Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamp
MARCH 31 – APRIL 3, 2025
Left to right standing: Cindy, Cory, Irmi, Craig, Heather, Kim, Kathi, Dana, Deb, Tiffany, Dannie, Emily, Roseann, Jonathan. Front row: Leslie, Andrea, Diva, Theresa, Nathalie, and Chris. Download the group photo [HERE].
Images and Scenes from the 2025 Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamp
Your guides, Jonathan & Roseann Hanson
Thank you for joining us in the glory of springtime in the Sonoran Desert for four days of pure immersion in field arts: nature journaling, field sketching and watercolor, animal tracking, birdwatching, reading the weather, using field optics, found pigments, and much more!
No excuses. Just pure nature journaling growth and mindset.
A Reminder of What’s included:
One-on-one attention in areas in which you would like to improve;
Skills-specific mini-tutorials in field arts such as sketching, watercolor, nature writing, animal tracking, reading the weather, and using optics;
Accommodations (ranch house bedrooms, or DIY camping) at Aravaipa Canyon Ranch;
Optional van from Tucson to the ranch and back;
Wine and beer happy hour each evening;
All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on last day;
Use of Swarovski Optics binoculars throughout the Bootcamp;
Use of art supplies and field arts tools, including plaster track kits;
Field kits with fun tools to enhance your discoveries.
Everyone should be paid up, except for a few who will be taking the van from the airport hotel
One person, van from the airport hotel to the ranch and back – $140 — if you haven not paid up, please use >> this link<< to pay
IMPORTANT RESOURCES:
^^^ACCESS ALL THE DOWNLOADS with the link above, a folder on Dropbox.
MAPS ( for driving, or IF YOU WANT TO PREPARE YOUR JOURNAL
OR PRINT TO BRING— download as pdf >> HERE <<)
IMPORTANT: You will be crossing a creek, which is usually passable to small SUVs with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, but if rain creates a larger flow, we may have you park by the corrals and we will ferry you across in a 4WD truck.
The turn to the ranch is onto E. Aravaipa Road off Arizona Highway 77, between Winkelman and Mammoth. It is 10.5 miles from the turn off to the turn to the ranch. See below. The Google map location is https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aravaipa+Canyon+Ranch/@32.8787537,-110.5858201,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8729dbb9842138cb:0x23d1524a5e82b35f!8m2!3d32.8787537!4d-110.5836314!16s%2Fg%2F11h12myb6
IMPORTANT: You will be crossing a creek, which is usually passable to small SUVs with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, but if rain creates a larger flow, we may have you park by the corrals and we will ferry you across in a 4WD truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the arrival / departure days?
Arrival day for getting to the ranch is Monday, March 31. Lunch is included; the Bootcamp begins after lunch.
Departures are Thursday, April3 after lunch.
See below for flights information.
Is there an emergency number I can give to my family / house sitters?
Yes. They took out the land line at the ranch house and so the best way to communicate in an emergency is to have your family call David Rychner, the owner, on his cell. He’s in Tucson but comes out frequently and also can call the ranch main office which is about 1/4 mile away from us and they can come down to where we are. His mobile is (520) 990-9265.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel the Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamp up until midnight February 15, 2024 for a refund of your payment less a $45 fee. You may also roll over your payment to another Bootcamp.
Why do you require trip insurance for each participant?
This is to ensure you have medical evacuation coverage (nearly all the Bootcamps will be in remote locations) and that your costs are covered if we have to cancel the Bootcamp due to local emergencies or global health crises. We recommend TravelGuard for good pricing and coverage; prices vary depending on level chosen and your travel costs.
Can I bring a partner who does not nature journal?
Yes, but only in the camping area. We have two rooms for couples, and would like these to be for people who are both taking the Field Arts programming.
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 8:15 am on Monday, March 31 and returning by 4 pm on Thursday, April 3.
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.
IMPORTANT: You will be crossing a creek, which is usually passable to small SUVs with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, but if rain creates a larger flow, we may have you park by the corrals and we will ferry you across in a 4WD truck.
Carpooling: use our online community to communicate with each other if you would like to arrange travel together.
Password: sonorandesert25
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.
Please read my full Values statement here, including Right to Attend, and Expectations.