrays at an ostrich ranch in the middle of the Arizona desert.
The ranch has a dedicated stingray exhibit called Stingray Bay, where you can get close to these fascinating creatures and watch them glide through the water.
But if you’re here for the monster truck adventure, you’re in for a treat.
The ranch offers a guided Monster Truck Tour aboard a massive, monster truck-style vehicle designed to carry passengers across the desert terrain.
Forget your typical sightseeing bus.
This thing has enormous tires, elevated seating, and an open-air design that gives you a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape.
During the tour, you’ll travel across the ranch’s desert property while your guide shares information about ostrich farming, desert wildlife, cacti, and rattlesnake safety.
You’ll also get a closer look at the ranch’s ostriches and learn some fun facts about these unusual birds.
The ride adds a whole new level of excitement to your visit, especially when the truck rolls across the uneven desert ground.
It’s a fun way to explore the property without having to hike through the Arizona heat.
One thing that makes Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch especially popular is how interactive everything is.
Instead of spending your time reading signs and looking at animals from a distance, you’ll be handing out treats, laughing at hungry goats, and watching giant ostriches stretch their necks toward you.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for an unusual date idea, or just want to experience something completely different on your Arizona road trip, this ranch has plenty to keep you entertained.
Know Before You Go
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is open year-round, but its operating days vary by season and hours may vary depending on the weather:
- November 16 to April 30: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- May 1 to September 30: Open Friday through Monday, 8 am to 2 pm.
- October 1 to November 15: Open Friday through Monday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Check the official website before heading out.
Feeding admission is charged per person aged 6 or older, while children aged 5 and under can enter the animal-feeding area free.
The Monster Truck Tour costs extra, so make sure you choose the right ticket if that’s the main reason you’re visiting.
Check current prices and tour availability before your trip, since both can change.
Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring the ranch and feeding the animals.
If you’re adding the Monster Truck Tour, allow around 2 to 3 hours for your entire visit, depending on tour schedules and how much time you spend with the animals.
The best time to visit is between October and April, when Arizona’s desert temperatures are much more comfortable.
Summer temperatures can climb above 100°F, so if you’re visiting between May and September, aim to arrive early in the morning.
You’ll be spending much of your time outdoors, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also a smart choice, especially if you’re planning to explore the animal-feeding areas.
If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid the busiest crowds.
It’s also worth checking the Monster Truck Tour schedule in advance, since tours may run at specific times rather than continuously throughout the day.
There’s free parking at the ranch, making it easy to stop whether you’re driving a regular car or traveling in an RV.
And if you want to turn your visit into a longer adventure, head to Picacho Peak State Park for a hike.
The park’s Hunter Trail is a challenging 3.2-mile round-trip hike featuring steep rock sections with cables to help you climb.
For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Nature Trail, which offers a quick introduction to the Sonoran Desert without the tough climb.
One last tip: Bring your camera or keep your phone handy because the animal-feeding encounters can get pretty hilarious, and you’ll definitely want a few photos to remember them.
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