New Mexico is nicknamed the Land of Enchantment because of its art, history and captivating landscape. The state celebrates its history with festivals and cultural events throughout the state. Visitors can enjoy active pursuits like hiking, biking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing and more. One of the best ways to see the New Mexico countryside is on horseback, and New Mexico has several horseback riding ranches that can accommodate horse lovers.
Destinations
Horseback riding ranches are scattered throughout New Mexico. These ranches, which are privately owned, often also function as working cattle ranches. Visitors to these types of ranches can often take part in cattle roundups, which can involve riding over rugged country to gather a cattle herd. Horseback riding ranches in New Mexico include Pearson Ranch in the Mangus Mountains, three hours south of Albuquerque; the Burnt Well Guest Ranch in Roswell, New Mexico; and the Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch in southwest New Mexico's Black Range Mountains.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding ranches in New Mexico provide horses and tack for guests. Riding lessons and trail guides are available for inexperienced riders; other guests can venture out on the trails and even into national forest lands. The Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch has access to the Gila Wilderness, while the Pearson Ranch allows guests to ride in the Apache National Forest. You can take part in cattle drives, roundups and brandings as part of the ranch crew.
Additional Activities
Additional activities at New Mexico horseback riding ranches include elk, bear and deer hunting, fishing and hiking. The Pearson Ranch features horseback rides to view elk bugling in September and October. In the evening, you can sit around a campfire and listen to cowboy music or soak sore muscles in a hot tub near your cabin.
Climate
The weather in New Mexico varies, depending on the elevation. In general, the state's mild, arid climate features low humidity, low precipitation and a wide range of temperatures. Average summer temperatures are in the low 90s Fahrenheit in lower elevations and the upper 70s at higher elevations, with temperatures dropping by as much as 35 degrees at night. In the winter, mid-50-degree temperatures are average for the southern and central part of the state, and temperatures are usually about 20 degrees colder in the north and at mountainous elevations.
Considerations
When riding in the wilderness, be aware of the weather. Flash floods are common in New Mexico, and locals do not recommend riding in culverts or arroyos during rainstorms. Thunderstorms are common in New Mexico; the northern part of the state receives the second most thunderstorms in the United States. To avoid these storms, plan your trip so you are not on the mountain during the afternoon, when a thunderstorm is likely to occur.
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