New Mexico Vacation Guide

Situated west of the Continental Divide in the mountains of southwest New Mexico, Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is located in a truly unspoiled setting, secluded and serene. We are off the power grid; electricity comes from solar arrays supplemented by generators as necessary. Cell phone coverage stops 70 miles away and there is no Wi-Fi; your stay will be undisturbed. This is your chance to get a much-needed Digital Detox! Our water comes from an underground aquifer, and the taste is spectacular. Our cabins are attractive and comfortable, with fully equipped baths and covered porches. In our view, the weather here is as pleasant as any we have encountered, anywhere in the world. As the song goes, “the skies are not cloudy all day.”

Serenity and solitude are concepts not often discussed, much less experienced, amid the turmoil of life in the 21st century. Here, you’ll find 3.3 million acres of pristine forests, mountains and canyons. Beneath the tall Ponderosa pines, in the cool higher elevations of the Black Range Mountains of southwest New Mexico, the quiet is such that you can hear the approach of an eagle from the beat of the air beneath his wings. Herds of elk and other wildlife frequent the meadows and streams nearby. 85 miles from the nearest stoplight, evidence of the intrusion of modern man is virtually absent, and the mountains and canyons evoke the heritage of the American cowboy.

New Mexico is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll see. Enjoy the beauty of rugged mountains, deep canyons, meadows, and a semi-arid desert. This untouched land will surely evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.

Experience the Best Horseback Riding in New Mexico

Horses were vital in making The Land of Enchantment what it is today. More than two millennia later, these beautiful animals continue to be an essential part of ranch life. Isn’t it time that you discovered the American West the way it was always meant to be seen? Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch offers the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful country in the world, exploring the varied terrain of the magnificent 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest. We offer 3 to 5-night stays with an all-inclusive package: cabin, three delicious meals a day, unlimited horseback riding, other activities, and education all included. Join us for your best vacation yet!

An Introduction to the Trails & Rides of Gila National Forest

Atop your good-natured horse, you’ll get an up-close view of the sweet-smelling, towering Ponderosa pines, ride up to vast mountain overlooks and down through 500-foot-deep canyons and across crystal clear streams. Typical rides are two hours long, both in the morning and afternoon. We also love to pack a lunch and take all-day picnic rides! Because our wrangler-to-guest ratio is minimal, we are always nearby to answer questions, offer tips, or take pictures on your adventure!                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Group Orientation/Instruction Is Always Included

We want you to improve your horseback riding skills during your stay here. No matter your experience, horsemanship is a lifetime of learning. We will help you understand how your horse reacts and thinks and how to communicate humanely with them. Before your first ride, you will receive a detailed horseback riding orientation and pointers throughout your stay. You and the wellbeing of our horses is the most important thing to us. If you come to ride with us, you may be asked to do things differently than you have done during previous riding experiences. Bring a learning mindset and expect an excellent educational experience! Please view our Horseback Riding Guidelines and Definitions of Levels of Riding Ability prior to arrival.

Before Your Adventure

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is dedicated to making your horseback riding vacation personalized, memorable, and safe. Your safety and the wellbeing of our horses are always our priorities. We can accommodate all levels of experience so long as you come with a learning mindset. Before your first adventure, we will match you with the horse that best suits you. Your horse will be your trusty partner for your entire stay. Yet, this may change if we find you are better suited to another mount.

We have excellent-quality tack to help keep our guests and horses comfortable. Our saddles are mainly Tucker, Reinsman, and Circle Y. Your saddle will be equipped with a horn bag, water bottle holder, and full-length rain slicker.

Please keep in mind there is a strict rider weight limit of 210 pounds. You must also fall within our Height to Weight Ratio Chart in order to ride. Horseback Riding requires excellent physical fitness including balance, stamina and strength. These requirements are to help us ensure the safety and comfort of both riders and horses.

Due to the rough, rocky, mountainous terrain and VERY remote location, all rides are walk only, but this is also the best way to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world!

Please see more details about horseback riding at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch here.

Outdoor setting

Visit the Gila National Forest in New Mexico

Popular theory says that the word Gila was derived from a Spanish contraction of Hah-quah-sa-eel, a Yuma Indian word meaning, “running water which is salty.” The naming of the Gila National Forest is indicative of its interesting history and expansive beauty. This 3.3 million-acre forest, tucked away in southwestern New Mexico, is ever-flowing with an abundance of wildlife and vegetation. Exploring its varied terrain would take a lifetime and its untouched remoteness is an absolute paradise for those seeking solitude and escape from modern society’s busy lifestyle

Take a Ride Back in Time: The History & Culture of the Land

There is one aspect of the land that many guests are surprised to find, and that is the remains of an ancient civilization. From horseback or by foot, you can discover the pit houses and cliff dwellings of the Mimbres people, a civilization that dates back to 200-1150 AD. This area is also the homeland of Geronimo and the Chiricahua Apache, and saw Basque sheepherders passing through as well as tin mining! Take a look at our history page to learn more!

