For those desiring to surround themselves with the beauty of this rugged wilderness landscape, we'll take you on a gentle, horseback vacation adventure
on seasoned horses through rugged, pristine canyons and
mountains lying within the magnificent Bear Creek and
Greenwood Canyon drainage systems, situated along the
western edge of the legendary Gila Wilderness in
southwest New Mexico. Four gentle seasons best
describe the climatic conditions in the Gila National
Forest, Gila Wilderness and Double E Ranch
areas, providing comfortable horseback riding weather in
any season.
Enjoy a quiet moment on your porch
with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in your cabin.
Experience the sounds of birds chirping, horses
nickering, the wind rustling in the trees.
Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. We'll be saddled and ready to begin your journey by 9:30
a.m. Your
lunch will be packed and you'll meet Mark at the barn.
Ranch Staff works diligently to ensure your adventure is
comfortable, exciting and safe. Gentle, seasoned
horses will carry you into some of the most
spectacular country in southwest New Mexico. Expect to
cover from 3 miles to as many as 10-15 miles each
day through combined horseback riding and hiking.
Of course, we will tailor the length of your ride
according to your skill level and physical
conditioning. Comfortable riding clothes and
shoes/boots are a must!
Consisting of several relaxing loop journeys
through 30 million years on land that 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. The latitude, as well as the
5,000 - 7,000 foot elevation permits maximum
enjoyment of the region during every season.
Whether
winter or summer, daytime temperatures are
generally pleasant for hiking or horseback riding, and
range from the high 90's in the warmest summer months to
high 40's in coldest months of winter. The area
enjoys an average of 345 days of glorious sunshine
and clear blue skies annually.Imagine
what it will feel like to be looking into hundreds of
miles of spectacular, open vistas found only in the
American West! Inhale deeply and experience pure,
clean air. Silence! Enjoy a hushed lunch in
tranquil serenity under cobalt blue skies,
surrounded by immense Pinion, Cottonwood, Sycamore
or Ponderosa pines. Encounter hundreds of native
and migratory birds and animals on your journey.
Ride back to Double E Ranch in the late afternoon
feeling relaxed, with your spirit renewed, your
soul healed.
During this customized Gila Nature Expedition,
you will have the opportunity to explore three primary
plant communities and wildlife habitats:
The riparian zone of Bear Creek, which 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, agave, 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.
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.
Each of these zones remain exclusively for you to
explore and patiently await your arrival!
After
the evening meal, retire to your private, comfortable cabin. As the sun
begins to lower on an enchanted New Mexico horizon, casting a
brilliant orange and pink glow on the mountains, lean back
in your rocker, stretch yourself out, prepare to count the
stars exploding across the New Mexico sky...space, solitude,
peace.
Meals: Double E
Ranch prides itself on our informal, family-style meals,
comfortable guest cabins and excellent saddle
horses. We serve some of the best home grown,
chemical-free Texas Longhorn beef dishes in the
southwest. Fresh fruits and vegetables are
often on our menu, when in season and available.
Freshly baked desserts are served up daily.
We do not claim to be a gourmet restaurant. Meals
are not fancy - just home cooked, hearty, filling and
plentiful.Strict
vegetarian preferences cannot be accommodated.
However, fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, chicken,
pasta and rice are usually on the menu, as well as
deliciously tempting, home prepared desserts. We won't
let anyone go hungry! **Please, be responsible
about your dietary needs. Be sure you let Ranch
Staff know of any dietary concerns or allergies on
your arrival to avoid problems or miscommunication. Thanks!
All participants should be in good
physical condition and capable of being on horseback
or hiking for a minimum of 4-5 hours each day. A combination of hiking and horseback riding is
encouraged. |