Gila Wilderness Working Ranch
New Mexico
USA
Indulge your Cowboy Spirit with cattle roundups, cayuses, trail riding, and the undiluted, raw sensations of southwestern New Mexico. Explore a vacation paradise exceptionally beautiful and rich in the history of the southwest, as we are in the heart of Apache country. The 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest and pristine Gila Wilderness are our back yard! Excellent, seasoned ranch-horses will take you trail riding or wrangling cattle. Learn the cowboy 'fun'damentals of riding, roping and reining. Or just relax with a good book. No 'nose to tail' trail riding, but horseback riding the way it was intended to be, in country that can only be experienced from the back of a good horse. At 4500' elevation, four mild New Mexico seasons make outdoor horseback adventures possible year 'round. This is a working guest ranch with 30,000 acres, located 30 miles northwest of Silver City, New Mexico - here, you'll get as much "hands-on" time as you want! You can help with ranch chores in country that is truly spectacular, covering scenery as impressive as any in the southwest. Each guest works out an individual horseback riding routine tailored to their personal experience — from novice level to extremely advanced. Your trails are made — not followed! You can live the legends of the Wild West from the back of a good horse and ride your dreams! This working ranch in the Gila area contains some of the traditional domain of the NDEE, Chiricahua Apache. Privately protected Indian ruins and ancient petroglyphs can be reached by horseback or on foot. The ranch provides endless opportunities for birding, geology expeditions, or botanical exploration. You can pan for gold or search for arrowheads. Surround yourself with southwestern comfort and warm hospitality! Guests are housed in private, rustic ranch houses which are filled with Western art and interesting antiques. We purposely limit the number of guests to provide you with an individualized, personalized, western-style adventure. You won't be lost in another crowd! Ensuring you have a darned good, southwestern time is what we're after! The ranch prides itself on home-style meals using home grown, free-range, chemical-free beef dishes. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are offered on our menu when in season and available. Every vacation begins with a fantasy. And a ranch vacation is certainly no exception. It follows that the closer you can come to fulfilling your expectations, the more satisfying your ranch vacation will be. While we don't promise you a fancy dude ranch or resort experience, we do guarantee you'll meet some fun folks and be a better rider when your visit is over. We promise breathtaking vistas, exciting horseback rides on seasoned horses, satisfying meals, evening campfires and the Milky Way spread across the New Mexico sky. ... ride your dreams!
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|
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
6 nights accommodations, three home-cooked meals daily (with water, coffee, tea, juice, milk), 5 riding days (unlimited hours of exciting guided horseback trails, available cattle work, informal riding instruction), complimentary laundry room, taxes
| A | 2012 | 7 day Ranch, AP | 7d / 6n | $1495 |
| No Single room supplement - if available | $0 |
| Extra night in Silver City pp incl taxes | $65 |
Group Leader: FREE with group of 8+. 50% OFF with group of 5+
Transfer Option:
|
2012
|
Transfer from Silver City at 5:30 PM, Drop off in the morning
|
$75
|
|
2012
|
Transfer El Paso - Silver City pp (min of 2) - each way
- to be paid locally
|
$110
|
|
2012
|
Transfer El Paso - Silver City 1 only - each way
- to be paid locally
|
$165
|
Fly into Albuquerque and then fly to Silver City or we can arrange a private transfer from El Paso, TX or Tucson, AZ to Silver city. From Silver City we use the ranch shuttler for the last stretch
If you are driving in, please arrive to the ranch in the afternoon on Sunday between 3 PM and before 6 PM and depart Saturday.
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2012
|
03/25
- 03/31
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/08
- 04/14
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/22
- 04/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/29
- 05/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
05/13
- 05/19
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
06/03
- 06/09
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
06/10
- 06/16
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
06/17
- 06/23
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
06/24
- 06/30
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
07/01
- 07/07
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
07/15
- 07/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
07/22
- 07/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
07/29
- 08/04
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
08/05
- 08/11
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
08/19
- 08/25
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
08/26
- 09/01
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
09/09
- 09/15
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
09/16
- 09/22
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
09/30
- 10/06
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
10/14
- 10/20
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
10/21
- 10/27
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
10/28
- 11/03
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
11/11
- 11/17
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
11/18
- 11/24
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
11/25
- 12/01
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
12/02
- 12/08
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
12/09
- 12/15
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
12/16
- 12/22
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
12/23
- 12/29
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
12/30
- 01/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Ranch, AP
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
|
|
Rates do not include:
Airport transfers, private riding lessons, mounted shooting instruction, alcohol is BYOB
Sample Week at the Ranch...
