ACTIVITY GUIDE
Contents About Vermejo Park Ranch... 5 Our Activities... 6 Mountain Biking... 9 Hiking... 10 Fishing...15 Sport Shooting...17 Archery...19 Horseback Riding...20 Geocaching...22 Disc Golf...23 Fitness...23 Photography Services...24 Private Ranch Tours...26 Conservation and Eco Tours...28 2 2 3 3
About Vermejo Park Ranch Located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, Vermejo Park Ranch is rich in history, diverse wildlife and authentic culture. Our unique location in the southern Rocky Mountains and extraordinary size, approximately 585,000 acres, allow for ample year-round outdoor activities and opportunities for guests to enjoy and explore nature. Owner Ted Turner purchased Vermejo Park Ranch in 1996, with a commitment to conservation of not only the land, but the threatened species that call the land home. Because of these efforts, Vermejo is a special place where the ecosystem is balanced, pure and respected. As part of Ted Turner Expeditions, our mission is connecting people with nature and perhaps the only thing we love more than Vermejo itself is sharing it with others. 4 4 5 5
Activity Guide Our Activities With a property larger than most national parks, Vermejo s outdoor activities are nothing short of spectacular. You ll have 920 square miles at your doorstep, and world-class activity guides are ready and waiting to show you all that the Ranch has to offer. From hiking across rugged mountain terrain and riding horses through our property s mighty canyons, to observing Vermejo s incredible and diverse wildlife and snapping photos of the stunning Sangre de Cristo sunsets, there s an activity for everyone. We recommend that all our guests use our complimentary itinerary building service by talking with our Front Desk team before they arrive. This allows us the opportunity to build everyone a personal and detailed vacation plan. Your personalized grand adventure will include the activities of your choice and any of our other guest amenities you wish to schedule, such as a relaxing massage or yoga class. Outdoor activities are included in the cost of your stay when self-guided or with a group on the Ranch activity schedule. For an additional cost, we have private guides available to take you around to our many activity venues and scenic spots on the Ranch for a private tour. Our seasoned guides are well-versed in Vermejo s land as well as its creatures, and they will tailor your activities and explorations to your skill level, ability, and desire to optimize your stay and outdoor experience at the Ranch. 6 6 7 7
Mountain Biking A great way to explore the Ranch on two wheels! With over 10 miles of single track trails around Ranch Headquarters, guests can simply grab a map and radio from the front desk, hop on a bike, and go! We recommend scheduling your ride with the front desk whether guided or not so that we can ensure we have the right size bike set up and ready to go. For those who seek an accelerated biking adventure, arrange to have one of our mountain biking guides escort your group through the backcountry on our endless miles of two-track roads. 8 8 9 9
Hiking With the differing ecosystems and varied terrain found at Vermejo, we re able to create excursions fit for hikers of all levels and interests. Whether a short stroll along the Vermejo River, or an intense trekking adventure to the top of Big Costilla Peak, our seasoned guides can lead the way. There are over 12 miles of hiking trails that can be accessed directly from Ranch Headquarters, and these trails are offered as a guided or unguided hike. Our front desk team can provide maps, water bottles and directions, or will be happy to schedule time with one of our private guides to make sure you get the most out of our beautiful property. For your safety, we ask that those wishing to explore these trails on their own check in with our front desk staff prior to departure, so we can provide all un-guided hikers with a radio, and monitor all solo adventure departure and return times. For the very best hiking experience we recommend that all our guests use our complimentary itinerary building service by talking with our front desk team, so we can be sure that your hiking experience is nothing short of amazing. 10 10 11 11
4 Peaks in 5 Days Trekking Tour Whether you re a new visitor to Vermejo Park Ranch or a returning guest looking to replicate a previous experience, our 4 Peaks in 5 Days Tour is perfect for those looking for a bit more adventure. This 4-night, 5-day program is offered only once each year and is designed for the outdoor enthusiast accustomed to high elevations and rugged terrain. As the name suggests, participants will ascend four signature Vermejo peaks over the course of five days. On the day of arrival, guests will have plenty of time for acclimation and rest. Orientation and soft tours will be offered on the evening of check-in, with guided hiking commencing the following day with a pre-sunrise departure. Participants will summit one peak each day of their stay, apart from the third day, which is designed to be a day of rest. On this day, participants may create their own agenda and enjoy any of our great activities such as fishing, sporting clays or skeet shooting, horseback rides, historic tours, a massage or good old fashioned relaxation. Each evening, guests will return to the Main Lodge for fine dining and a great night s sleep. Due to the physical nature of this program, we require guests to submit a Pre-arrival Hiking History & Health Questionnaire at the time the reservation is made. 12 12 13 13