Flora and Fauna

The Gila’s beauty is in its diversity of rugged mountains, deep canyons, meadows, and semi-desert to high mountain country. Elevations range from 4,200 to 10,900 feet. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is located at about 6,500 feet. Wildlife such as the black bear, mountain lion, elk, mule deer, antelope, javelina, and wild turkey inhabit the Forest while the bald eagle and the red-tailed hawk soar on the wind. It is not uncommon to witness sightings of such wildlife while traveling to and from the ranch, while out on the trails, or while at the cabins relaxing on one of our porch swings.

Another unique beauty of the Gila National Forest is its three sweeping wilderness areas. The Gila, Aldo Leopold, and Blue Range Wildernesses, accessible only via foot or horse, offer unparalleled hiking and horseback riding. Exploring these untouched mountainous regions of the West, the way they were always meant to be seen, will impart an indescribable feeling of awe and wonderment.

Directions

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is located just off the Geronimo Trail, one of the Scenic Byways designated by the state of New Mexico. We are 4 hours from either Albuquerque or El Paso airports, 2 hours from Truth or Consequences traveling though high desert, rolling plains, and magnificent forests. Even though our address is Winston, we are approximately 1.5 hours beyond this point.

** Please be advised that GPS does not work to find our location as it will take you down unmaintained roads, so you will want to print these directions and bring them with you.

New Mexico Weather

Spring | March, April, & May
Spring is one of New Mexico’s best-kept secrets, and the Gila National Forest is the best place to experience it! Warm afternoons present the perfect weather for outdoor activites, while chilly nights are ideal for bundling up with family, friends, or loved ones and roasting s’mores around our campfire. Daytime high temperatures from March through May range from the 60s (Fahrenheit) in March to the high-70s in May, while nighttime lows range from the low-30s in March to the mid-40s in May

Summer | June, July, & August
If you think New Mexico is all desert, you are mistaken! However, beneath the tall Ponderosa pines, in the cool higher elevations of the Black Range Mountains at 6,500 feet elevation, summertime is one of the best times of year to visit! In June, you will be treated to seeing herds of cow elk with their newborn calves. The “mewing” sound they make to each other is unlike anything you have ever experienced. In July and August, the wildflowers really start to pop with fields of Indian blanket flower, prickly poppy, Rocky Mountain bee plant, and golden crownbeard. In the summertime, we love to play in the warmspring fed creeks on picnic rides as well as after a day of exploring our trails! Summer temperatures from June through August are moderate, with average daytime highs in the upper 80s and nighttime lows in the mid-50s. You will also enjoy very low humidity and a wonderful lack of bugs due to the dry climate!

Fall | September, October, & November
The weather remains beautiful here in the fall, and you can look forward to the gentle changing of seasons. In early September, wildflowers still abound. As the fall rut begins, you will hear the unearthly cries of the bull elk bugling. In mid-October, colors begin to change with golden cottonwood trees, bright yellow-orange Gambles oak, red sage, and thicket creeper! In September, you can expect daytime high temperatures near 80 and nighttime lows near 45. October offers lovely moderate days typically in the 70s. Temperatures begin cooling in November when you can expect high temperatures averaging in the 60s.

The Complete Guest Ranch Packing List

When it comes to planning a guest ranch vacation, it always helps to have a packing list at hand! There are so many important items that you don’t want to forget, so that’s why we’ve created the ultimate dude ranch vacation packing list. Grab your suitcase, and check off these ranch essentials.

FAQ’s

There are many other questions you may have while planning your trip and we have done our best to answer most of them HERE.

Rates & Policies for our All-Inclusive Guest Ranch Vacation

Escape and Unwind from your busy life! Disconnect from technology and reconnect with family, friends, and nature – Explore incredible deep canyons with crystal clear spring-fed streams, Ponderosa forests, open meadows, and vast mountain overlooks. We have well-trained, responsive, well cared for horses to see it all by. Take a step back in time and Experience 1,000-year-old cliff dwellings and pictographs. Soak in the day’s experiences around a campfire with fantastic stargazing! Come enjoy our warm hospitality, delicious meals, and the extraordinary peacefulness that our Gila National Forest dude ranch offers. Make memories that will last a lifetime! See rates and polices HERE.

Cabin Rentals

If you are just looking for a fantastic off-the-beaten-path place to stay with a DIY approach, we also offer cabin rentals, when available March through November.

  • Perhaps you are bikepacking the Continental Divide Mountain Bike Trail?
  • Maybe you have a hunt in Unit 16C?
  • Are you an avid birdwatcher, stargazer, or enjoy hiking and exploring the wilderness on foot?

See details and inquire HERE.