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Beacuse we offer so many different places to ride, and each has their special attraction, here's a helpful description of each ride,
what you'll expect to see and how long it takes to ride. Drive times are included for rides off-ranch. The minimum ride times
help you figure the cost of the ride to best see the area, the drive time helps me figure the gas cost at the prevailing gas price.
The Rio del Oso Ride
This ride leaves right from the ranch. We cross through a brief section of developed land and head to Forest Service Property.
From there, the ride can go in many directions. Up the Rio del Oso, which often runs with water, one can follow it up to it's source,
a spring high in the mountains. Along the way, you'll see an abandoned settlement from the 1900's called San Lorenzo. It contains
log cabins, apple trees and small meadows. Further up there's Rechelos, another deserted settlement with more log cabins, an
adobe one-room schoolhouse, and Chicoma Mountain. It takes 3 to 3-1/2 hours to make it to the first settlement (one-way) and plan for an
all day trip to make it to the spring or the top of the mountain
 
remains of cabin at San Lorenzo The upper canyon of Rio del Oso
The Mesa Ride
Back at the beggining of the trail we can go a different direction and view one Indian ruin at the top of a mesa. There's a great trail
that takes you through some back hill country. There are great views of the Espanola valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
from the high point on this trail. It continues on down into a deep arroyo with fantastic rock formations. You end up at the Rio del
Oso and return back to the ranch. Approximately 3+ hours
 
View of rocks at sunset Rock formation at nearby arroyo
Copper Canyon Ride
This ride leaves from Abiquiu, which is approximately 17 miles from the ranch and requires a mileage fee. (See rates page)
This ride is quite colorful. The ride begins and ends in a deep arroyo. The rocks change color along the way starting with
a very light grey and ending in bands of red and yellow. The views of the surrounding cliffs are stunning. Some of the smaller
arroyos have fantasic water/wind carved features that are great for photography. There is a permanent spring at the end of the
trail. This trail is one way in and out as of now. This area, especially the beginning known as Plaza blanca, is best known for
some of the westerns that have been filmed there, notably City Slickers and Young Guns. A minimum of 2 hours, but better
seen in 3-4 hours. Allow 20-25 minutes each way drivng time. This ride is by far the most popular as it is close by and is
a true box canyon.
Another trail that leaves from the above location, will take you to Plaza Blanca, an area with
bizarre white cliff formations and a movie set. The movie set is from a Sci-Fi Pilot that didn't make it known as Earth 2.
Nearby is a Muslim mosque and views of the Perdernal. ($25)
 
rock formation in Copper Canyon Copper Canyon at dusk
Rio Chama River Ride
Follow the river as it winds through the Upper Abiquiu Valley. Starting at the Red Rocks area of the river, the trail
stays on the west side of the river as it continues to the base of the dam at Abiquiu Lake. As scenic as the
Copper Canyon ride, this tour is sure to please. This ride is recommend for anglers and sightseeers alike.
Easy trail for the most part, figure on 1-1/2 hours each way. Includes a 1/2 hour
time-out for lunch or whatever. There are picnic tables and porta-potties at the base of the dam.
Could be good for swimming during the summer months. You could also stretch this ride out to include climbing
the back along the canyon to explore a tributary.
Driving time 1/2 hour. Fee is the same as Copper Canyon. ($25)
Rio Chama Wilderness Ride
This ride leaves from Ojitos Canyon Trailhead. Driving time is approximately one hour. Mileage for this hour includes both the
highway mileage and the graded dirt road, of which there is about 8. Highway mileage is 30. The river canyon here is beautiful
and the trails are seldom used. The trail floor is thick with Sagebrush and is fragrant. It is a short trail ( 6 miles) and great for
those who want to do some fishing after the ride. The entire river road is worth driving to see the sights and ends at Christ-In-
The-Desert Monastery. Mileage fee required. $ 55.00
  
view from Chama River (Rio Chama) Rio Chama Rio Chama in Winter
Continental Divide Trail
This ride also leaves from the Ojitos Canyon Trailhead. This new trail being developed by the CDT Alliance is well-marked and
follows some fanstastic canyons with colorful scenery. The end of the canyon marks a steep change in the trail. Should you decide
to continue up the switchbacks, add in a couple more hours. Mileage fee $55.00. Drive time: 1+ hour each way. An 4+ hour ride.