All of our days may vary depending on the level of riders, seasonal jobs we need to do, or the weather conditions and your sense of adventure!
Sunday: You can arrive any time after 3 PM, but if you want to partake in the evening meal you need to be here by 6 PM. If we provide a pick up from Silver City for you, we will pick you up at 5:30 PM either from the airport or the bus station (shuttle bus from El Paso). If you drive in on your own at get here relatively early, you will have an opportunity go for a nice exploratory hike, pan for gold, birds watch or just "take it easy" and unwind from your journey!
Monday: Join a trail ride this morning which compliments your riding skill level and interests. Choose from two 1/2 day trails (with lunch at the ranch headquarters) or a full day riding trail to explore the thousands of scenic acres with picnic lunch along the way! Faster paced riding will be permitted per your individual riding skill level - your safety is our primary concern! Every day you'll have the opportunity to experience abundant wildlife, amazing geological phenomena, incredible vistas, nearly perfect weather!
Tuesday: Break up into teams for some Team Penning or Sorting this morning! Team Penning has become one of the fastest new equestrian sports in the nation. It's fun and improves your individual horsemanship skills. Lunch at the ranch headquarters. We can either go out for some afternoon trail riding after lunch or we can practice more Team Penning if you fancy!
Wednesday: Hit the riding trails and spend the entire day exploring the Ruins and Caves of the Mimbres Indians. This will be a relaxing and scenic ride with a nice lunch stop in the wilderness. These amazing ruins are between 700 and 1300 years old!
Thursday: Half day trail ride this morning, lunch at the headquarters and then some exciting Barrel Racing (for fun!) in the afternoon.
Friday: Saddle up today and explore the canyons at Hell's Half Acre! This ride can be done at a slow or fast pace, so we can play it by ear and see how the day goes!
Saturday: Morning departure, so you can catch your flight or shuttle bus out of Silver City.
No riding on Sunday or Saturday
- they are arrival and departure days only and a deserved day off for
the horses! If you are staying over the weekend, you can hike, pan for
gold in the creek, bird watch, enjoy the scenery.
Relax! There's no rush hour traffic to fight and no appointments to keep! This is about as hectic as it gets! The days' activities are discussed the night before at supper. Your voice counts! So let us hear what you think! Our goal is to help you realize as many of your riding dreams as possible.
Meeting:
Ranch in Gila NM
Airport:
Silver City
Transfer:
Silver City
Distance:
45 miles
Fly into Albuquerque and then fly to Silver City or we can arrange a private transfer from El Paso, TX or Tucson, AZ to Silver city. From Silver City we use the ranch shuttler for the last stretch
If you are driving in, please arrive to the ranch in the afternoon on Sunday between 3 PM and before 6 PM and depart Saturday.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Quarterhorse
|
|
Pace:
|
|
based on experience slow or fast paced, 6-8 hours daily
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
275 lbs.
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Introduction: Tough, seasoned ranch horses will take you trail riding or rounding up cattle. Learn the cowboy 'fun'damentals of riding, try some barrel racing, team penning or practice your roping and reining. Or tighten up yer cinch for a riding challenge you won't forget -- a Wild Cow Hunt! And what would a ranch vacation be like without a little bit of a cattle roundup?? Because the climate in southwestern New Mexico is so mild during any season, they are able to calve year ‘round. This means most of the guests have an opportunity to help with every phase of cattle work, which can include roundups, branding, sorting, weaning, vaccinating, castrating, and pasture movement of the Texas Longhorn and cross-bred Brangus cattle on site and help them preserve as much of the traditional "Old West" as possible...there sure ain't much of it left!
