67 Double E Ranch Road     Gila, NM  88038   866-242-3500

Experience the Gila Wilderness and Gila National Forest at Double E Guest Ranch

Step back in Time...take a journey your heart and mind will not soon forget ...Join us for a customized eco-tour, a gently guided horse back nature adventure, a trip into pristine wilderness to explore the plants, animals and geological wonders of one of the most spectacular regions in the Southwest:  The Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, USA.

On this wilderness adventure vacation, your trails are made -- not followed!  By stepping back in time from the comfort of your rustic cabin accommodations at The Double E Ranch, tucked away in the corner of southwestern New Mexico, you will be presented with an exclusive opportunity to experience  a virtual ecological paradise for those seeking absolute solitude and escape from modern society's busy, stress-filled lifestyle.  

Imagine yourself standing  on top of a high, remote peak in the Pinos Altos Mountain Range, spectacular New Mexico vistas surrounding you, all the way into Arizona.  You can feel  Nature in all her complete perfection!   Intensely blue skies,  crisp clean air and the only sound is an eagle's  wings,  the wind gently caressing the trees and silence.  As late as 1924,  trails were practically non-existent in this area and the grizzly bear still ruled.    Not much has changed in this incredible wilderness setting!

Refresh and revitalize your spirit simply by feeling its grandeur, purity and remoteness.  No one knows exactly when the first human settlers came to the Gila Region.  However, the presence of man and machine has been extremely limited, even through today.   But,  by using Double E Guest Ranch as your staging site, you can begin a unique journey back through thousands of years, experiencing  wild lands on horse back.  

Led by Ranch Owner, Alan Eggleston, or one of our professional Staff, you'll travel by horse from Ranch Headquarters to the base of the Pinos Altos Mountain Range.  After a steep, climb of nearly 1000 feet, you will view some of the most stunning wilderness vistas imaginable!  Your horse will be steady and sure-footed, willing to carry you there and beyond.  Gila Wilderness Expeditions will use horses which are seasoned in the mountains and rocky, rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico and the Gila National Forest Region. 

Environmentally aware of the importance of this natural resource and in our own efforts to preserve the pristine beauty of this land, Gila Wilderness Nature Ride specialize in "leave no trace" exploration, ecotravel  and insist all adventurers responsibly bring out what they pack in.

For those desiring to surround themselves with the beauty of this rugged landscape, the Gila Wilderness  NatureRide will take you on gentle, seasoned horses through rugged, pristine canyons and mountains lying within the magnificent Bear Creek and Greenwood Canyon drainage systems, and along the western edge of the legendary Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico.

Consisting of several  relaxing loop journeys  through 30 million years on land  that became one of the early pioneer ranches established near the end of the Apache Wars in 1886, you will have an exclusive opportunity to explore areas accessible by invitation only, isolated and remote.  It is now known as the Double E Ranch.  You will begin your journey each morning from Ranch Headquarters and return each evening to the comfort of rustic cabins, hearty home cooked meals featuring our own beef or buffalo meat.  Vegetarian diets, no-salt or fat preferences are easily accommodated, as well.

Four gentle seasons best describe the climatic conditions in the Gila National Forest,  Gila Wilderness and  Double E Ranch areas.  The latitude, as well as the  5,000 - 7,000 foot elevation  permits maximum enjoyment of the region during any season.  Whether winter or summer, daytime temperatures are generally pleasant for hiking or horseback riding, and range from the high 80's in summer  to mid-40's in winter.  The area enjoys an average of  345 days of glorious sunshine and clear blue skies annually. 

All participants should be in good physical condition and capable of being on horseback  or hiking for a minimum of 6 hours each day.  A combination of  hiking and horseback riding is encouraged.

Other Horseback Adventures offered by Double E Ranch  include:

Rastus Line Camp Adventure 

$300  Per Person/Per Night; usually combined with Ranch Riding Vacation.

In the old days there were established "line camps" or "sign camps."   where Cowboys were stationed  to "ride line" or "ride sign," which meant to turn back cattle straying from the home range, follow the tracks of those which they missed, watch for rustlers, tail-up cattle during storms, pull them from bog-holes.

Experience a different horseback riding adventure!  Our cabin, on the very edge of the legendary Gila National Forest/Gila Wilderness provides an exciting opportunity to experience a real cowboy line camp.  Tighten up yer cinch!  This adventure isn't for the feint-hearted or weak-kneed.  There's no ringing phone, no computer or fax machine... just you, your horse and the determination to get the job done.  The country is mind-numbing in it's beauty, rough,  rugged and mountainous!  Riders must be in excellent physical condition with at least intermediate level horsemanship skills,  and willing to spend 7-10 hours in the saddle.  Meals are prepared for you when you return to camp.  Range tents are provided, but participant Wranglers must bring their own sleeping bags.  This is the starting point for a journey back in time...a journey your heart and mind will not soon forget!  

Member Grant County/Silver City Chamber of Commerce