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Our ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park and Hovenweep National Monument. The ranch backs up to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the camp area has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop. Our camp area accommodates horse trailers, RV's, tents and has Shepherd Wagons to stay in with a shared chuckwagon kitchen and shower house with running water and a flush toilet. Book a horseback ride with us for a half day/full day adventure or bring your own horses and ride Canyons of the Ancients National Monument trails on your own! 979 779 0255
From the Dollar General at the intersection of Hwy. 491 and Rd. G go 11 miles west. Look for the green Mile Marker 15 sign on Rd. G., then turn right down the driveway and look for a big brown barn!
My daughter and I arrived for a half-day trail ride at the picturesque Canyon Trails Ranch this morning. We were warmly greeted by Jessica, her girls, dogs, and horses of course. The horses were friendly and gentle, the terrain varied yet easy enough to manage for us beginners. We felt safe and thoroughly instructed while crossing the river and going up and down steep parts of the trail. We learned a lot of historical and archaeological insights that are specific to the area and felt privy to the knowledge that she shared with us on the tour. We can't wait to go again. My daughter keeps saying it was "amazing, amazing, amazing!"
Spent the night in the Conestoga wagon and it was great. Beautifully furnished, wonderful views, peaceful atmosphere and great hosts! Can't wait to do it again!
We horse camped mid week in May. It was absolutely wonderful. Great sites, clean shower house and very safe pens. The hosts were very accommodating and helpful with local trails and attractions.
Jessica and her family are the best guides. Our trip was safe and fun, and also personalized to the things that my two boys were interested in! Jessica was an amazing guide, sharing interesting and important history with my family while taking us on a beautiful tour of the area and some nearby ruins. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, my kids are still taking about it!
Jessica was our guide for a 6 hour horseback ride through Canyon of the Ancients. She was a great guide to the history, flora and fauna, and landscape of the place. The views were wonderful, the lunches were yummy, and the horses were well trained and comfortable. The trail was safe enough for beginners and fun for us too, who have done a lot of riding.
