Epic Tranquility in Tombstone, Arizona
Location: Tombstone AZ
Accommodations: 2 Guests
1 Bedroom / 1 Beds / 1 Bath
Pets Welcome
This delightful vacation rental was a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We felt like we had found a genuine retreat in the desert!
The photos above were provided by the Vacation Rental host.
Trading Pine Trees for Prickly Pears
In February 2023, we decided we’d had quite enough of Payson’s cold weather. Seeking a literal “thaw out,” we pointed the truck south toward Tombstone, Arizona. Our destination? The Quail Ridge Loft. We dragged Gracie along for the adventure, mostly because she looks great in desert lighting, but also because we always pick our rentals based on where the pup will be happiest.
Off Grid, On Point
As per our usual “get us away from the hustle” MO, we chose a spot outside of town. The rental is a cozy second-story unit on a legitimate, off-grid homestead. To get there, you’ve got to tackle a dirt road north and east of Tombstone—just enough of a trek to feel like an explorer, but not so much that you’ll lose a bumper.
We parked right in front of the main house and hauled our gear up the exterior stairs. Our host, Laura, lives right below and was the perfect balance of “there if you need me” and “proactively kind.”
Views for Days (and Mountains for Miles)
The front balcony was the real showstopper. If you turn east, you’re staring at the rugged Dragoon Mountains. Spin around to the west, and you’ve got Tombstone and the Huachuca Mountains framing the horizon. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget about your phone—which is good, because “off-grid” usually means your screen is just an expensive paperweight anyway. However, to our delight, we found the Starlink WiFi to be fast and reliable.
Coziness & Cowboy Coffee
Inside, the loft was the definition of “clean and tidy.” The layout is smart, featuring a king-sized bed that was so comfortable it almost made us forget we were in the middle of the desert. The kitchen was fully stocked—and while we mostly used it as a high-end coffee station while we scouted out restaurants in town, you could easily whip up a full dinner in there if the mood struck.
Pro Tip: There’s no washer or dryer here. For a long weekend, it’s no biggie. For a month-long stay? You might start smelling like a true 1880s outlaw. There are laundromat facilities in town so plan accordingly!
Wildlife & "Hunting" with Gracie
The outdoor setup was top-tier: a BBQ grill, an outdoor dining area, and a gas firepit for those crisp desert nights. Gracie took her job as “Homestead Security” very seriously. She spent most of her time wildlife-watching and even attempted to “re-home” a few local deer. (The deer were unimpressed; Gracie was thrilled.)
I Really Loved…
We live for the “off the beaten path” settings, and Quail Ridge Loft did not disappoint. Staying 4 miles out of town meant we got the peace of the desert without sacrificing the convenience of a nearby steakhouse. If you’re looking to skip the touristy noise of downtown Tombstone and actually hear the coyotes howl, this is the spot.
