Cattle Ranch in Pleasant Valley
Arizona
USA
Set in the heart of the Tonto National Forest along the Mogollon Rim, this lodge is part of a working 55,000 acre cattle ranch that offers something for every visitor and level of rider. It is also rich in old west history and culture – located near the site of one of the gunfights of the infamous “Pleasant Valley War”. The war is one the most famous of the range wars in the American West, the subject of a number of nonfiction books, as well as the source of a number novels (including one by Zane Grey) and movie plots.
The lodge is a study in rustic elegance, providing all the modern comforts, while staying true to its working cattle ranch history. Guests will enjoy the accommodations at the lodge – the spacious great hall with its fireplace and leather couches, the supremely comfortable bedrooms, the deck overlooking the lake and the patio with its fire pit. The lodge is the perfect place to relax when not out on the trail on our well-trained, responsive horses, or taking advantage of the many activities around the ranch, including the roping arena, rifle range, 3-D archery course, sporting clay course, four-wheeling, fishing, hiking and more.
The family-owned lodge opened to the public in 2008 and now offers a variety of riding opportunities that accommodate every level of experience including “cowboy skill” classes, trail rides, half-day, day-long and camping excursions to explore Indian ruins, remote line cabins, or to the sites of gun fights in the Pleasant Valley War. Experienced riders can also go out with the ranch hands to experience the cowboy life, monitoring livestock & range conditions, riding fence lines, rounding up, driving and working the livestock.
The trails wind through diverse and breathtaking terrain: Ponderosa pine forests, running streams, riparian valleys and canyons, stands of aspen, juniper, oak and chaparral, and open grass lands. Beginners will enjoy wide, slow-curving trails that wind around the hills and through the gullies around the lodge. These trails are relatively flat, mostly graded and very easy to follow. More experienced riders will want to take advantage of the more challenging trails and cross country excursions. Trails climb across ridges, gullies, valleys, mesas, hills and peaks. Some of the paths are fairly narrow, full of switchbacks and traverse steep rocky slopes, but provide some of the most spectacular views of Pleasant Valley and the wildlife hidden deep in the woods.
Riders are able to design their own program - more experienced riders that want to experience the "cowboy life", can
ride out with the cowboy/wranglers each day to check on cattle, move
them to new pastures, check fence lines, help branding, vaccinating or
tagging - whatever needs to be done can be part of your daily rides.
An extensive Sporting Clay shotgun course and a 10 station 3-D target archery course are also available (extra charge)
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Meeting:
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Young
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Airport:
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Phoenix
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Transfer:
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Phoenix by private transfer
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
30
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Lodging, all gourmet meals, participation in ranch activities (e.g., livestock and range management, working cattle and round ups), roping, branding, trail rides, arena riding/training
| A | 2009 | 7 day Ranch, AP | 7d / 6n | $1350 |
| Non rider Discount | ($500) |
| Upgrade to room with private bath | $150 |
| Bunkhouse discount | ($150) |
| Deluxe room upgrade | $650 |
| Single supplement | $650 |
| 10 station Sporting Clay Shotgun Course (50 targets) | $30 |
Gratuity:
15
%
Tax:
6.6
%
Transfer Option:
|
2009
|
Transfer from Phoenix pp return
- to be paid locally
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$160
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Check in 3 PM - Check out 1 PM
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2009
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09/27
- 10/03
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
10/04
- 10/10
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
10/11
- 10/17
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
10/18
- 10/24
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
10/25
- 10/31
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
11/01
- 11/07
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
11/08
- 11/14
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
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11/15
- 11/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
11/22
- 11/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Reserve
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| A |
2009
|
11/29
- 12/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
12/06
- 12/12
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
12/13
- 12/19
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Reserve
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| A |
2009
|
12/20
- 12/26
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Reserve
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| A |
2009
|
12/27
- 01/02
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
30
|
Reserve
|
|
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Rates do not include:
Overnight excursions, Old West Competitions, Sporting Clays, & Archery Course
Around the Lodge
Beginners can take riding and “cowboy skill” lessons from
our experienced ranch hands. A typical day will involve getting up to feed and
groom the horses, proper saddling and riding techniques in the morning and a
break for lunch in the lodge. When riders are comfortable, the ranch hands
begin taking them out on the smoother trails around the lodge.
Guests
will also have the option to attend farrier, roping and Gymkhana demonstrations
by the ranch hands. Roping lessons and instruction in the mechanics of a cattle
ranch are also offered
In the Roping Arena
The arena is available for guests that would like to try their own hand at roping, Gymkhana, team penning and other horseback games.
Trail Rides & Excursions
For more experienced riders ready to hit the trails on arrival, there are over 100 miles of trail on 55,000 acres of land around the lodge. Guests can accompany ranch hands on guided rides or can
pack up lunch, grab a map and climb the Valley trails around the Rim territory. Some trails are gentle and wide enough suitable for wheeled vehicles. Others are steep, winding paths that cut through the hills on their climb to the top. Riders will need to have a moderate level of experience before tackling the steeper trails. There are a variety of trails to take that will keep guests entertained for days exploring the beautiful country around the lodge.
The type of terrain covered and the pace of the guided trail rides will be chosen to accommodate the desires and experience levels of the participants.
In addition to just riding the trails along the creek beds, though scenic canyons, and over the ridges, hills and mountains, there are any number of destinations to which to ride, including among others: ancient petroglyphs, Indian ruins, remote cabins, Pleasant Valley War sites and particularly spectacular scenery or geological formations. Trail rides can be one half day or a full-day. Full-day rides will include a trail lunch.
Destination Rides and Cam-Outs
Some destinations (e.g., particularly spectacular Indian cave dwellings, and some of the Pleasant Valley War sites) require more than one day’s ride.
Those cases call for a "Cowboy Camp-out": Sleep in teepees and authentic cowboy bed rolls. Enjoy campfire grills and Dutch oven style meals. Of course, for those that want the experience but without the long ride, camp-outs can be arranged closer to home. (There are extra charges for camp-outs).
Games and Competitions
