Welcome to the Circle A Guest Ranch & Hostel
A hidden jem nestled between the mountains and the high desert
THE CIRCLE A RANCH is a Hostel and Meeting Place located within the Santa Fe National Forest, virtually adjacent to the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. We are five miles from Cuba, an hour and a half from Albuquerque, and two hours from Sante Fe.
OUR CORNER of the Land of Enchantment is a fascinating part of the southwest. High desert and badlands to the west and south. Mounains and hot springs to the east and north. Explore our Photo Galleries and Area Attractions for an inkling of what northern New Mexico has to offer.
WE HOST groups and individuals who seek a relaxed setting for reunions, retreats, vacations and workshops. Hikers join us along the continetal divide trail, horsemen board their horses and ride into the wilderness. Explorers seeking lodging amongst nearby ancient native sites (Chaco Canyon and Bandelier) join us.
THE HACIENDA was built in the 1920's as a dude ranch/hunting lodge. We have private rooms, an apartment, a dorm/family room, and bunks upstairs or out in the yurt. We have two fully equipped kitchens, a large living/meeting room with huge fireplace, and a large patio. Read about the Circle A's colorful history.
--NEW IN 2007-- Sleep in the yurt for the price of a bunkbed! Relax in our sauna ($7)!! You can still schedule a massage with Janice. Or horseback riding with Kenny and Claire
NOW you can bring your horse on vacation--ride the Los Pinos trail or pasture him here while you visit the Jemez Mountain hot springs or see Georgia O'Keefe country. You may also be able to bring your dog. Call about our animals policies.
WORK EXCHANGE. We have more and more projects. Chores always needing attention. Exchange three hours of your time for a night in a bunk. Stay a day or a week. Call us.
WANT MORE? Thinking of an extended stay? Want more time for hiking, mountain biking, day trips into the mountains and badlands, photographically catching New Mexico's renowned light at a special place and moment, writing your novel/thesis? Call or email us about our guest manager program.
WEATHER conditions here are frequently ideal. Northern New Mexico often has 300 days of sunshine a year. On a really hot summer day, it may get into the upper eighties. And it's not the heat; it's the lack of humidity. And the cool night air keeps our adobe buildings naturally air conditioned. But to live above 7500 feet elevation you have to like winter. Depending on weather conditions we are open from mid-May to late October, but special arrangements can be made for winter experiences.
WHY do people come and stay at the Circle A Ranch? For almost twenty years we have hosted graduate geology student field work expeditions. New Mexico have an extensive volcanic history and the lack of moisture means much of it is visible. For example, Cabezon, picture on left, is a basalt plug, the remaining core of a long-eroded cindercone. It is the largest--rising 1800 feet above the valey floor--of about 50 in the area.
ANOTHER returning customer is the Tracking Project. Led by John Stokes, and joined by individuals from various native backgrounds, they offer programs of natural and cultural awareness include a wide range of skills—from traditional tracking and survival skills to music, storytelling,d ance, peacemaking and martial arts training. Their annual camps for boys and girls benefit from our proximity to both wilderness and a modern airport.
HORSEBACK RIDING has returned to the Circle A Ranch. It has always been part of the history. We have been joined by a couple of horse wranglers who brought their horses, tack and skills. They provide rides for an hour, half day, or day. They help volunteers who come to work on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) by packing their gear up by horse. Our friends at the Sante Fe chapter of Backcountry Horsemen came many fall weekends to ride up the mountain into the wilderness. Read about the options for boarding your horses here.
THRU-HIKING THE CDT is a long hard journey. Whether they join us in May heading north or October heading south, many thru-hikers enjoy a respite--and hot shower, laundry...--at the Circle A.