Our new Art of Exploration Series of workshops is for adventurers, overlanders, and travelers who love to explore the world—near and far—and record their experiences and observations through words, photographs, and / or art.

February 26 – 29, 2024 join Jonathan and Roseann Hanson for our new Writing Workshop in the beautiful Sonoran Desert north of Tucson, Arizona.

This unique workshop is for anyone who wants to improve their writing—non-fiction travel and adventure, long or short-form fiction, journaling, technical, or scientific—with two award-winning authors and editors with over 40 years of experience in those fields.

The workshop will include:

• Daily instruction in specific writing skills as well as hints and tips for the business of writing for those who want to go freelance;

• Daily writing assignments focused on building skills and creating fluency in new forms of writing—even if you are a science writer you will benefit from pushing your “artistic” writing, or if you are a creative writer you will likewise benefit from stretching your science or technical skills;

• Daily feedback from the instructors;

• Sharing work with others.

• Accommodation (ranch house or camping) and meals from lunch on the 26th through lunch on the 29th)

Southern Arizona in spring is magical—and southern Arizona in spring at a private ranch alongside a perennial river and a mythical wilderness is the best ever—and a rare opportunity not to be missed.

The setting is a private ranch along Aravaipa Creek about 90 minutes north of Tucson, Arizona. These are ancestral lands of the Apache people, who used the fertile riverside valley for seasonal crops.

Your accommodations are comfortable but not high luxury—think 1970s big ranch house set in a grassy meadow, with a burbling creek running alongside; meals will be included.

There is a camping option if you have your own vehicle and camp setup; there is a separate bathroom for campers.

We’ll be able to host up to 21 participants because of the camping option, and there will be two instructors—Roseann & Jonathan Hanson.

Four-wheel-drive is not needed to get into the site (the main road in is graded dirt), but there is a river crossing that is usually fine. We can’t accommodate Class-A motorhomes, but possibly smaller Class-B, and definitely vans and trucks pulling small trailers. Please contact us first if you have a vehicle larger than these described.

For photos of the location and facilities, see our the 2023 Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamps field reports HERE.

What’s included:

• Venue is private, with no access to other vehicles, campers, or hikers;

• Comfortable accommodations in the ranch house at Aravaipa Ranch; all ranch accommodations have shared baths; there are three bedrooms offered for either private room for one, or for couples (double bed) who are both taking the workshop; the rest of the rooms are shared, up to 3 people.

• Camping option (with access to a bathroom building with shower);

• Wine and beer happy hour each evening;

• All meals from lunch on February 26 through lunch on February 29.

Pricing :

• Per person, ranch house option – $995 (shared room)

  • All ranch house accommodations share baths (two baths total in the house, for 7 bedrooms).

• Per person, ranch house option – $1,170 (private room)

  • NOTE: Baths are still shared. We have three bedrooms which have one double bed, and these are for either singles (private room) or for couples who are both are taking part in the Bootcamp field arts activities (the price is $995 per person). No exceptions. To register as a couple, choose this option and then let me know at checkout and I’ll bill for a second person)

• Per person, camping option – $695 (see below for option for non-field-arts program partner attendance)

• Optional van from and back to Tucson International Airport – $140 (indicate on checkout if you want this option and you’ll be billed later)

• NON-PARTICIPATING PARTNERS: For campers, if you have a partner or friend who is traveling with you but not participating in any of the Field Arts programs, we can add a fee for them for meals and occupancy. This is not an option for the Ranch House accommodations. Sign up, then get in touch.

Diversity and Inclusion:

I support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my life and through all my work. I have completed Bias 101 and Safe Zone training through the University of Arizona. I welcome everyone and look forward to meeting you in a supportive, fun and inclusive environment!

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Additional Information / FAQ:

• What are the arrival / departure days?

  • Arrival day for getting to the ranch is Monday, February 26. Lunch is included; the workshop begins after lunch.

  • Departures are Thursday, February 29 after lunch.

  • See below for flights information.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  • You may cancel the Writing Workshop up until midnight December 15, 2023 for a refund of your payment less a $45 fee. You may also roll over your payment to another workshop or bootcamp.

• Why do you require trip insurance for each participant?

  • This is to ensure you have medical evacuation coverage (nearly all the workshops will be in remote locations) and that your costs are covered if we have to cancel the workshop due to local emergencies or global health crises. We will provide you with a link to a provider closer to the workshop.

• Can I bring a partner who does not participate?

  • Yes, but only in the camping area. We have three rooms for couples, and would like these to be for people who are both taking the writing programming. No exceptions.

• Can I camp?

  • Yes! There is a large grassy field where you can set up camp near the river. There is a bathroom building with toilet, sink, and shower.

• Do you offer special dietary options?

  • Please contact us after registration with your dietary needs. We will work with you and the venue if at all possible.

• Do you allow pets?

  • Sorry, we cannot accommodate pets. Pets can scare off wildlife and interrupt quiet times.

• Where do I fly in?

  • You can fly into Tucson, Arizona—a 90-minute drive from central Tucson.

  • You can also fly into Phoenix, Arizona—a 2 1/2-hour drive to the ranch.

• How do we get from the airport to the venue?

  • We will have a limited number of seats available in a van, departing from the Doubletree Suites near Tucson International Airport at 8:30 am on February 26 and returning by 4 pm on February 29.

    • We recommend Doubletree Suites by Hilton at 7051 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756 (520) 225-0800, or one of the other hotels nearby (but you’ll need to get yourself over to the Doubletree for pickup).

  • You can rent a car; most of the way to the ranch is paved and there is a 6 mile graded dirt road.

  • Carpooling: once you register, we will provide you with a communications portal with other attendees and you could cost-share or ride-share.