Riding Level: It is strongly recommended that you are at least a strong beginner. (A "strong beginner" is someone who is comfortable controlling the horse at a walk or trot, is not particularly nervous around the animals and is ambitious to learn more). We are unable to accommodate complete beginners unfortunately! So if you wish to visit us and have never ridden before, please take some riding lesson at home locally to get a small foundation to work with before you arrive to the ranch! If you have a husband or wife who has never ridden but would like to join you, have them do the same or else they are also able to book as a non-rider at a discounted rate!
Please Note: The
maximum weight is 240 lbs. Children under 12 can ride at the ranch
only, not out on the trails. For you own protection we recommend to wear
protective helmets, but it is not mandatory. Five unlimited riding days
total!
The Horses: During your visit to the ranch, they will provide you with the opportunity to ride some of the finest western saddle horses available. Depending on your individual riding skill level, horses will be selected for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Many of the horses can easily accommodate all levels of riders. They "know" what your skill level is and will adjust accordingly. At they ranch, they prefer quarter horse and quarter horse type horses, agile with quiet confidence. You'll find all horses in excellent condition, athletic, tough and willing, each one having their own distinct personality. Regardless of how well you ride, they believe they have a horse for YOU and the staff will make every effort to create the perfect "fit". And speaking of "fit", if your saddle is uncomfortable or you don't like your assigned horse, please - tell them! They are happy to make changes. Most of the horses are fully versatile and can be used for everything - Team Penning, Barrel Racing, working cattle and trail riding through the rugged New Mexico terrain. Try several horses or keep one partner for the week! They'll take care of you, you'll improve your horsemanship and have a lot of fun! If you happen to be shopping for a new, personal saddle horse, this is the perfect opportunity to try several of our horses that may be for sale. Many of their horses are now living in England, Germany, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, California, Texas, Illinois, Vermont, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas and New Hampshire!
Riding at the Ranch: While there may be times it's necessary due to the particular terrain or trail, they discourage 'nose to tail' riding at the ranch! Here they want horseback riding the way it was intended to be, in country that can only be fully experienced and enjoyed from the back of a good horse. They do ask that you listen to and respect your trail guide at all times, following his/her directions closely. At 5000' elevation and with daytime temperatures ranging from 48 degrees in the winter months to 98+ degrees in warmest summer months, New Mexico's climate makes outdoor horseback adventures possible year round. The Southwest is a magical part of our great country. Owners Alan and Debbie Eggleston feel they have the very best that southwestern New Mexico has to offer and they are excited to be able to share it with you! You'll get as much "hands-on" time as you want! As part of the crew, we invite you to get yer hands dirty. This isn't a "foo-foo" dude ranch. This is ranch life pretty much the way is has always been in New Mexico for over 100 years. It's a lifestyle that is fast disappearing and we work hard to preserve it. The smells, the sounds, the dust in the air, the animals - are all part of the experience. Wake to the melody of birds in the trees, horses anxiously waiting to be fed and the sight of a spectacular sun splashing over Turtle Rock. Dude Ranch?? We don't think so! Enjoy a quiet moment on your porch with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in your cabin before helping with morning ranch chores, which can include feeding livestock, pulling saddle horses from pastures, grooming and tacking. While not mandatory, we encourage your help. They are able to keep rates reasonable because maintaining a small staff - and so they appreciate the extra hands!
Group Size: Striving for personal service, the group sizes are intimate with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10.
Mounted Shooting Option: Have you ever watched an Old Western movie and marveled as the hero galloped his horse across the screen with reins in one hand and firing off shots left and right? Ever wished you could try it? If the romance and excitement of the Old West are calling you, then Cowboy Mounted Shooting might be just the sport for you! Available upon request during your stay ... ~$50 per person.
