The 2019 Great Adventure

 

Day 13

 

That's Western Horse Hotel and Lodging

Vanderwagen, New Mexico

 

Well, wandering horse people, this was about the worst place we've ever camped. And sadly our last night on the road so didn't end our adventure on a good note! Yet another example of "Don't believe the Website!". So, where to begin? This property is about 20 miles south of Gallup, New Mexico, in the middle of Zuni Land. A small Trading Post is the landmark for where to turn, and the Trading Post owner also owns the property so he met us there and took us about a quarter mile off the highway, through a gate, and into a weed infested "Ranch". The 3 horse corrals he boasts of are actually a large-ish pen with 3 covered run-ins. The entire thing is held together with baling twine. There was horse manure on the ground that looked to have been there for years. He advertises fresh water. Well, only fresh if you like Sulfur, of which it wreaked! Our horses wouldn't even drink it so it was a good thing we still had fresh in our own tanks. 

This facility is only worth mentioning so you will avoid it at all cost. Better off to stay at the Gallup Rodeo Grounds if you're passing through that part of New Mexico!

 

http://www.thatswestern.com/index.html

The 2019 Great Adventure

 

Day 12

Bruton Stables
Raton, New Mexico

Impeccable facility with a very nice owner. No trails from the property, but a perfect night stop. The town of Raton is 5 minutes away and even has a Tractor Supply!

 No website, but here is their Facebook page...https://www.facebook.com/Bruton-Stables-1122144144480210/

The 2019 Great Adventure

 

Day 5-11

M Lazy C Ranch
Lake George, Colorado

M Lazy C wasn't perfect but good for our first big adventure! Huge ranch with cabins, trail riding, a dining area, and quite a number of large campsites, each with 2 adjoining 12x12 pens. A few had full hookups, but the majority just had electric and water. They had a dump station on site. First dump was included, $10 after that. Trails directly from the ranch, any distance you might chose. Great views of the Rockies and Pike's Peak. Be aware, although they do have internet at most of the sites, there is no Verizon coverage. I believe there was AT&T though. To get Verizon you need to get back on Route 24 towards Lake George. The closest feed store is in Florissant, 10 miles away. And the closest decent grocery store is yet another 8 miles farther east, towards Colorado Springs...so stock up! 

 

https://www.mlazyc.com/ 

The 2019 Great Adventure

 

Day 4

Greenhorn Horse Hotel

Pueblo, Colorado 

Very nice overnight stabling facility right off of I-25. Easy off, easy on. Easy big rig parking.
Lovely owners and fantastic barn with stalls and runs. 
There are no trails off of the property, so this is really just for a quick overnight.

http://www.greenhornhorsehotel.com/

The 2019 Great Adventure

 

Days 2 and 3

Lunch stop at

 the Navajo County Fairgrounds 

Holbrook, AZ

No hookups, so not an ideal overnight. But stalls, and lots of room to park big rigs if necessary. 

https://www.navajocountyfair.com/ 

Bluewater Lake Lodge
Prewitt, New Mexico

This is a stop we wouldn't recommend. The website made it look very appealing, with a lovely  barn, stalls, runs, and shade trees. However, upon arrival all we were offered was 2 12x12 uncovered pens for our horses. Asked about the barn and the owner was surprised that was on the website. Claimed that was just her private barn. They also advertised an arena. There was one, of sorts, though overgrown with weeds, and our round pen at home is bigger! 

There is water and 30amp hookups. The trailer spots aren't level, so although there was a sewer hookup, we tilted away and therefore couldn't empty our tanks!  

The property is within half a mile of Bluewater Lake, and there are a few riding trails that go part way around it. Enjoyable, but not very interesting or challenging. 

Therefore wouldn't return unless we had no other options in the area.

And keep in mind, even though we brought the false advertising to the owner's attention, the website remains the same to this day!

https://www.bluewaterlake-lodge.com/ 

The 2019 Great Adventure

 

August 11-24

 

We got brave and decided to do a longer road trip. I will post each overnight stop separately to try and keep some continuity to the trip. 

Day 1

2019 Road Trips

Xanadu Ranch

Sonoita, AZ 

This was basically a 3 Star. They had 30/50 amp hookups and water, but no sewer.  Closest dump station was 19 miles away. We only stayed 3 nights so not a problem as far as that was concerned. Our boys had adjoining pens with covered run-ins. Very roomy! The only issue was the limited riding. It was a good half hour riding on dirt roads before you arrived at the gate to the trailhead. Fairly easy trails and beautiful views from the top. Apparently there are longer rides though, and there are trailering opportunities that we didn't have time to take advantage of.

 https://www.xanaduranchgetaway.com/