Hidden Meadow Ranch HouseLuxury with exemplary personal service? On a ranch? If you don’t think luxury and ranching mix, then you haven’t been to Hidden Meadow Ranch near Greer, Arizona. Located in the White Mountains, about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, the luxury ranch offers posh privacy in an intimate natural setting.
Picture 12 peeled-log cabins shaded by tall pine trees. The luxurious accommodations overlook an open meadow filled with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers in early summer. The 2-million-acre Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest surrounds the ranch, which sits at an elevation of 8500 ft. Instead of cars, you’ll see abundant wildlife, including elk, moose and 48 resident horses.
Me and my spouse visited Hidden Meadow Ranch after a monster snowstorm delivered 8 feet of snow to the area. The staff kept us apprised of driving conditions before we arrived. Were we ever happy to learn that the six miles of Forest Road 118 had been cleared to the ranch’s entrance.
After stopping at the Welcome Cabin for a ranch overview, we were escorted to our personal luxury cabin. A horse and rider usually lead the way; but, due to the heavy snow, Stephanie guided us in a 4wd vehicle.
Bedroom with a western themeOur accommodations included a one-bedroom cabin with loft. Stephanie accompanied us inside to demonstrate how to operate the Sirius radio system and wireless internet as well as answer any questions we might have about our lodging. In the living room, a fire was ready to be lit in the wood-burning fireplace. All it took was the flick of a lighter. Near the dining area, a mini-refrigerator was stocked with soft drinks and water. On the counter-top, jars of trail mix and chocolate malt balls provided snacking choices. At night, the twice daily service included a goodnight poem placed upon our pillow along with a chocolate mint. I appreciated the Aveda bath products.
During the stay, a member of the staff acted as our personal concierge, helping to arrange ranch activities, which are included in the Rancher’s Package. Winter options provided guided snowshoeing, horse riding lessons in the arena, guided horseback rides (due to the record snowfall, we were limited to the roads on the property), leather crafting, archery plus transportation to Sunrise Ski Area. In the summer, think fly fishing, more horseback riding, guided hikes, canoeing, mountain biking, roping or playing a board game in the Ranch House library.
Our cabin living roomWhen you step into the elegant but rustic Ranch House, don’t expect a typical ranch meal. Fine dining, remember this is all-inclusive, is the order of the day. Hearty breakfasts and lunches will prepare you for ranch activities. Two seatings at dinner accommodate both families (early seating) and couples looking for romance by candlelight (late seating). Dinner includes selections from a menu featuring appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and desserts. I personally attest that the Achiote-Marinated Elk Tenderloin is divine. The extensive wine list (alcohol is not included in the room rate) offers wine selections by the glass or bottle.
Luxury pertains to all at Hidden Meadow Ranch. For an additional fee, dog lovers choose from several cabins that have been outfitted with fenced outdoor dog runs. Your furry friend will have his own luxury dog bed waiting inside the cabin. Don’t leave your horse home either. The ranch has a limited number of stalls for rent, be sure to make a reservation first.
Have I convinced you that luxury and ranching can co-exist? Give Hidden Meadow Ranch a try, then let me know if you agree.
If you go:
Hidden Meadow Ranch
(866) 333-4080 (toll free)
Greer, AZ