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
At 5000' elevation, and with daytime temperatures ranging from 48 degrees in the winter months to 98 degrees in warmest summer months, four mild New Mexico seasons make outdoor horseback adventures possible year 'round. New Mexico truly is the "Land of Enchantment"
Sunshine, clear blue skies during the day and stunning evening skies are the norm!
|
This list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
|
Travel documents and Voucher |
|
Flight tickets |
|
Passport |
|
Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
RIDING GEAR |
|
Jeans (we recommend "Wranglers" Jeans because they don't have the double sewn, inside leg seam, reducing skin chafing). |
|
Bicycle Shorts - yep! they are great for preventing chaffing and you can even get them with a "bum pad"! |
|
Chinks or Chaps (if you have them) |
|
Riding Boots (if you have them already - don't bring NEW ones!) |
|
Long Sleeved Shirts and short sleeved T-Shirts |
|
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
|
Riding gloves and Neck Scarf |
|
Hat with Stampede Strings - very important! |
|
Rain Slicker (July/August, November/December) |
|
Medium Weight Jacket (Fall/Winter Only) |
|
Heavy Riding Coat or Oilskin Coat (Winter Only) |
|
|
PERSONAL CLOTHING |
|
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
|
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
|
Jeans |
|
Shorts |
|
Underwear and socks |
|
Pyjama |
|
Bag for dirty clothes |
|
Tennis Shoes or Hiking Boots/Shoes |
|
|
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
|
Personal Toiletries |
|
Insect protection |
|
Personal medications |
|
Sore cream (for the emergency) |
|
Sewing kit |
|
Handkerchiefs |
|
Camera; Binoculars |
|
Sun glasses with strap |
|
Sun Block |
|
Canteen (if you have one) - we provide you with water bottles and a cantle bag. |
|
Small Flashlight - for the walk back to your cabin after dinner |
- 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, but books and board games.
*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.
..view other reports for different trips
You will stay in comfortable, rustic cabins and guest houses on the ranch property. Each room is equipped with comfortable queen sized beds with down comforters, full bathrooms, and clean towels.
The Rio Lobo Guest House:
Rio Lobo is a cozy little 1-1/2 bedroom house built in the 1940's. It was used as the original bunk house at Headquarters. Refurbished, the hard wood floors shine and real barn wood walls provide the warmth of real western atmospherea Living space includes a living room, small kitchen, full bath and screened porch. At approximately 900 square feet, this little house will comfortably sleep one or two singles, a couple or 3 singles very comfortably. Amenities: refrigerator, micro, bedding, two twin and one queen sized bed. Air conditioning in warmer months.
The New Mexico Ranch House:
Cozy and comfortable, this renovated ranch house is nearly 100 years old! Nestled in the trees near Bear Creek, this house is either a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house with a giant veranda overlooking the horse pasture. Amenities include rocking chairs, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, creamer, comforters. The bathroom has an antique claw-foot bathtub, shower and plush, thick towels. Air conditioning during warmer summer months.
The Hideout Cabins:
Four cozy little cabins have 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 quiet, magical colors, waiting for the early morning stir of young colts nickering to be fed. Perfect for a single -- or a familiar two. Amenities include queen sized bed, twin bed, shower and/or deep bath tub, thick towels, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker. Air conditioning during warmer months.
The Cloud Spitter:
The view from here is a spectacular 360 degrees! This southwestern pueblo-style, tri-story adobe sits high above Headquarters. It will comfortably accommodate as many as 2 singles or 2 couples, with a queen and full bed. Amenities include small dining area with microwave and refrigerator, 2 full bathrooms, thick towels and plush comforters, washer/dryer. All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate. Staying in The Cloud Splitter requires that you arrive with your own transportation.
Meals at the Ranch: A Sample Menu...
Breakfast:
Eggs, pancakes or waffles or French toast, juices, bacon or sausage, biscuits, rolls
Lunch:
A Variety of Tex/Mex Dishes, Casarole, Chili, Beans, Salads, Burritos, Sandwiches, Fruit, Cookies
Dinner:
Beef/Chicken/Pork with fresh vegetables, rice/pasta sides, fresh breads, various dessert
Beverages:
Water, coffee, tea, juice, milk, lemonade, water (Alcoholic Beverages are BYO)
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Quarterhorse
|
|
Pace:
|
|
based on experience slow or fast paced, 6-8 hours daily
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
275 lbs.
