Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch: Feed Giants, Pet Stingrays & More!
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch sits in the Sonoran Desert near Picacho Peak. It started as a small ostrich-feeding stop and has grown into one of Arizona’s favorite family attractions. Since opening to the public in 1999, this family-run ranch now offers a wide range of animals and hands-on activities.
The ranch began with only ostriches but now features an exotic petting zoo. Visitors can meet ostriches, stingrays, rainbow lorikeets, miniature donkeys, and more in a fun, hands-on setting for all ages.
Just off I-10 (Exit 219) between Phoenix and Tucson, the ranch is a great stop for travelers. You can enjoy close animal encounters and take a break from driving. Visitors praise the friendly staff, healthy animals, and the fun of feeding animals from around the world.
Explore the Ranch Feeding Path
Follow the ranch’s feeding path to meet animals from around the world. You’ll see ostriches and Boer goats from Africa, miniature donkeys from the Mediterranean, fallow deer from Europe, Nigerian dwarf goats, Chinese ducks, St. Croix sheep, and friendly stingrays from Florida. At each stop, you can hand-feed the animals or use safe chutes, making it fun for both kids and adults.
Feed the Mighty Ostriches
The main attraction is the ostriches. They are tall, curious, and always hungry. Admission includes feed, so you can go right to their enclosure. These gentle birds will eat grain from your hand or from a chute if you prefer. Feeding them is a funny and exciting experience that many visitors remember.
Stingray Bay: Pet and Feed Ocean Creatures in the Desert
A unique feature in Arizona is a pool with friendly southern stingrays. These gentle animals enjoy being petted and fed during educational sessions or at other times. Their smooth skin and calm nature make this a special highlight, especially for anyone who never expected to touch a stingray in the desert.
Monster Truck Ranch Tours
For more adventure, try the monster truck tours, which run on weekends, holidays, and some other days. These 50-minute guided rides take you through the ranch, past many birds, egg nests, breeding areas, and beautiful desert scenery like cacti and Picacho Peak. You’ll learn about ostrich farming, local wildlife, and rattlesnake safety. The tours are wheelchair-accessible, fun for all ages, and sometimes include “ostrich fishing” activities.
Rainbow Lorikeet Forest
Visit the 5,000-square-foot tropical greenhouse, filled with colorful rainbow lorikeets from Australia and other exotic birds. You can offer them sweet nectar and watch as they land on your hand or shoulder to drink. The birds’ fluttering wings and cheerful sounds make this a unique and memorable experience in the desert.
Petting Zoo Fun
Finish your visit at the petting zoo, where you can feed and gently pet goats, ducks, rabbits, fallow deer, miniature donkeys, and other animals. Take photos of the animals’ funny faces and playful moments. The gift shop has ostrich-themed souvenirs, eggs, feathers, and other keepsakes to help you remember your trip.
Getting There and Practical Tips
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is easy to find. Take I-10 Exit 219 (Picacho Peak Road) and follow the signs to 17599 E Peak Ln, Picacho, AZ 85141. The ranch is about 40 miles north of Tucson and 75 miles south of Phoenix.
Hours vary seasonally:
- Open daily 9 AM–5 PM (feeding admission closes at 4:30 PM) from mid-November through April.
- During warmer months (May to mid-November), the ranch is open Friday to Monday, or Friday to Sunday during the hottest part of summer, usually from 8 AM to 2 PM.
- Check the official website (roostercogburn.com) for the latest hours, possible closures due to weather, and to book monster truck tours early, as they often sell out.
Admission is affordable. Guests age 6 and up pay $12 (includes animal feed, except for stingrays) or $15 (with stingray feed). Children 5 and under enter free, but feed is extra. Monster truck tours cost about $20 to $25, depending on age.
Why Visit Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch?
This is more than just a petting zoo. It’s a unique and fun place that mixes learning, adventure, and excitement. Families enjoy feeding the animals, meeting unusual creatures like stingrays and ostriches, and learning about ostrich farming and desert life. The ranch is affordable, easy to visit, and gets great reviews for its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere. You can also visit nearby Picacho Peak State Park for hiking to make a full Arizona day trip. Whether you live nearby or are just passing through, it’s the “darndest place you’ll ever visit” and one you’ll remember for years.
FAQ: Planning Your Trip to Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
What should I expect when visiting the ranch?
You can expect a relaxed outdoor adventure with lots of chances to interact with animals. Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours exploring, including feeding stations, the lorikeet forest, and the optional monster truck tour. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen for safety. Most areas are not shaded, so bring water and hats, especially during warmer months.
Is it suitable for all ages?
Yes, the ranch is great for all ages. Kids enjoy feeding and petting the animals, and adults appreciate the new experiences and learning opportunities. Many areas, including the monster truck tours, are wheelchair-accessible. Children under 2 can join tours for free if they sit on a lap.
Are there any safety tips for feeding animals?
Ostriches may nip, so use the chutes if you feel nervous. Always follow staff instructions, avoid chasing the animals, and wash your hands after feeding. Stingrays are gentle, but keep a close watch on children.
Can I visit year-round?
You can visit most of the year, but hours are shorter in summer because of the heat. Check the website for updates, as the ranch may close during extreme weather, such as flooding.
What’s the best time to go?
Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and more active animals. Monster truck tours usually run on weekends, so book your spot early.
Are dogs allowed at the ranch?
No outside animals in feeding area. They are welcome in the picnic area and store.
Visited this ranch in June and it isn’t an attraction to be missed if traveling in Arizona. We had an amazing time for a nominal cost!