For the really adventurous advanced riders, teams are chosen and equestrian games are played. Depending upon the experience levels, daring and inclinations of the participants, games may include; Cowboys versus Rustlers (teams are challenged with finding and rounding up a group of cattle); Treasure Hunt; and Capture the Flag. Some games may also include a target shooting, water gun, laser tag or a dismounted (we need to protect the horses) paint ball component.
(There are extra charges for set up and use of equipment).
The Cowboy Life, Cattle Drives and Round-ups
Or, if a guest would like to experience an actual day in the life of cowboy, he or she can accompany the ranch hands as they tend to the actual business of the ranch, monitoring the horses and cattle, riding the fence lines and so forth. In Arizona, we calve year-round and practice stringent range management. The working the cattle often includes roundups, branding, sorting, weaning, vaccinating, castrating, moving to new pastures.
For advanced riders looking to be a part of the action and find out what it is really like to work on a cattle ranch, this is the ultimate experience. Riders should be prepared for long days and less guidance than other activities. Riders will be taught everything they need to know before the first day of the drive and guided on how to participate. Then they can either sit back and watch the action or jump right on in and help. Playing an active role in working the livestock in particular will expose the rider to a variety of terrains, some of which may be relatively rugged, wooded and/or rocky, and may require riding at a fast canter or gallop. Once the cattle have been rounded up, riders have the opportunity to also take part in the cattle drive, and ultimately branding and other activities. It’s an experience not soon forgotten.
On rare occasions, the opportunity may arise to ride along on a predation hunt for a stock-killing mountain lion or bear.
A Sample Itinerary
Sunday: Arrive at the lodge. Settle in any time after 3 PM. Tour the facilities. Before dinner you will go through an orientation with your host and the itinerary for the group will be finalized. After dinner enjoy evening campfire social in front of the lodge.
Monday options: If there is sufficient interest, you can attend a Horseback Riding Clinic (including 1 to 2 hour rides) for beginners and those guests who want a refresher on Western-style track and riding. The clinic will cover such things as (depending upon the interests and experience of the attendees) equine anatomy, care and maintenance of the horse, horse psychology, hoof care and shoeing, Western saddle & tack, saddling and mounting the horse, riding techniques & communicating with horse, riding etiquette, hobbling and timing a horse. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one or both of morning and afternoon guided trail rides. Lunch will be served at the Lodge.
Tuesday options: The group can choose either morning and afternoon guided trail rides with lunch at the Lodge, or an all day guided trail ride to one of the destinations with lunch on the trail.
Wednesday options: If there is sufficient interest, you can attend a hands on "Cowboy Skill" clinic on roping and cattle management -- care, movement, branding, vaccinating, castrating, ear tagging and marking. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one or both of morning and afternoon guided trail rides or practice "cowboy skills" or gymkhana in the arena. Lunch will be served at the Lodge.
Thursday options: You have the opportunity to participate in or at least ride along with a cattle roundup and drive and, once the cattle are brought in, to practice your cowboy skills in the corral.
Friday options: The group can choose between guided trail rides, or practice sessions in the arena in the morning and afternoon with lunch at the Lodge, an all day guided trail ride to one of the destinations with lunch on the trail, or spend the day working cattle.
Saturday options: If you are an early riser, you can take a short trail ride (staying close to the Lodge), practice in the arena, take advantage of one of the other activities offered at the Lodge or simply relax until it is time to depart.
Of course, there are a couple of alternative options available every day. You can participate in the normal activities in and about the ranch -- taking care of the livestock, range management, and working cattle, you can ride off on your own, or you can just relax.
Meeting:
Young
Airport:
Phoenix
Transfer:
Phoenix by private transfer
Distance:
150 miles
Check in 3 PM - Check out 1 PM
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter horses, Mules
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Pace:
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Slow with some trots and canters according to riding level. Working cattle may require fast canter and occasional gallop.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels
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Age:
|
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Min
8
|
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Weight:
|
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Max
250 lbs
|
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Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
30
|
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
HTML clipboard
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Month
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Average Hi and Low
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Average Rainfall (inches)
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January
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Hi 55 / Low 21
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2.32
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February
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Hi 58 / Low 24
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2.10
|
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March
|
Hi 62 / Low 27
|
2.66
|
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April
|
Hi 69 / Low 31
|
0.85
|
|
May
|
Hi 78 / Low 37
|
0.69
|
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June
|
Hi 88 / Low 45
|
0.42
|
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July
|
Hi 90 / Low 55
|
2.54
|
|
August
|
Hi 88 / Low 55
|
3.29
|
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September
|
Hi 84 / Low 47
|
2.02
|
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October
|
Hi 75 / Low 36
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2.11
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November
|
Hi 63 / Low 26
|
1.67
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December
|
Hi 56 / Low 21
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1.88
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Summer temperatures can climb well into the high 90s during the heat of the day in Young, while winter nights can plunge well below freezing. Depending on when your stay is, come prepared for the weather. That being said, here are some items you will want to bring year round.
Broken-in riding boots (new ones will really hurt)
Riding jeans (preferably without leg seam to reduce chaffing)
Any riding gear you own
Comfortable clothing for indoors
Sunscreen (High-SPF)
Hat for shade
Sunglasses
Camping or pocket knife
Flashlight or headlamp
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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The lodge accommodations are for everyone. Whether you're taking a family trip with the kids, a riding trip with friends, a romantic getaway or just looking to get away.
The Lodge commons has five rooms that sleep 16, including king, queen and double beds. A crib and pullout bed are available for families with young children. Adjacent to the main lodge is the bunkhouse commons, perfect for multiple families and extended stays. The bunk house has three rooms, each accommodating six guests.
All of the guests will enjoy spectacular gourmet cooking at the main lodge.
Free WiFi is available to all guests as well as a washer and dryer.
Solar Power
To maintain the natural environment around the lodge we are solar-powered and green friendly.
The Lodge rooms:

