Fancy a break from your day-to-day hectic life? (I know I could use one.) If you're looking forward to a chance to escape the office for a moment to breathe in the cool air in rural Arizona, you might want to consider booking a stay at a guest ranch.

Also known as a dude ranch, these places are different from your typical stay at a hotel or bed and breakfast (no matter how unique your Air B&B host claims their place to be). Guest ranches offer all the positive traits associated with rural life without sacrificing comfort. Plus, some places give you the opportunity to participate in the lifestyle to some degree. Here are some suggestions for Arizona guest ranches that are sure to inspire your next getaway.

1. Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch (Mesa)

Sitting along the Salt River just shy of its namesake, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is a long-time family operation. It first opened to the public in 1930 as a fishing lodge before converting into a guest ranch later on. The site hosts 20 rustic cottages that encourage unplugging to enjoy all that nature has to offer in the Superstition Wilderness. They have a long list of activities you can participate in, including horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, and some old fashioned ranch games.

Location: Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is located at 13020 Bush Highway in Mesa. Reservations can be made at their website, saguarolakeranch.com.

2. DD Gamble Guest Lodge & Ranch (Portal)

How does waking up to a beautiful view of the Chiricahua Mountains sound? This guest ranch sits right at the base of the mountains and is perfect for getting a little taste of ranch life.

Location: DD Gamble Guest Lodge is located in southeast Arizona at 8374 East Rocksprings Road in Portal.

3. El Rancho Robles Guest Ranch (Oracle)

For a classic ranch feel, the historic El Ranch Robles Guest Ranch offers an opulent experience with a romantic view of the West. I personally think it looks like a great spot for a writer's retreat. :)

Location: El Rancho Robles Guest Ranch is located in Oracle at 1170 North Rancho Robles Road.

4. Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort (Tucson)

For another luxurious stay at a ranch, the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson makes a beautiful getaway. The area first started as school for the daughters of elite families but was later redesigned into a guest ranch. Among the amenities you can find at this resort: spa packages, horseback riding, and a beautiful desert botanical garden.

Location: The Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch is located at 5501 North Hacience del Sol Road in Tucson.

5. Flying E Dude Ranch (Wickenburg)

Prefer a stay on the western side of the state? Flying E Dude Ranch has been in operation since 1946 and this looks like a place that ages well. In addition to comfortable accomodations, the ranch also offers horseback riding, cook outs, and plenty of hiking areas.

Location: This dude ranch is located at 2801 West Wickenburg Way in Wickenburg.

6. Tanque Verde Ranch (Tucson)

This historic ranch is beautiful, large, and offers just about everything you would expect from a typical hotel. In addition to sweeping desert views, the ranch also offers a weekly schedule with a full list of physical activities, a restaurant, and spa treatments.

Location: The Tanque Verde Ranch is located at 14301 East Speedway Boulevard in Tucson.

7. The Historic C.O.D. Ranch (Oracle)

Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend stay with your sweetie or searching for a location that can host a group retreat, a stay at this ranch will help you find the seclusion and peace with nature that you desire. They have 20 casitas, a more intimate round house, and an on-site chef to cook up your next meal.

Location: The C.O.D. Ranch is located at 37 Cod Ranch Road in Oracle.

8. White Stallion Ranch (Tucson)

Owned by the same family for more than 50 years, White Stallion Ranch has operated as a dude ranch for just as long. The views are beautiful, the accomodations are comfortable, and the activities they offer can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Location: The White Stallion Ranch is located at 9251 West Twin Peaks Road in Tucson.

I have to say that I would love to escape the city for any of these places to relax in a quiet rural area for a few days. Which place intrigued you the most?