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Lowdown

  • Established

    2012. Guest ranch since 2014

  • Manager

    Claudia Schnettler and Andrea Behrens

  • Tel

    +1 575 472 0472

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)

    $145 - $225

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Maximum Guests

    10

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Peace & quiet, Diverse scenery

Welcome to Creek Ranch New Mexico - a genuine working & guest ranch - 8200 acres of breathtakingly beautiful and rough country! The landscape, where Billy the Kid once roamed, looks like from a Western movie. Colorful bluffs, deep arroyos, the red-colored dirt, junipers, mesquite bushes and cholla cactuses combined with the big blue sky form a unique scenery. This is the Wild West and fans of Lonesome Dove will recognize the infamous Pecos River at the north end of our premises. The river pasture is lush green and you can go swimming or fishing in the Pecos River. The Carrizo Creek runs through another pasture and the banks of the creek bed vary in plenty different colors. The other pastures offer amazing overviews over the Pecos River Valley or all the way out towards Texas.

We raise Simmental and Angus cattle out here. About 300 cows run in the big pastures.

Creek Ranch is a “small” guest ranch – we can only take in 10 guests max., mostly the number is around 4 at a time. We like the familial atmosphere – our guests are more like family to us. We share our life with you and we all eat together. In the evenings we sit together and talk and laugh either at the campfire or on the big back porch with a view over the valley. Come and ride with us!

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 16 and over

Teenager under 16 years on request.

Kids under the age of 12 years are not allowed to go horseback riding.

Minimum age children can ride

12 and over

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

Out here in the country you don’t waist nothing and you respect the land! Water is precious in this part of the world and every drinker has a bird ramp, to avoid drowned birds. No leftover food is wasted – we feed it to our chickens or other animals. To litter is a crime and a shame! We work hard to keep this place clean and expect this from everybody.

Community

We have lots of great friends and neighbors! Cowboys/cowgirls/ranchers or let’s say country people are different! The community out here is strong and often depends on each other. Everybody helps out if somebody is in need! We help our friends and neighbors with cattle work (and our guests are welcome to do so too!) and vice versa. Equipment is shared and hands are lend all the time. The hospitality of the pioneers back in the days was generous and still remains today.

Conservation

Land and water conservation is very important – especially out here in this arid environment. We are working with the government on conservation plans and work hard on land improvement. The fight against invasive plants like salt cedar can’t be won, but we keep it in check. This improves the amount of available water and therefore everybody benefits.

Ranch History

In 2010 German investors bought the property, which was part of a huge family-owned ranch. There were only fences, drinkers and some cows on the premises. In 2012 the 4000 sqft ranch house was built in the typical southwest ranch / hacienda style. The huge living room with high, wooden ceilings are constructed with big vigas (wood beams). Amazing big paintings of Indians and Buffalos combined with a wood stove and couches create a cozy atmosphere. The entire ranch house is decorated in western/country-style. All 6 bedrooms are decorated differently and each features AC/heater units, windows and a private bathroom. The open kitchen and dining area are cozy and inviting. The greatest feature are the big porches, especially the big back porch. The view over the Pecos River Valley is amazing! In 2013 the tack house and all the other buildings were built and in 2016 we established an outdoor roping area. We opened for guests in 2014 and we are giving all we got ever since! We take pride in what we do, how we do it! Testimonials of our guests will tell you the whole story. Come and see for yourself!

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Ranch-style

  • Meals served

    family style, meals roll with days activities, everyone eats together

  • Alcohol

    BYOB

  • Enjoy dining in

    patio, dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    farm fresh eggs, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegetarians

Your day starts with a homemade breakfast that we all enjoy together in the dining area! Basics like coffee, tea, orange juice, milk, cereal, bread, jam, cheese and ham are available every day. Additionally we prepare hot breakfast (bacon&eggs or sausage and hastbrowns, etc.) that varies every day.

Soft drinks (water, coffee, tea, milk, unsweetened iced tea and lemonade) are inclusive and available 24/7.

Lunch is usually a sandwich & snack & water that you take with you in the saddle bags and eat out in the pasture on a trail ride break. Sometimes we have lunch together on the huge back porch of the ranch house with a picturesque view over the Pecos River Valley. We serve something light for lunch, like tomato soup and grilled cheese, etc.

Dinner is the biggest meal of the day and includes a dessert. We cook hearty comfort food like meatloaf or potroast, etc., but also lasagne or enchiladas. Our meals are ranch-style and typical sides are vegetables (varies daily), potatoes or rice and lettuce is always available. Dessert is always homemade too and it varies daily between baked goods, fruitsalad, etc.

