OUR HISTORY

Don and Shelly Donnelly moved down from Estes Park, Colorado to Gold Canyon in 1982.  Harold Christ, General Manager of Dinomount Corporation believed a stable would add a lot to the Gold Canyon area.  He eventually recruited the Donnellys to move here and open the Gold Canyon Stables that would later become the Don Donnelly Stables at Gold Canyon. 

Don and Shelly enjoyed horses, animals, the outdoors and meeting people.  Don and Shelly had a special place in their hearts for children and reached out to help others. 

Don Donnelly was a nationally known cowboy and desert conservationsist.  Don absorbed the history of the area and passed it on to others.  He became an exceptional storyteller of cowboy tales about Superstition Mountains.  The Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains were a part of his domain, a region he loved.  Don brought to this area a special meaning to the word "cowboy".  He told stories about cowboys, horses, cattle and wranglers.  He always found some humor or mettle in cowboy stories.  His comments like, "Our mission is to be the best neighbor anybody has ever had", or "We want to be the best riding stable in the Southwest," attest to their method of conducting business. The Donnellys and their business were wonderful assets to the community.  Sadly, Don passed away on December 27, 1999 from a heart attack at the age of 54; he will be remembered for his contribution to the area.  Shelly continues to operate the Don Donnelly D Spur Ranch and Riding Stables. 

MISSION STATEMENT

Don Donnelly's D-Spur Ranch and Stables Horseback Rides aim to provide a safe and memorable horseback riding experience.  We strive to provide guided trail rides that are safe and enjoyable for the whole family.  Safety and outstanding customer service are what we do best.  

Located in the foothills of the legendary Superstition Mountains on 5,800 acres of pristine Sonoran desert in Gold Canyon, Arizona.  Providing horseback trail rides, cookouts, campsites and boarding.  On your adventures through the Sonoran Desert, you may see the beautiful and exciting local wildlife such as coyotes, javelina, mule deer and longhorn cattle.