Fishing With 17 fishable lakes and approximately 30 miles of pristine stream, Vermejo Park Ranch is a world-class fishing destination and Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge, where avid fishermen have flocked to for over a century. In the early 1900 s, previous owner William Bartlett constructed many of our well-known trout fishing venues on the Ranch, which continue to provide unparalleled sport for anglers of all types. We ve made fishing simple for all levels of angling skills. Either grab a map and gear directly from our fish house and head out on your own, or schedule a private guide to take you right to the best spots. Walk the river banks and sight cast to rainbow trout, browns and brookies, enjoy world-class dry fly fishing and deep nymphing, or cast from one of our many boats. If moving water is your game, our 30 miles of stream provide a casting adventure across varying terrain, where you can reel in wild trout from the meandering waters in the High Country or the iconic setting of the Vermejo River. Guests will often notice wildlife such as bison and bald eagles while fishing and enjoying the incredible views of Vermejo mountain peaks. 14 14 15 15
Sport Shooting Vermejo Park Ranch offers an array of shooting ranges designed to be safe and enjoyable for guests of all levels of ability, whether you are an expert or beginner. Our guides will educate guests on proper firearm safety, technique and handling, as well as provide all equipment necessary to shoot sporting clays, archery and rifles. Guests can sign up to visit one of our ranges on the Ranch schedule, or book a private guide to have the range all to yourself. 5-Stand is a great place to get an introduction to firearms and firearm safety, where guests can learn to shoot a gun for the very first time. This range involves a variety of shots from five different shooting stands. Sporting Clays involves walking to ten different stations, each station with a different configuration to provide varying levels of difficulty. Rifle Shooting is another great activity for a beginners and experts alike. Our small caliber rifles, handguns and reactive targets make this one of the most exciting ways to enjoy shooting, while also learning the 16 16 proper techniques on how to safely handle different types of firearms. 17
Archery If you prefer bow and arrow, experience Vermejo s 3D archery course. This unique course is different than most that simply offer target shooting from one fixed location. Our course has eight well-placed stations of 3D targets depicting different types of animals along a trail. Guests hike from one station to the next and test their shooting ability from varying distances, angles and through obstacles such as trees and bushes. Our archery guides will size and fit each guest with a proper bow and educate on proper safety handling. This course is designed to be enjoyable for all ages and skill levels! 18 18 19 19
Horseback Riding At Vermejo Park Ranch our equestrian trail system is one of the largest in the United States. With famous trails, such as Seven Lakes, Casias Creek, Behind the Wall and the Bernal Trail Ride, horseback riding is an excellent way to discover some of the Ranch s most magnificent terrain. Riding is available year-round from different locations on the Ranch and is included with your room rate. Guests can sign up to participate in our weekly scheduled group rides and enjoy getting to know other guests, or, if you prefer a private wrangler, guests can do so at the private guide rate. Our front desk team will be happy to create custom rides that include picnic lunches, or allow for a stop along the way for guests to take advantage of some hiking or fishing. Weekly Ranch Group Rides: From Headquarters: 30-minute to 1-hour rides depart twice daily, winding along the Vermejo River From the High Country: 90-minute rides depart twice daily, rotating between the Casias Creek and Beaver Lakes trails 20 20 21 21
Geocaching A modern, high-tech treasure hunt, geocaching is a fun way to get outdoors and exercise both mind and body. Using a GPS receiver, guests follow the map to a specific set of coordinates, where you can find caches that have been hidden around Vermejo s many historical sites. It s a great family activity, and guests of all ages have fun learning the history and hunting for the prizes! Our front desk team will set you up with your geocaching kit, or schedule a private guide to help you along this outdoor treasure hunt. Disc Golf Located near our fitness trail within our Headquarters complex is a sprawling 18-hole disc golf course. Disc golf is played much like traditional golf; however, instead of a traditional golf ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The object of the game is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws. Our course is set up among rolling hills and forest, providing a great opportunity for guests to enjoy a walk in the woods and across the hills for an afternoon. Our front desk team can provide you with everything you need to play on your own or with a group. It s a great game for all ages! Fitness Our passion is connecting people with nature, and helping to restore wellness and balance. As opposed to a traditional indoor fitness center, we ve created unique and different ways to bring the gym outside and provide various exercise options for our guests who wish to stay active during their stay. We offer complimentary fitness classes daily, available each morning at 8am. Guests can participate in group yoga or pilates classes, or take a turn on our brand-new fitness trail, located close to the Main Lodge. Our adventure fitness trail is a challenging one mile loop that boasts 5 fitness stations, great views and will be sure to get you burning those calories, all while immersed in nature. Guests are free to use it at any time or join the daily group. Looking for a private one-on-one class? Our certified and 22 22 skilled instructors are available and can be scheduled through the front desk, for an additional cost. 23 23