We all sit together on the big back porch and enjoy the meal. We like to laugh, tell stories and enjoy the evening. Everybody is like family at Creek Ranch! We can not sell/serve alcohol, but you are welcome to BYO!

Guest Favourites

  • Enchiladas with refried beans, rice and guacamole
  • Pot Roast with mashed Potatoes, lots of gravy and green beans
  • BBQ with Steak, Corn on the Cob,

Your Chef, Claudia or Andrea are cooking for you

We (Claudia and Andrea) proud ourselves by testimonials of our guests, that state weight gain, because the food was so good ;-) Nobody leaves the table hungry - promise! We take pride in everything we do and we love to share it with you!

Lowdown

  • Address

    1072 Paseo del Sol
    Santa Rosa
    New Mexico
    88435
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    4500 ft

  • Private Land

    5000-10000 acres

Nearest Town - Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa has a population of 2700 (approx), and is situated 13 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Santa Rosa include: grocery store, pharmacy, church, school, post office, medical clinic, hospital, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping Santa Rosa offers: small hometown necessity shops.

Ranch shuttle

)

Nearest Airports

Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ), Albuquerque

Distance

120 miles / 2 hours 30 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Alaska, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United and US Airways

Ranch shuttle

Airport Transfer $ 100 p.person (both ways)

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Rides are grouped by

    Everyone rides together, Rides dictated by ranch work

  • Max riders per ride

    10

  • Wranglers per ride

    2

  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot, Lope

  • Guest Horses

    25

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Appaloosas, Paints, Other, Geldings, Mares, Quarterhorse-Mixes

The Setting

Private Land (5000-10000 acres)

8.200 acres of rough country are to be explored! It involves crossing the river, riding along the creek bed, crossing arroyos and climbing bluffs. There is lots of riding up- and down-hill out here - it does not get boring! Our horses are very sure-footed and our wrangler/guide will make sure, that everybody is safe and able to enjoy the ride!

Our Riding

Good to know

We highly recommend at least 10 horseback riding lessons, before your stay. This will enable you to enjoy the rides in this terrain to the fullest!

Weight limit for riding

Up to 210 lbs

Riding considerations

We recommend a good level of physical fitness, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

Depending on the trail it will take about 3-5 hours before the group is back at the headquarters.

Why our riding stands out

  • Riders of all levels - from beginners to experienced - are welcome! We have the right horse for you – promise! Our horses are no old, dull, nose-to-tail walkers! They are gentle and sure-footed, but alive. The ones that are suitable for beginners are more forgiving than the others. Riding in this – sometimes challenging - terrain is not boring! Our horses will enable you to enjoy this great country out here to the fullest!
  • More than 8.200 acres are to be explored on horseback! The landscape in every direction starting from the ranch house looks different. There is a river to cross, bluffs to climb, a creek to ride along, arroyos to cross and vistas to enjoy. Riding out here is more than just horseback riding – it is an unforgettable adventure!
  • You can participate cattle work (when needed) and ride along real Cowboys and Cowgirls! For instance checking drinkers and fences, checking cows for health issues, find strays and drive them back where they belong or gather cattle in the pasture and drive them into pens. Cattle drives usually take place combined with brandings, or to do preg-checks. We do our cattle work traditionally with horses like they did 100 years ago. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN NOT SCHEDULE CATTLE WORK IN ADVANCE!

Riding Lessons

We (Claudia and Andrea) are horseback riding instructors and we will be there to answer any question  you might have, as well as tell you about your horse and give basic riding advice. We love our horses and know every single one by heart! We are passionate about “everything horse” and put afford into finding the right horse for you!

We also offer riding lessons or lessons in horsemanship (on request and availability only). Additional charges may occur.

Details

lessons are additional, basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons

Given by

ranch owner or manager

Location

in the arena

Cattle work - pasture gathers

We raise Angus, Simmental and mixed cattle out here and even own some Longhorns. You can participate in cattle work and ride along real Cowboys and Cowgirls! For instance checking drinkers and fences, checking cows for health issues, find strays and drive them back where they belong or gather cattle in the pasture and drive them into pens. Cattle drives usually take place combined with brandings, or to do preg-checks. We do our cattle work traditionally with horses like they did 100 years ago.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN NOT SCHEDULE CATTLE WORK IN ADVANCE! Brandings for instance depend on the birth rate of the calves and take place after a certain amount of calves is born. You are welcome to participate in gathering and moving cattle as well as watch the actual branding from outside the pens (for your safety's sake)

When

Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct

No. of cow/calf pairs

300

Interaction

Guests watch, Guests participate

Branding work

You are welcome in participating in the cattle drives/pasture gathering and watch the actual branding activities (for your safety's sake).