San Antonio Hot Springs Ride
Here's another short ride (1.5 hours each way) but beautiful. However it's a long drive into the Jemez Mountains.
We park at the the trailhead just above San Antonio Campground. This is a very deep canyon with a rushing river most of the
year. The tall pines make a great backdrop against the towering cliffs in this canyon. The trail is a gradual assent and relatively
easy. Bathing suits are required at this out-of-the-way natural hot spring. The Forest Service has improved this spring by making
small rock pools that flow down into each other, the top pool being the hottest and closest to the source. Wear your suit under
your riding clothes, and you're ready for this ride.
Drive time: 2 hours each way. Mileage fee required. $75.00
Ojo Caliente Ride
Only 15 miles from the ranch, here's another Hot Springs ride, but this time with all the amenities!
We park right at the resort parking area and head up the old horseback trail used back before the
Roundbarn was restored and designated a historical adobe barn. The trail will take you to overlooks of the
Ojo Caliente River valley and to the ruins of an ancient pueblo called Hupobi. From there, the trail winds around
through juniper and sage to the flank of the mountain and joins up with a road that will take you to an
abandoned mine. The trails returns back along the road to the beginning point. Here's your chance to
go straight to the springs after the ride. They provide towels. The hot springs are an excellent way to
end your day You may even wish to dine there. The Artesian restaurant is casual dining at its best.
http://www.ojocalientespa.com/Lodging_and_Facilities/ Mileage fee required. $25.00
Santa Barbara Canyon / Duran Canyon / La Cueva Lake Loop
Riding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is always a treat. From Santa Barbara Canyon you can ride for days.
The lakes and streams are home to native trout. You can wander the Pecos Wilderness to imagine the pioneers
on the Pecos Trail or live as they did for a few days from the provisions in your pack saddle.
The Santa Barbara trailhead leaves the campground and takes you up a trail that crosses the stream via a wooden
bridge. The wildflowers include Columbine and wild Iris. Higher up there are ferns. This trail connects with many others
in the Pecos Wilderness.
Duran Canyon has a less developed campground, but has great access for large horsetrailers. This area boasts two alpine
lakes that are little used and offer great views. La Cueva lake is a small alpine lake surrrounded by a large meadow. The
grass is great for lying in and cloud watching. Nearby is La Cueva Peak, elevation 10,669.
On the other side of the canyon is Romero Lake, similar, but smalller. Both have tree-lined trails and are great for
fall rides to view the colors. Ride time: 2 hours or longer. Drive time: 2 hours each way. Mileage fee required. $100.00
Pecos Wilderness, south entrance via Jack's Creek
Ride the famous Pecos Wilderness via Jack's Creek, Cave creek and Stewart Lake.
Four hour minimum, high altitude, and great scenery.
$80 transport fee. For more info go to the Santa Fe National Forest
cave entrance at Cave Creek
Rio de Truchas ride
Located in the town of Velarde, this arroyo runs in the spring with the snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristos. Same way
in and out as of now, this ride that was added in '07, this ride may become a new destination. After talking with the locals,
it may eventually be possible to end this ride in the town of Truchas and at a B&B located there. If all goes well, I hope to
make this an overnight ride. Stay tuned. Milage fee: $25
The Valle Grande also known as Valles Caldera.
This huge volcanic crater is home to large Elk herds, deer and other wildlife. It recently opened its doors to horseback riders and
has developed a few trails. Located in the Jemez Mountains, it was created by Congress in 2000 and purchased for public land
use. It is now called the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Horseback rides are by reservation in advance and may be made
by contacting info@EQUINE-ESCAPES.com or through their web page www.vallescaldera.gov This is a fee area and each person is
subject to a $20 entry fee. This would be another prime area for fall colors and just taking in the views.
Trails are primarily old logging-type roads and wind through ponderosa pines and open meadows.