60 Caliber Room
The 60 Cal. Room’s double French doors swing out to the lodge’s back deck and fire pit. The room features two double beds, shared bathroom.

Queen Anne Room
This rustic Victorian room features a four-post queen bed, double French doors with access to the lodge’s fire pit and deck, shared bathroom. Quick access to the lodge’s kitchen and grand room make this the perfect room for visitors constantly up and about.

Ambush Hill Loft (upgrade)
The loft provides a direct view from a private balcony on to the infamous Ambush Hill, where the Grahams fired upon the Tewksbury cabin. It features a king size bed, private shower and walk-in closet. The open loft entry area can be equipped with a day bed and trundle (for a small extra charge).

Lake View Retreat (upgrade)
Aptly named, this room for four overlooks the length of Lake Sharon. You can watch the sun reflect off the water as it dips below the horizon from the deck. Lake View Retreat features two queen size beds, a private bath and shower, exterior entrance to the lodge’s main deck. Private bathroom.

Deluxe Hideaway (upgrade)
This luxurious room is the most spacious at the lodge and is outfitted with everything that will truly make you feel like the owners. The room features a king size bed, French double doors out to a private redwood deck, stone fireplace, plasma screen TV. Private bathroom - After a long day riding the trails, sit down and relax in the large soaking tub or oversized shower.
The Bunk House:

Rustlers Roost
Located in the bunk house apart from the main lodge, this room features a king size bed, private bathroom, an exterior entrance. This room is perfect for mom and dad, with access to the kid’s bunk house commons.

Wranglers Rack
This room
for up to four is located in the bunk house apart from the main lodge. It features two
queen size beds, private bathroom, an exterior entrance.

Bunkhouse Commons
The bunk house
commons is the perfect room for your kids! Apart from the main lodge, this room
features six twin beds, two bunk beds and two trundle beds, a kitchen, an exterior
entrance.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Quarter horses, Mules
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow with some trots and canters according to riding level. Working cattle may require fast canter and occasional gallop.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
8
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
250 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
30
|
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.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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