Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is a type of petting zoo which includes ostriches, especially set up for feeding and petting the animals. However, you do not wander among the animals, making it handy for small children and wheelchairs. It is best known for feeding the ostriches and taking Monster Truck Tours. The little shop carries ostrich products ranging from ostrich feathers and edible ostrich eggs to egg shells, painted and plain, to oils and soaps. They also have other, kid sized miniature animals, including donkeys, deer, goats, prairie dogs, ducks and lorikeets, and a small parrot.
It has been voted the best roadside attraction in America. It is entertaining for families and adults who want to see an ostrich up close.
How to get to Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, parking and transportation
There is plenty of parking available, although it is a dirt lot. You must have your own car, as no public transportation is available.
Best and worst times to go to Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
From May 1 to November 15, Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is only open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Any other time, you want to wait and miss the early morning traffic of commuters. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch recommends between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to take the Monster Truck Tour. Early March is the best for seeing beautiful spring wildflowers. Late March, you can catch the Picacho Peak Civil War reenactment.
Must see/do at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
For up-close photos of the ostriches, the best place is a wooden platform that brings you up to their head height. No fence is between you and the ostrich's head. The little kids, and everyone else, love the lorikeets. A small container of nectar lures the lorikeets to perch on hands, shoulders and heads. Leave the top on the nectar container and let the lorikeets pull it off.
Admission to Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Admission is free for ages 5 and below, and for ages 106 and above. Otherwise, it runs about the same as a movie ticket. Included in the entry price is the food for animals. Almost a quart container holds feed, plus peanuts for the prairie dogs, a coin to buy duck food, and one nectar for the lorikeets. More is available for a small fee.
Nearby Food and attractions
Dairy Queen and Subway are located at Picacho Peak turn-off. Gas and groceries are also available. Frankie's Chuckwagon Steakhouse, rated 4 stars, is also nearby.
Picacho Peak looks like a coyote howling at the moon. Several hiking trails to the peak and camping areas are available in the Picacho Peak Park. Early March, the wildflowers bloom. Saguaro and other cactus cover the area.
Back towards Tucson, Exit 244 to Ina Road takes you to the entrance of Saguaro National Park East, and Painted Rock Road.
Insider tips for visitors to Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
You can buy extra nectar while still at the lorikeet enclosure, for eager young kids. The parking lot and the walking area inside the park is dirt, but flat, so walking and the use of wheelchairs is not too difficult. Chairs for waiting are found by the lorikeet enclosure.
Be sure and ask at the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch if any ostrich eggs, not just the shells, are available. They make a good omelet or scrambled eggs for about six people.
Joanne Burch is a freelance writer covering education and local sites. She is a second generation Tucsonan who loves taking her grandchildren to interesting local places.