Transfer and Other Options:

Led by Mark Rinsler or Alan Eggleston (or another qualified guide), you'll travel by horseback from ranch headquarters to the base of the Pinos Altos Mountain Range. Avid horsemen, our guides are as passionate about their animals as the day is long. When not in the saddle exploring new trails, they hike the canyons and valleys of the Gila Region to find hidden Native American sites. With a degree in cultural anthropology and a Masters in Journalism, Mark is relentless in his desire to learn about the history of the Old West, the world of Nature in the Southwest and Native American Culture in the Gila Wilderness region. Alan is an expert horseman and riding instructor, and has been the owner of the ranch since 1997. Living happily with his wife Debbie, they are living out their dream of sharing the Best of the West with like-minded horse lovers and curious international travelers.

They will show you some of the most stunning wilderness vistas imaginable! Or, share his exploration of ancient Native American village sites located along Bear Creek. Your horse will be steady and sure-footed, willing to carry you there and beyond.

Gila Wilderness Expeditions uses horses which are seasoned and safe in the mountains and rocky, rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico and the Gila National Forest Region. Covering several diverse ecological zones, the wildlife and vegetation are abundant. Because of the isolation and the lack of human presence, including roads and motorized vehicles, the terrain traversed during the Gila Nature Expedition truly is a wilderness. As a result, almost all of the animals of the Upland Desert and Southern Rocky Mountains can be found here and can be seen most any time. Included are Javelina, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Bighorn Sheep, and Coyote. Close-up sightings of the elusive and rare Coati are not uncommon.

Environmentally aware of the importance of this natural resource and in our own efforts to preserve the pristine beauty of this land, Gila Wilderness Nature Rides specialize in "leave no trace" exploration and insist all adventurers responsibly bring out what they pack in. For those desiring to surround themselves with the beauty of this rugged landscape, the Gila Wilderness Nature Ride will take you on gentle, seasoned horses through rugged, pristine canyons and mountains lying within the magnificent Bear Creek and Greenwood Canyon drainage systems, and along the western edge of the legendary Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico. Consisting of several relaxing loop journeys, travel back in time through 30 million years on land that eventually became one of the early pioneer ranches established near the end of the Apache Wars in 1886. You will have an exclusive opportunity to explore areas accessible by invitation only, isolated and remote. This area is now known as the Double E Ranch. You will begin your journey each morning from Ranch Headquarters and return each evening to the comfort of your cozy, rustic cabin and a hearty home cooked meal..

**Subject to change

Four gentle seasons best describe the climatic conditions in the Gila National Forest, Gila Wilderness areas. The latitude, as well as the 5,000 - 7,000 foot elevation permits maximum enjoyment of the region during any season. Whether winter or summer, daytime temperatures are generally pleasant for hiking or horseback riding, and range from the high 80's in summer to mid-40's in winter. The area enjoys an average of 345 days of glorious sunshine and clear blue skies annually.

During this customized Gila Nature Expedition, you will have the opportunity to explore three primary plant communities and habitats:
The Riparian zone of Bear Creek, is characterized by magnificent, lush old growth cottonwoods and sycamores, ash, walnut, willow, gray oak and hackberry.
The Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts reach into the Gila, contributing to the dominant upland desert plant zone found over the plateaus, hills and lower mountains, and is characterized by juniper, pinion, scrub oak, yucca, agaves, mesquite, and prickly pear and cholla cactus. The majestic Rocky Mountains terminate in the Gila Forest, as do the Sierra Madre Mountains which stretch north from Old Mexico. The lower Greenwood Canyon drainage is an isolated high mountain valley and upper slope transitional zone characterized by ponderosa pine, Douglas Fir, giant manzanita and Gamble's Oak.
Bird, animal and insect life is abundant and varied and presents a constantly changing cast of characters and activities depending on the time of year. The area is truly a Birder's Paradise, providing sanctuary for Golden Eagles, Rufous Hummingbirds, Great Blue Herons, Greater Roadrunners, Summer Tanagers, Cardinals to name but a few. 

Because of the isolation and the lack of human presence, including roads and motorized vehicles, the terrain traversed during the Nature Expedition truly is a wilderness. As a result, almost all of the animals of the Upland Desert and Southern Rocky Mountains can be found here and can be seen most any time. Included are Javelina, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Bighorn Sheep, and Coyote. Close-up sightings of the elusive and rare Coatimundi are not uncommon. As you might expect, most of the reptiles typical of the Upland Desert are here, too — lizards of all sizes, rattlesnakes, bull snakes, and horned toads. For those interested in insects, the insects of the Gila region are remarkable! Butterflies, beetles, scorpions and the primal-looking vinagaroon are all present.

The geology of the Gila consists primarily of a complex and diverse assemblage of Tertiary volcanic tuffs, flows and intruesives which date between 20 and 35 million years old. One New Mexico geologist once observed that it is "complex to the point of perplexity". Agate, crystalline quartz, obsidian, fluorite, zeolites, geodes and other collectible rock and mineral specimens occur in abundance over the land surface and along the river bottoms. During the time of volcanism, vast quantities of igneous material were deposited in the Gila Wilderness area. The extent and magnitude of these eruptions is difficult to comprehend, but nearly 2,500 square miles were subject to these cataclysmic events.

• Personal Items:  tooth paste and tooth brush, face soap, shaving items, skin lotion, and shampoo/conditioner - alarm clock, if you need one.  We provide hair dryers, towels and other bedding.  There are no TV's or radios in the bunk houses.  Books; board games.

RIO LOBO BUNK HOUSE
Hang yer hat on a set of horns! Comfortable and cozy, this little two-bedroom Bunkhouse has it's own private deck. One queen bed and one full sized bed, full bath with extra large tub, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels. The Longhorn is comfortably air conditioned during warmer months.

NEW MEXICO RANCH HOUSE
This renovated ranch house is nearly 100 years old! Nestled in the trees, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house can sleep up to 6 comfortably. Amenities include a screened veranda with rocking chairs, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens, comforters and plush, thick towels. All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate.

WRANGLER'S BUNK HOUSE
(May to September)
Western and rustic, with bunk beds that sleep 4 comfortably. Amenities include a private deck, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels.

LONGHORN BUNKHOUSE
Hang yer hat on a set of horns!  Comfortable and secluded,  this cozy little two-bedroom has its own  private deck complete with hitch rail for your horse!  One queen bed and one full sized bed, full bath, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels.

BILLY THE KID'S HIDEOUT
Billy spent many years in and around Silver City. Who knows...he may have spent a few nights here himself! (Ask to see the bed with the bullet holes!). This cozy little log cabin has all the rustic comforts. After a full day of riding, good grub and great company, hunker down in your own ‘hideout’. At sun-up, treat yourself to coffee on your private deck, experiencing the incredible quite, magical colors, waiting for the stir of early morning wildlife. Perfect for a single -- or a familiar two! Amenities include queen sized bed, full shower and deep bath tub, thick towels, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.