Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
4.8(5.2K)google
4.8(436)yelp
WildlifeFamily
Overview
Located at the base of Picacho Peak, this eccentric, family-owned working ranch offers a hands-on wildlife feeding experience that delights children and adults alike. Visitors can safely hand-feed massive ostriches, playful miniature donkeys, colorful Lorikeet parrots, and jumping goats, making it a beloved roadside historical attraction filled with laughter, educational animal interactions, and quirky desert charm.
Practical Info
Mon8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuClosed
Fri8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeNovember to March, or the early morning slot right at 9:00 AM opening during warmer months. As an interactive feeding ranch featuring ostriches, goats, deer, and lorikeets, animals are hungriest and most energetic in the morning; the intense desert heat at midday makes the open-air pens uncomfortable.
Getting ThereLocated at the base of Picacho Peak between Tucson and Phoenix, requiring a drive. Travel northwest on I-10 W for about 35 miles, take Exit 219 (Picacho Peak Road), and follow the signs to turn onto the I-10 Frontage Road heading north for 1 mile straight to the ranch's gravel courtyard.
Travel Tips
- Located off I-10 at Exit 219 (Picacho Peak Road), the iconic Monster Truck tours operate exclusively Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays; book tickets online beforehand as remaining walk-in seats are highly limited.
- This open-air ranch features exposed feeding areas; in the event of severe winds, lightning, or dust storms, operations halt completely. Call 520-466-3658 on volatile weather days to verify operating status before driving out.
- Specific formulated animal feed must be purchased at the gate; outside food, snacks, or local flora are strictly prohibited for animal safety. The grounds consist of dry dust and manure; wear closed-toe, soil-resistant footwear.
Reviews
Positive
- This is a highly fun and interactive family-friendly ranch where you can hand-feed ostriches, goats, miniature donkeys, and colorful lorikeets, offering a joyful experience.
- The 'goat walk' feature is hilarious; the goats climb high up suspended wooden bridges, and pulling up cups of feed via a pulley system is incredibly creative.
- The staff are exceptionally warm and friendly, showing great patience with kids and actively coaching visitors on how to safely feed the aggressive ostriches without getting pecked.
- Located right off Interstate 10 near the famous Picacho Peak, the setting is incredibly convenient, making it a perfect roadside rest stop during long road trips.
Heads up
- The basic admission only includes a small amount of feed; to feed all the animals, you must upgrade to an expensive all-inclusive package or keep buying extra feed on-site.
- The commercial vibe feels a bit heavy, as the main focus is pushing visitors to buy animal feed; for adults who don't care to feed animals, there's little else to see.
- Due to the vast number of birds and livestock, certain areas have a pungent odor, and flies or dust can be quite bothersome on hot, windy days.
- Shaded structures in the resting areas are insufficient and restroom facilities are basic; the feeding zones get crowded and chaotic when tour buses arrive.