Serenity and solitude are concepts not often discussed, much less experienced, amid the turmoil of life in the 21st century. You’ll find them at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! Here, 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. Large herds of elk frequent the meadows, streams and lakes nearby.
A meandering 85 miles from the nearest stoplight, evidence of the intrusion of modern man is virtually absent. Yet the mountains and canyons evoke the heritage of the American cowboy and abound with relics of Native American societies who have gone before us. After a few days at the ranch, guests lose track of the date, and find they don’t care anymore. As has often been observed, it is hard to have a bad day on the back of a good horse.
By horseback you will explore the pristine, 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest with its landscape of spectacular deep canyons, crystal clear spring fed streams, high mountain overlooks, open meadows and sweet smelling Ponderosa forests. This is a special place in America, an adventure offering a chance to disconnect from your busy life and reconnect with nature and what matters most! Open March through November. See ad on page 17.
Utah Horseback Riding Vacations. Since 1975, owners and guides Pat Kearney and Gary George have taken great pride in their tradition of providing personalized service for those interested in exploring the backcountry of Utah’s “Land of the Sleeping Rainbow”.
Headquartered in the Fremont River valley at Torrey, Utah, near Capitol Reef National Park, Hondoo offers a full schedule of horseback riding, hiking and jeep tours featuring camping or inn lodging. Options include day and multi-day trips that allow you to travel by horse, foot or 4×4 vehicle. Pat and Gary implement low impact and “Leave No Trace” techniques such as small group size, well-maintained equipment, and top-notch horses. Guests can enjoy the stunningly diverse Utah landscape and the Milky Way, featuring red rock formations and canyons, pristine meadows, alpine forests, and lush green meadows surrounded by mountains, both in solitude and with group itineraries.
You can join a scheduled vacation or work with Hondoo to create a customized itinerary for you, your family, or your group. Hondoo’s long history and deep familiarity of the landscape and region assure you of an insider’s appreciation and love of the land. Other activities may include fishing, wildlife viewing and even simply a quiet picnic.
Pat and Gary have announced, this year will be their last season, as they are looking to retire and travel, and may be interested in selling the business to the right individuals. You may contact them with any inquiries. See ad on page 20.
Since 1947, Rock Creek Pack Station has been offering wilderness and outdoor vacations in the Eastern Sierra, under the ownership of the London family. The London family is dedicated to serving the public, taking care of the land, making sure the horses and mules of the operation have happy and meaningful lives, and that the crew has a good time and is fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication.
Enjoy Your Wilderness! California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is filled with some of the area’s most rugged and magnificent terrain. Venturing into this pristine area is as easy as scheduling one of many options with Rock Creek Pack Station and their exceptional guides. Their wide variety of SCHEDULED PACK TRIPS allow you to see areas from Mount Whitney in the south, to the Virginia Lakes region, near Bridgeport in the north.
Rock Creek can help you plan an all-expense paid trip for you, your family and friends, or corporate event. Wild Mustang rides take you to search out, observe, photograph, and learn about these iconic creatures of the American West. They offer multi-day Parent/Child pack trips. Rock Creek’s guides can pack you into your own secluded campsite in the John Muir Wilderness with your own food and equipment, or provide you a fully outfitted camp with cook (Spot or Dunnage Trips). Are you an angler? They offer open trail rides into the Golden Trout Wilderness. Rock Creek Pack Station offers a variety of mountain packing services to fit most any need. You can even sign up for their two professional packing schools each season. See ad on page 19.
Exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest and Eagle Cap Wilderness area in Eastern Oregon on horseback has never been easier. Willow Creek Horse B&B can be a “home away from home” for you and your horses, whether you come to stay a while or merely need a layover.
Innkeepers Lyndall Shick and Ray Rufener are your hosts and provide individualized hospitality, so that you have everything you need for a relaxing, enjoyable, and safe adventure. Veteran trail riders, with many years’ experience riding Eastern Oregon’s trails, they can help you select the best rides and provide tips, fliers, and guides for many points of interest. Most trailheads are within 30 minutes to two-hours scenic drive from Willow Creek.
While the bed-n-breakfast portion has been refined due to current protocols and safety (please visit our website for updates), Willow Creek has space for your RV or living quarters, and an evening fire ring as the gathering place under the starry night skies. Our barn has loafing sheds with pens configured for your needs and for easy drop-off.
Bring your horses, your mountain bikes, and your hiking boots, for and incredible Eastern Oregon adventure. Good dogs welcome. See ad on page 21.
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