Review of Canyon Of The Ancients Guest Ranch 2*

If you love history and nature… If you love the mysteries of ancient peoples… If you love the surprise of finding rock art and ruins… If you love hiking and biking… If you love crystal clear blue skies during the day and skies filled with every star imaginable at night… If you love cozy, well decorated places to sleep… If you love dogs, cats, sheep, horses, cows, hawks, crows, evidence of mountain lions, and incredibly warm and generous hosts… Go to this place. Make a reservation now. You won't be sorry! My first visit to the Ranch was back in July of 2013. I’ve been returning about twice a year since then. Nestled against Sleeping Ute Mountain beside McElmo Creek, the Ranch sits in a perfect place to see and do so much. And you can see and do it while getting to know two of the nicest people on the planet! Ming and Garry, your hosts, are kind and generous and will make the Ranch feel like home. If you are lucky, they may even take you on an adventure, one which I promise you won’t forget. On the Ranch, you’ll enjoy one of the historic houses on this historic property along this historic road. I’ve stayed in every one of the houses and love each for its individual, warm and welcoming feeling. The Ranch itself has acres to discover and friendly beasts to get to know. Yuma and Elmo, the black labs; Mickey, the human loving cow; lambs of every description; and barn cats galore. Off the Ranch, you can hike or bike in every kind of terrain from pinon woods to canyon washes to slick rock formations to Douglas fir lined mountain trails. You can watch for birds or discover big cat tracks or marvel at the tiny shrimps in the potholes on a mesa. Skiing is within striking distance as is the San Juan River and San Juan Mountains. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, Telluride, Moab, and Durango are within easy reach. You can find rock art and ancient ruins just about every place you walk and you won’t want to miss Comb Ridge with its hidden mysteries of both. I highly recommend this place. Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is very special. You won’t find the whirl and twirl of a big city or touristy place. What you will find is the beauty of our natural world, the mystery of ancient cultures, and fine, fine people. Really, make a reservation and go!