The Stewart House at Bearpaw Ranch is perfect for a family or two couples. A group of 6 is easily accommodated. This historic adobe with it's thick walls and narrow doorways was built by the Guerra family; Spanish settlers who came to the Gila Valley in the 1800's. A real antique of a house built over 120 years ago. It has a grassy fenced yard, and the porch has a grill and table and chairs for outside dining. There is also a bonfire pit. It is a short walk down to our ponds, with the Gila River just beyond that.
Bearpaw Ranch is also close to Bill Evans fishing lake and a short drive up Turkey Creek Road to the Gila National forest and the Gila Wilderness.
We have a large barn and fenced field if you are bringing your horses. There is a wild-bird preserve just a few miles south of us. Of course the bosque here on the property affords great access to spotting numerous bird species. As far as wildlife goes, you just can't beat it! Because of the ponds our property attracts wildlife. We quite often see deer as they come to drink. There are beaver, otter, turtles, fish and a frogs in the ponds. That's just the beginning of the wildlife you are likely to encounter here!
Silver City is 40 beautiful minutes to the southeast and has many art galleries, 2 museums, shops, and restaurants. Bearpaw Ranch is a great place to stay during the Blues Festival, the World Class bicycle races, or the Wild West Rodeo. The hotels in Silver City fill up, but you can take the short drive out to the Gila and rest in the quiet and peace, refueling for another fun time enjoying Silver City's great events.
In the mountains north of Silver City you can visit the old western town of Pinos Altos, and continue up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. A visit to the copper mines is also interesting, with a stop at Lake Roberts on the way! There is a wonderful bakery and vineyard at the nearby town of San Lorenzo.
To the northwest of us is historic Mogollon with its art gallery, antique shop, museum, and fantastic burgers at the Purple Onion. Near Mogollon is the little village of Glenwood, with the state fish hatchery and the famous Catwalk. The Catwalk is a favorite hiking spot with a lovely picnic area. Also at Glenwood, there is an outfitter that provides horseback riding. We will be happy to connect you with them!
The night sky offers a magnificent and unequaled view of millions of stars, planets and the Milky Way in all of it's glory. New Mexico values our dark night skies and a quick google map search will reveal that Gila is by far one of the darkest places in our country. If you have never known (or did know but its been a long time) what it is to be able to stroll in the starlight, you really must come visit.
There is plenty to do in the area, but many folks find that they are content to walk around the property, visit our Museum, spend a little time in the sauna at the Bathhouse near Vision Pond, watch our ducks swim around in the pond, or just sit and listen to the quiet. This is a perfect retreat if you just want to get away...far away from the rat race. This is real out-west country living.
RANCH EATS! There's just one drawback to how wonderfully isolated we are. No restaurants. But, we've solved that problem for you. We have a semi-retired chef who will prepare and deliver wonderful meals to you. It is a limited menu but all scrumptious!!! We will provide details at booking.
New Mexico is known as "The Land of Enchantment". It is hard to adequately describe, but if you come, you will feel it, and then you'll know.
We have 4 cabins here that are all separated by a very distant & comfortable space. At least 200 yards apart with plenty of trees. See also the Pond Cabin vrbo # 378579 and the Gatehouse vrbo #173566
Keywords: Cabin, astronomy, stars, Gila, wilderness, birdwatching, river, fishing, quiet, night sky
