By Jo Mixon
Owner Karen Smith at Trails End Ranch
“We always wanted to be out west,” Karen told me as she gazed serenely out the window onto the breathtaking 360 degree mountainscape views before us. They had put over 800 miles on their vehicle, traveling Colorado, but when they stepped upon this land in northern New Mexico and fell in love. It was far enough from town to be private, surrounded by mountains and meadows, so not at all desolate. It even had a pond. This was it, home away from home and the building began!
Sitting on 9 acres in Black Lake, New Mexico, Trail’s End Ranch was completed in 2001. They built a 2,800 sq. ft. luxury home, a 500 sq. ft bunkhouse (complete with a John Wayne campfire cook-out area for family breakfasts/barbecues, with a fire pit, a grill, picnic tables and a swing.) and a barn. They came as often as they could bringing family and friends, even horses, to enjoy their mountain paradise.
Now as a single person, Karen recently spent the better part of a year at the ranch recovering from chemotherapy. It became her place for renewal, both physically and spiritually. “This is a healing place.” she said, “And because of that, I have come to the conclusion it is far too incredible not to share. It’s a place that yearns for people, it is a happy place! And it is time to have fun, laugh and enjoy more!” That being said, she is now sharing this fabulous ranch with others.
Karen envisions spiritual retreats, girls weekend getaways, bachelorette parties, weddings, reunions, corporate retreats, workshop gatherings of all types, groups of golfers and groups of skiers filling Trails End Ranch. Those who book a stay at the ranch can bring their own horses, 4 wheelers and ATV’s or rent them. Situated approximately 6 miles from Angel Fire, it is close enough to the amazing amenities of the Angel Fire Resort for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and golf or mountain biking in the summer. Trails End Ranch sleeps 18 comfortably with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms plus a steam room for two. It has a 2 oven kitchen, 2 great rooms, 2 fireplaces, comfy over-sized furniture, flat screen tv”s and an indoor exercise room.
The ranch is only 2 miles from where Lonesome Dove was filmed and day trips all around the Enchanted Circle will provide a plethora of fun, dining, and shopping experiences where people can enjoy all of the culture and adventure Northern New Mexico has to offer. Don’t want to leave the house? Then just stay on the ranch, surrounded by beauty and tranquility while rocking on the porch, watching the wildlife down in the meadows. Or fill your days with hiking, fishing and exploring. No matter what you choose, Trails End Ranch will rejuvenate your soul.
Karen, who lives full time in Arkansas has owned two retail businesses, a day spa and yoga studio for women. She tries to spend a few months at Trails End Ranch every year, but is willing to rent the ranch for an entire summer. For more information, give her a call @ 501-627-4823 or visit her website here.
Photos courtesy of Vincent Thome and Karen Smith.
End of the Trail sculpture by James Earle Fraser for which this incredible Ranch is named. Come rest your bones and refresh your spirit at Trails End Ranch in Black Lake/Angel Fire, New Mexico.
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