Photography Services No need to worry about a selfie stick while you re out and about on the Ranch! Let our very own professional Vermejo Park Ranch photographers accompany you on your adventures to ensure you don t miss a moment. Whether you re fly fishing with your family or enjoying a retreat with friends, our onsite photography services are available to capture your once in a lifetime experiences during your visit at Vermejo. All sessions can be booked through our front desk and include a disc of enhanced images, with an average of 50-80 images per hour. Single, hourly rates as well as custom-designed packages and albums are available upon request. Seasonal Photography Workshops For guests looking to focus on the art of photography during their vacation, we work with renowned professional photographers to offer seasonal photography workshops that are centered around the most picturesque times of the year on the Ranch. Each season brings out very special characteristics of Vermejo s landscape. From the abundance of wildlife offspring roaming the Ranch and prime wildflower season during the summer months, to the brilliant colors of the Aspen trees and exciting wildlife displays of elk during their rut in the fall, these are the prime opportunities to capture Vermejo at its finest. Be sure to ask our front desk staff for the current workshops available. Packages range from 3-4 days and include all accommodations in the rates. 24 24 25 25
Private Ranch Tours Booking a tour of the Ranch with a private guide creates unlimited possibilities and options for guests to forge their own path to experiencing Vermejo. You and your private guide will plan your desired itinerary together. Whether you wish to drive to the far corners of the Ranch or stop to do a little fishing or hiking along your journey, each tour is uniquely tailored to suit guest needs. WILDLIFE TOURS With 585,000 acres of property, Vermejo Park Ranch provides dynamic habitats for more than 76 mammals and 200 bird species. Our wildlife is just that: wild. With an elk herd of almost 9,000 head, mule deer, bison, pronghorn, wild horses and an array of predators make Vermejo one of the best vacation ranches in the U.S. to spot local wildlife. The entire spectrum of colors for black bear, as well as rarely seen mountain lions and bobcats also roam the Ranch, and the High Country is home to bighorn sheep, pika, the occasional marmot, and the endangered Rio Grande cutthroat trout. You never know what you will spot along your journey! For bird enthusiasts, our five distinct ecosystems create the perfect chance to encounter a wide variety of bird types from the colorful western tanager to the elusive mountain plover. HISTORIC TOURS Vermejo Park Ranch is rich in ancient history dating back to the earliest settlers from centuries ago. Scattered across the property are abandoned turn-of-the-century coal mines and logging operations with remnants of the communities that worked them. Guests can visit adobe ruins, pit houses, charcoal kilns and other encampments along with some of their artifacts. The Ranch possesses a rich cowboy history as well, with cowboy camps and abandoned cabins built in the 1920 s that are still standing on the property. From shortgrass prairie to alpine tundra the incredibly diverse ecosystems of Vermejo Park Ranch provide an unparalleled experience while exploring cultural history. 26 26 27 27 27
Conservation and Eco Tours We do more than facilitate bucket list-worthy western vacations; we also dedicate countless hours and resources to preserving our land and its inhabitants. Vermejo Park Ranch is known for being economically self-sustaining while remaining ecologically sensitive and conserving native species and their habitats. Become a part of the action by volunteering to participate in one of the ongoing conservation projects happening within the Ranch, and see how everything is balanced in order to create a beautiful picture of ranch sustainability. We have several Natural Resources Specialists on staff that are eager to teach and share with guests their passion for the work they are doing at Vermejo. Guests can schedule a special educational session with specialists such as our Bison Manager to learn about the incredible efforts Ted Turner has exercised to save our National Mammal, or perhaps spend an afternoon with our Forestry Manager to gain an understanding of how we responsibly care for and protect our forests and prairies. To learn more about the conservation projects and efforts happening on Vermejo Park Ranch, and all of Ted Turner s properties, we invite you to explore the Turner Endangered Species Fund (www.tesf.org). 28 28 29 29
Connecting People with Nature 30 30 Photo Credits: Amanda Howell Photography, Sean Fitzgerald 31
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