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Introduction: Tough, seasoned ranch horses will take you trail riding or rounding up cattle. Learn the cowboy 'fun'damentals of riding, try some barrel racing, team penning or practice your roping and reining. Or tighten up yer cinch for a riding challenge you won't forget -- a Wild Cow Hunt! And what would a ranch vacation be like without a little bit of a cattle roundup?? Because the climate in southwestern New Mexico is so mild during any season, they are able to calve year ‘round. This means most of the guests have an opportunity to help with every phase of cattle work, which can include roundups, branding, sorting, weaning, vaccinating, castrating, and pasture movement of the Texas Longhorn and cross-bred Brangus cattle on site and help them preserve as much of the traditional "Old West" as possible...there sure ain't much of it left!
Riding Level: It is strongly recommended that you are at least a strong beginner. (A "strong beginner" is someone who is comfortable controlling the horse at a walk or trot, is not particularly nervous around the animals and is ambitious to learn more). We are unable to accommodate complete beginners unfortunately! So if you wish to visit us and have never ridden before, please take some riding lesson at home locally to get a small foundation to work with before you arrive to the ranch! If you have a husband or wife who has never ridden but would like to join you, have them do the same or else they are also able to book as a non-rider at a discounted rate!
Please Note: The
maximum weight is 240 lbs. Children under 12 can ride at the ranch
only, not out on the trails. For you own protection we recommend to wear
protective helmets, but it is not mandatory. Five unlimited riding days
total!
The Horses: During your visit to the ranch, they will provide you with the opportunity to ride some of the finest western saddle horses available. Depending on your individual riding skill level, horses will be selected for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Many of the horses can easily accommodate all levels of riders. They "know" what your skill level is and will adjust accordingly. At they ranch, they prefer quarter horse and quarter horse type horses, agile with quiet confidence. You'll find all horses in excellent condition, athletic, tough and willing, each one having their own distinct personality. Regardless of how well you ride, they believe they have a horse for YOU and the staff will make every effort to create the perfect "fit". And speaking of "fit", if your saddle is uncomfortable or you don't like your assigned horse, please - tell them! They are happy to make changes. Most of the horses are fully versatile and can be used for everything - Team Penning, Barrel Racing, working cattle and trail riding through the rugged New Mexico terrain. Try several horses or keep one partner for the week! They'll take care of you, you'll improve your horsemanship and have a lot of fun! If you happen to be shopping for a new, personal saddle horse, this is the perfect opportunity to try several of our horses that may be for sale. Many of their horses are now living in England, Germany, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, California, Texas, Illinois, Vermont, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas and New Hampshire!
Riding at the Ranch: While there may be times it's necessary due to the particular terrain or trail, they discourage 'nose to tail' riding at the ranch! Here they want horseback riding the way it was intended to be, in country that can only be fully experienced and enjoyed from the back of a good horse. They do ask that you listen to and respect your trail guide at all times, following his/her directions closely. At 5000' elevation and with daytime temperatures ranging from 48 degrees in the winter months to 98+ degrees in warmest summer months, New Mexico's climate makes outdoor horseback adventures possible year round. The Southwest is a magical part of our great country. Owners Alan and Debbie Eggleston feel they have the very best that southwestern New Mexico has to offer and they are excited to be able to share it with you! You'll get as much "hands-on" time as you want! As part of the crew, we invite you to get yer hands dirty. This isn't a "foo-foo" dude ranch. This is ranch life pretty much the way is has always been in New Mexico for over 100 years. It's a lifestyle that is fast disappearing and we work hard to preserve it. The smells, the sounds, the dust in the air, the animals - are all part of the experience. Wake to the melody of birds in the trees, horses anxiously waiting to be fed and the sight of a spectacular sun splashing over Turtle Rock. Dude Ranch?? We don't think so! Enjoy a quiet moment on your porch with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in your cabin before helping with morning ranch chores, which can include feeding livestock, pulling saddle horses from pastures, grooming and tacking. While not mandatory, we encourage your help. They are able to keep rates reasonable because maintaining a small staff - and so they appreciate the extra hands!
Group Size: Striving for personal service, the group sizes are intimate with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10.
Mounted Shooting Option: Have you ever watched an Old Western movie and marveled as the hero galloped his horse across the screen with reins in one hand and firing off shots left and right? Ever wished you could try it? If the romance and excitement of the Old West are calling you, then Cowboy Mounted Shooting might be just the sport for you! Available upon request during your stay ... ~$50 per person.
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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