Branding dates are established after a certain amount of calves is born. Brandings take usually place in spring-early summer (April-June). 

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN NOT SCHEDULE CATTLE WORK IN ADVANCE!

When

Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct

No. of Branding

5

Interaction

Guests watch, Guests participate

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Activities

roping from the ground

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)

    $145 - $225

  • Nightly Rates (non-rider)

    $80 - $95

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Western rustic chic

Creek Ranch can cater for up to 10 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

House | Ranch House

Rates (Per Person)

$145 - $225

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Built in 2012, about 4000 sqft, typical southwest ranch / hacienda style. Huge living room with high, wooden ceilings with vigas (wood beams). The entire ranch house is decorated in western/country-style. All 6 bedrooms are decorated differently and each features AC/heater units, windows and a private bathroom. The open kitchen and dining area are cozy and inviting. The greatest feature are the big porches, especially the big back porch. The view over the Pecos River Valley is spectacular!

Rooms

6

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

hair dryer, seating area, air conditioning, wood fireplace

Entertainment

hot tub

Booking Policy

Deposit:

25% of the total price is due at the time of booking per personal check, money order or transfer in US-dollar onto our American bank account. The outstanding amount is due at arrival on our ranch in cash, personal check or travellerchecks in US-dollar. Sorry, we can not accept credit cards.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, lodging, tax, Riding, Included: - Accommodation with full board (3 meals daily incl. coffee/tea, milk, iced tea, lemonade + water) - horseback riding (rider rates) and all activities on our ranch - bed linen and towels - internet (Wifi) for your own device - taxes

Extras

Tax

- alcoholic beverages (please feel free to bring your own!) - activities/meals outside our ranch - 15 % Gratuity - transfer from and to the ranch - transfer to far-out activities outside our ranch We offer Airport Transfer (from and to ABQ, available for minimum 7 nights stay) - 100 $ transfer per person - an overnight stay in Albuquerque (necessary, if your flights will arrive or depart before 10:00 am or after 9:00 pm, because of the long distance (about a 2 hours drive)

Gratuity

15 %

Other

Cancellation Conditions: If you need to cancel your booking, the deposit will not be refunded. Therefore, we recommend a travel insurance. If you cancel your booking until 2 months before arrival, you will be able to transfer the deposit to a later booking, unless we are not fully booked then. The rebooking is valid for 12 months maximum and there will be a rebooking charge of 35 $ per person.

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Riding helmets, Saddle bags

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi.

Onsite

Outdoor Activities

bird watching

Water based Activities

hot tub, Swimming in the river

Fishing & Wildlife

Fishing on offer

river, unguided, BYO equipment

Wildlife

You'll likely see Cotton-Tails/Rabbits, Jack-Rabbits, a variety of colored birds, Quails, Doves, Turkeys, Skunks, Rattlesnakes, Bull Snakes, Coyotes,

Seing Bobcats and Mountain Lions/Cougars/Pumas is unlikely, but not impossible.

 

Local Attractions

Billy the Kid Museum, Fort Sumner

This big museum is mostly about Billy the Kid, but has it all! From dentistry tools to entire carriages - there is so much to see! It is very much worth a visit and the entry fee is only $5 for adults!

For more information please visit: http://www.billythekidmuseumfortsumner.com/

Distance

45 miles / 1 hour

Rental car

Required

Livestock Auction, Clovis

Every Wednesday the cattle auction at Clovis Livestock Auction takes place. If you never been to a livestock auction, you got to go! Thousands heads of cattle and some rare breeds too!

4 x year the do a horse auction. We bought most of our horses there and this event is really exciting for every horse-person!

For more information please visit http://clovislivestock.auction/

Distance

110 miles / 2 hours

Rental car

Required

Santa Fe - the oldest capital city in the Noth America

Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.

Santa Fe is definitely worth the trip!

Distance

110 miles / 1 hour 45 mins

Rental car

Required

Our comments

Highs

  • This New Mexico ranch boasts a huge 8,200 acres of unique and rugged country to explore
  • Enjoy daily fresh, hearty home-cooked meals
  • An excellent choice for single travelers as the familial atmosphere is highly appreciated by guests
  • The ranch house was built adobe-style in 2012; the big living room has comfy sofas and the huge porches with spectacular views invite you to relax outdoors, too
  • Every room has its own air conditioning/heater unit and bathroom, with tiled showers and hand-held shower heads for more convenience

Lows

  • No TVs, the team and guests like to socialize, all hanging out together and having a great time
  • Limited cellphone service (AT&T + T-Mobile) - time to relax and get back to basics