Ride time: 1/2 day to full day. Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes each way. Mileage fee required. $80.00
Martha and friends at the Valles Caldera.
Redondo Vega at Resumidero with New Mexico Horseman's Association Members
and an approching summer storm.
Resumidero at San Pedro Wilderness
Our newest ride, just added the summer of '06, is the Resumidero area of the San Pedro Wilderness.
At about an hour and a half drive, it is one of the longer treks, but definitely worth every mile. Not only is the drive
one of the most scenic in the state, the riding here has all you could want as well. The trails vary through
pines, marshes, small creeks, and fallen logs. You will put your riding skills to the test here. Just when
you think the trees will never end, the trail opens up into a wide expanse known locally as vegas. Here is
the ultimate lunch spot to gaze at clouds or take cover while a summer storm passes over. Just coming
into this area will take your breath away. Resumidero is a good choice for exploring the Continental Divide Trail.
Drive time: Lots of uphill! about 1-1/2 hours drive time. Good choice for an overnight camp. Riding: minimum 4
hours or all day. $80 transport fee.
The Ultimate Ride in Colorado!
For hard core riders only!
Archuleta Creek and the head waters of the Rio Chama.
trail to the falls of the Rio Chama
one of the falls of the Rio Chama
These pictures do not do this area justice. The 360 degree panorama is breathtaking. You do not
know which picture to take first. The wildlife is everchanging. Depending on the season, some of the
wildlife you may encounter are: Deer, Elk, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Hawks, Owls, Muskrat, Beaver,
Ferret, Badger, Bear, Cougar, and Racoon just to name a few! The rides are lengthy. It is a 2-1/4 hour
ride to the falls one way. The trails go through some of the most picturesque pines and aspen you will
ever see. This is old growth forest and while some of it was logged long ago, you can appreciate the forsight
that forest management had that went into saving some of the older stands. There are ancient glacial deposits (carins) and
some of the rocks even show striations of ice movement. Elevation goes up to 10,400 and is not recommended
for riders that originate/reside below 4,000 ft. due to complications of possible altitude sickness.
The Hughes trail is another all-day trip that also climbs to 10,400+ and allows views of the valley below. Rocky in
places, muddy in others, this trail is a workout. Recommended as a day-two trail, this one will test your riding skills
and your endurance. The clouds that form over the mountains here look as though dry ice has been left on the tops.
The eerie effect is clouds melting down the mountain. Amazing.
This ride is the best of everything.
Drive time 2-1/4 hours one way. Minimum ride each day- 5 hours. Overnight fee required, $75.00 ( if providing own gear )
and trailer fee required.$130 \Minimum ride time required.$115.00 x two days =230 Average cost for one person $ 435.00,
for a two-day stay and includes two meals the first day and breakfast- lunch the second day. Rides may go beyond 5 hours
each day, depending on weather, stops for pictures, etc.
Example:
2- 5hour rides each day= $230 per person
trans/gas fee =$130 once
overnight fee, covers food,
horse food, packing of lunches,etc. =$75.00 per person
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=$435 first person,included gas fee
$305 second person
I can provide the tent, extra blankets, lanterns, etc. for your use for an additional $50.00
The Rim Vista Ride at Rio Chama Overlook
This is a new ride starting at the Rio Chama turnoff. The trail takes you up to the top of the mesa where
you can enjoy views of Lake Abiquiu, The Rio Chama, Perdernal, and the spectacular cliffs and colors
of the Ghost Ranch area. Drive time: 45 minutes Ride: 2 hour minimum, but there is more to explore at the top!
$30 fee
The Rim Vista Trail overlook from the top
Caja del Rio/Diablo Canyon
Here is an interesting area of Santa Fe that is pure desert. Flat, sagebrush filled, and miles of rarely used trails and washes.
Recently, the movie 3:10 to Yuma was made here in Diablo Canyon featuring Russel Crowe. Here you
will find the typical southwestern terrain that streches for miles. Take a break along the Rio Grande under the shade of Cottonwoods.
Drive time: 1 hour. Ride: 2 hours minimum. $50 transport fee
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