Short Description:
The Zapata Ranch is a 103,000 acre authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch owned by The Nature Conservancy. It borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve along most of its eastern border. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower alongside the ranch with several 14,000 foot peaks with trail heads leading into them, just minutes from the lodge. It has one of the most scenically spectacular and diverse geological landscapes to be found anywhere in the world.
Category:
Guest Ranch, Working Ranch
Full Address:
5303 Hwy 150,
Mosca,
Colorado,
United States,
81146
FULL DESCRIPTION OF LISTING
Real life ranching and exploring the great outdoors is at the core of the programs that are offered at the Zapata Ranch. Duke and Janet Phillips manage the Zapata and Chico Basin Ranches and have hosted guests from all over the world for over eight years, developing special programs that bring visitors into the middle of ranch life by working side by side with the cowboys and cowgirls on the ranch; these activities are not staged - they occur whether guests are on the ranch or not. Iif groups have varied interests or do not want to spend all their time with the cowboys, they can take one of our trips into the wild to study the bison herds, or explore the sand dunes and mountain meadows.
Our programs are especially designed for people who want to learn about and experience nature, whether it be conservation, hiking or riding to view the unique geology and spectacular vistas. Some guests want to just relax in the historic lodge and soak in 14,000 foot Mt. Blanca towering through the tree tops, or hike up to Zapata Falls, five minutes away. Still others come to see the 1,500 wild bison that blacken the Medano meadows when they come together as one herd. This landscape is sometimes called the Rocky Mountain Serengeti because of the amazing diversity and abundance of wildlife. Photography or wildlife viewing safaris are part of the daily events, or they can be customized to meet your special interest.
LISTING DETAILS
Max.No.Guest(non group):
Minimum Stay(days):
Max.No.Guest(group):
Transportation:
Accomodations:
The Zapata Inn is the original homestead built in the 1800's. The log home has been beautifly remodeled to incorporate a roomy and attractive indoor dining area with a fire place and large windows along with a cozy sitting area. There is a outdoor dinning facility out on the deck just outside of the dining area that is shaded by mature cottonwood trees and complimented by a flower garden and lovely views of the property. The rooms are beautifully furnished, and have a southwestern decor that makes them more than just comfortable with views that are private, peaceful and beautiful in any season. All rooms have private tiled bathrooms. One step below luxurious, the feel of all the lodging facilities a mixture of home and rustic elegance.
The Bunkhouse-Just outside the Inn there is a log cabin bunkhouse. The bunkhouse has 5 private rooms, each with a full bath; one room is a suite with a separate living room and a fireplace. Rooms are in top order, beautifully decorated, large and with firm comfortable beds. Windows open wide to let in the fresh mountain air and the views of the natural gardens surrounding the inn set you in a world all your own.
The Stewart House- A fully furnished home separated from the main lodge by a lighted footpath. Each of the 5 private rooms offer full baths. The home features common areas such as a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, pool table and a large dining area that can accommodate larger groups. The view from the living room windows and private patio facing the Sand Dunes National Park and Creston Peak, one of the most spectacular 14,000 foot peaks in the entire Sangre de Cristo mountain range, provides a front row seat to a spectacular mountan sunset or sun rise.
Dining:
Dining is excellent down home cooking with a flare provided by our American Culinary Federation Chef.
Conference Capacity:
31 to 50
Nearest Airport(Hrs):
Colorado Springs (2.5 hrs.)
AirStrip at Ranch:
No
On Site Medical:
First Aid Personnel Present, Hospital Nearby
Nearest Hospital(Hrs):
30 minutes
Months Open:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Exception to Months Open:
Languages:
Credit Cards:
VISA, Master Card
Price Range per Night:
$251.00-$300.00
(Prices in US dollars - use currency converter below to see the price in a different currency)
Travel Trade:
Tour Operator, Wholesale Travel Agents
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Activities and Services:
Birding, Bring your own horse, Conference Services, Corporate Groups, Meetings, Culinary Trained Chefs, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hot Tub, Laundry Service, Loping permitted, Natural Horsemanship, Nature Trails, Pack Trips, Photography Trips, Riding arena, Saddle Your Own Horse, White Water Rafting, Wildlife Viewing, Working Ranch, WILDERNESS SETTING, MOUNTAIN SETTING
Other Activities:
Bison Tours (2,000 head free ranging heard)
