Posted: 16th December 2013 | Back to news feed
Tour operator, Ranch Rider is adding two new ranch stays to its 2014 collection including, a working ranch in New Mexico, the area once frequented by infamous outlaw Billy The Kid, and a Montana based luxury property within easy reach of America’s first ever national park.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments, “Our newest addition to the Big Sky state is ideal for guests who want to experience the beauty and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone eco-system. A pioneer post in terms of preservation, Lone Mountain is committed to conservation and the ranch is sure to attract travellers who want to reconnect with nature. In New Mexico, the history of the west has been trampled into the red desert plains for over a century. For the city slicker who wants to herd the cattle over a landscape steeped in legend this is the real McCoy.”
Yellowstone is the largest and most famous “megafauna” location in the Continental United States, and the national park is located only 20-miles from Montana’s Lone Mountain Luxury Guest Ranch. Uniquely positioned, all day Yellowstone horseback rides and hikes to the Ouzel Falls are available, as are tailored ranch rides covering the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Gallatin National Forest. Moose, elk, bear and coyote dot the surrounding landscape, along with a wide variety of birdlife – every outdoor pursuit hosted by expert naturalists. The youth programme (3-18 years) includes, pony treks and mini hikes for the little ones, while geo-caching and overnight pack trips are on offer to teens. Billed as an all-inclusive ranch, mountain biking, archery, fly-fishing, and more are also incorporated into the price of the stay; “Vinyassa” style yoga classes and massage services appealing to those who want to combine an adventure holiday with health and wellness. The ranch saloon and “adult only” dining experiences give parents a chance to mingle, guests retiring to one of many western themed cosy cabins, or the Ridge Top Lodge (complete with six guest rooms and a hot tub), which is ideal for larger parties (minimum 10 guests). 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,725pp (two sharing), £1,629pp (13-17 years) and £1,349pp (6-12 years) including, accommodation, meals, house wine and draught beer, most ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and transfers. Excludes gratuities left to discretion and return flight from £899pp and from £783pp (under 12 years). (6-years +)
New Mexico’s Creek Ranch, a Working Cattle & Guest Ranch, is situated on 8,200-acres, in the Pecos River Valley, the red desert landscape filled with huge arroyos and canyons that are reminiscent of many western movies. Said to be a regular hang out for Billy The Kid, the outlaw’s name still lingers on, especially in the neighboring town of Puerto De Luna, once famed as one of the wildest spots in the west. The cowboy lifestyle is alive and well on the ranch, and guests have the opportunity to drive the ranch’s Angus cattle, take part in branding and participate in other cowhand activities in line with the changing seasons. Carefully chosen Quarter Horses, Appaloosa and Paint Horses are available to ride, horseback journeys covering the ruins of the very first homesteaders and historic Native American settlements where lucky guests might find an arrowhead or precious gemstone. Antelope, mule and white tail deer abound in the area, and on occasion, bobcats and cougars are spied on hikes and trail rides. Off ranch visits to horse auctions and rodeos make this an authentic western holiday, and the ranch is only an hour’s drive from Fort Sumner, where Billy The Kid fell to his death – his grave and a dedicated museum located in the village. Recently built in a traditional Mexican-Spanish Hacienda style, the ranch house features a living room, three doubles and one shared room for four, each with en-suite bathrooms. 7-nights from £1,089pp (no single supplement) including, accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from £75pp and return flight from £879pp. (12-years +)
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