P.O. Box 409 Reserve, NM 87830       Phone: (575)533-6253       Email: nbarranch@hughes.net

N Bar Ranch

The N Bar Ranch, a century old working cattle and guest ranch in the high mountains of western New Mexico, is opening it’s gates once again to visitors from the outside world. The ranch headquarters is located in a secluded mountain valley surrounded by over 3 million acres of pristine Gila National Forest, miles from the nearest town or paved road. No cell phones work, no high speed internet, no electricity. It’s a trip back in time.

Do not let the words New Mexico scare you out of a summer visit. The ranch facilities are located at an elevation of 8,000 feet. This means our July and August days are a predictable 80 to 85 degrees with virtually no humidity. The summer nights are in the mid 40’s to low 50’s. Summer afternoons are usually highlighted by a quick thunderstorm breaking up to create nearly unbelievable sunsets. They do not call New Mexico the “Land of Enchantment” for no good reason.

Although we are geared to horse riders, the camp is available to anyone; ATV riders, hikers, backpackers, wildlife photographers, hunters, porch sitters….everyone is welcome. Horse riders and ATV trekkers will find a thousand miles of trails and forest roads through a variety of terrain. Out the back gate it’s tall timber country Ponderosa Pines and Aspen up to the 10,000 foot peak of Bearwallow Mountain. Out the front gate you are in the T Bar Grasslands, a unique 100,000 acre ecosystem of rolling grass lands cut with deep canyons and rippled with fresh streams. Hikers will find great hikes right out the gate through Rocker Canyon, along the South Fork of Negrito Creek, or up to the lookout on Negrito Mountain.

loco mountain

After almost twenty years of operating as a working guest ranch “Cowboy College” sort of place, we took a break for a couple years. We are now renewed, recharged and renovated and have some new plans and programs.

RENT THE RANCH WEEKS
These weeks we will be renting the entire guest ranch to one group at a time. Bring your horses, your ATV's or your hiking boots. Bring your own food and do your own thing. Seven cabins, cookhouse, shower house and corrals are all yours.
DATES
6/4-6/18
7/2-7/16
7/31-8/13
There is a minimum two night stay. 2011 rate is $350.00 per night for up to 14 people. A meal package can be arranged. Guide service is available.

ADVENTURE RIDING WEEKS
These weeks we will be taking only four guests and riding our great mountain horses from hither to yon. We won't have any set agenda, just doing and going where ever folks get a yearning.
There is such a variety of terrain, from tall timber to wide open grasslands we will never have to see the same thing twice or ride the same trail. Of course a day trip into the Gila Wilderness area along the Middle Fork of the Gila River is a “must do” for some incredible canyon riding and quick swim. With just four people we can get out early and really get around. Small groups make for great wildlife viewing.
We will spend every night at the main camp so there will be a soft bed and hot showers at the end of a long trek. Maggie will be doing most of the cookin'. Those of you who have been here before know thats as good as it gets. These weeks are geared to the serious rider. We will put long days in the saddle over some times very challenging terrain. An average week will be 80 to 100 miles in the saddle.
The week will run from Sunday to Saturday, we will be in the saddle Monday through Friday with the other days traveling to and from the airport. Everything is provided except your sleeping bag and personal gear. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own saddle.
DATES
6/19-6/25
7/17-7/23
8/14-8/20
2011 rate $1250.00 per person per week.

THE BIG LOOP
This ride takes in a sampling of everything the Gila has to offer. Tall timber country, deep river canyons with towering 1000 foot walls, wide open grasslands teaming with Elk and Antelope. You will never want the ride to end.
Monday we will start the day with a long shake down ride getting everyone set with their horse and saddle. Then in the afternoon we will get our gear pulled together and weighed ready for an early start on Tuesday. That's when the adventure will really begin heading down to Snow Lake for the first night.
Wednesday we head into the Gila Wilderness and down the Middle Fork of the Gila River. We will be riding between towering cliffs and rock formations in the worlds oldest designated wilderness areas. The night will be spent in a riverside meadow under the Cottonwood trees.
Thursday we will have more canyon riding till late in the day when we will climb out of the canyon on a puckery trail up to the rim and spend the night on Loco Mountain.
Friday will be a long ride home off the mountain and across the grasslands getting back to the ranch in time for a hot shower, a big dinner and a soft bed.
This ride is for experienced riders only. We will be traveling light, this is no grand pack trip with linen table cloths. If you ever wanted to learn about packing and camping with horses this is a great chance. With such a small group everyone is expected to pitch in around camp and get their hands dirty.
The week will run from Sunday to Saturday, We will be in the saddle Monday through Friday with the other days traveling to and from the airport. Everything is provided except your sleeping bag and personal gear. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own saddle.
DATES
6/26-7/2
7/24-7/30
8/21-8/27
2011 Rate $1,250.00

OTHER FUN THINGS CLOSE BY
Fishing at Snow Lake and Willow Creek both are 7 miles from the camp.
Swimming at Qwen pond one mile away and at Snow Lake.
We have canoes for rent.
The ghost town of Mogollon is a 45 minute drive and worth the trip.

Contact us at nbarranch@hughes.net
575-533-6253
N Bar Ranch
P.O.Box 409
Reserve, New Mexico 87830

Visit our Forum to ask questions or hear about previous visits from our guests.

old site

Visit us on Facebook

Home Page Terrain Facilities Horse Facilities Guide Services Booking Forum Links