Solo Travelers & Couples Ranch Vacations

The Gila National Forest beckons all to explore, and there’s no better place to see it all than Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. While we typically cater to small groups, we also love welcoming couples and solo travelers. Whether you are traveling alone or as part of a couple, read on to learn more about each unique vacation experience. Afterward, make your vacation planning even easier with our free digital concierge. Submit your preferred travel dates, activities, and interests, and Meris, ranch owner and expert wrangler, will send you a personalized itinerary within the next 24 to 72 hours!

Couples and Solo Travelers: How to Plan the Best Dude Ranch Vacation

The Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch Experience

No matter how you choose to travel, solo-style or as a couple, our comforting, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes you to share in one of the last remaining strongholds of western heritage. When you are a guest at our ranch, you become part of the family! This authentic experience is what makes our New Mexico dude ranch stand out from the competition.

We are a small ranch in the heart of the Gila National Forest with only four cabins and a maximum of 16 guests. It is just the right size to give personalized attention during your stay. Your stay with us always includes three home-style meals a day, unlimited horseback riding, lessons on the history of the area, and more.

The Couples’ Getaway

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, the Gila National Forest makes perfect sense. Scenic hiking trails and crystal-clear, spring-fed creeks are a few romantic places where you and your sweetie can spend quality time with one another. The boundless beauty and remote location also make it ideal if you want to unplug from the business of modern day life and reconnect with the person you love.

We host many special occasions at our ranch, including birthdays, anniversaries and even proposals! While you are planning, let us know what you are celebrating so that we can cater to your experience. If you are looking for one of the best places in New Mexico to propose, we’ll guide you there. Are you planning an anniversary or birthday celebration? Include the details in your reservation, and we can make a celebratory dessert!

The Solo Traveler Experience

Solo traveling has a way of pushing us outside of our comfort zone, yet solo travelers at our ranch find comfort in meeting other like-minded guests. This connection often stems from a mutual love of horses and nature. If experiencing an authentic New Mexico guest ranch is a lifelong dream of yours, but you don’t have somebody to join you, then our ranch is the perfect place for you. We typically host about eight guests at a time, and it creates a personalized experience that many ranches can’t offer.

We host solo travelers from all corners of the world, and along this journey, it is amazing the people you can meet. As a group, we explore ancient cliff dwellings, dive into the history of the land, and horseback ride through the Gila. You’ll also have some one-on-one time to bond with your horse!

Activities & Things to Do

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience that is off the beaten path, you are going to love Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your stay:

Horseback Riding

Our ranch’s main focus is seeing the beautiful scenery of Gila by horseback. From mountain views to Ponderosa forests and deep canyons with crystal-clear streams, our vast area offers new trails and views for every day of your stay. We have well-trained, responsive horses and can accommodate any level of rider, from beginner to experienced. Please keep in mind there is a rider weight limit of 230 pounds. Horseback riding requires a certain amount of physical fitness. These requirements help us ensure the safety and comfort of both our riders and horses.

Native American Culture

Our area has a rich and fascinating history, and we love sharing it with guests! We explore pit houses and cliff dwellings, view pictographs, and search for pottery shards and artifacts of the Mimbres people who lived here from 200 to 1150 AD. This is the birthplace of Geronimo and the homeland of the Chiricahua Apaches! 

You’ll also learn about the Basque sheepherders who came through this area 100 years ago and the tin mining that took place from the 1930s to 1940s. History is around every corner!

Outdoor Adventures

Situated within the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, our ranch is in a nature lover’s paradise. The wilderness area is rich with wildlife and covers several climatic zones. We love sharing our knowledge of the flora and fauna, from the mountain peaks to canyon valleys, and flowering meadows. At every turn, you’ll enjoy pristine scenery untouched by the modern world. Don’t forget your camera!

Enjoy the Best of Gila National Forest at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch