Double E Ranch (NM)

New Mexico

In Depth

The 3.3 million acre Gila (HEE-la) National Forest is the nation’s oldest established national wilderness and serves as the backyard for The Double E Ranch, a working cattle and horse ranch set on 30,000 acres. For people who love horses, nature and want a hands-on ranching experience, this is the place to visit. A professional staff of wranglers and cowboys work with guests, who are able to help out on the ranch and enjoy special activities, including Cowgirl Camp, Cowboy College, bird watching, Gila Wilderness expeditions and night time fun at the Double E’s Cantina.

The Double E Guest Ranch is family owned and operated by Debbie and Alan Eggleston. These Colorado natives left their jobs in the corporate world to start their dream ranch in the heart of Apache country, 30 miles northwest of historic town of Silver City in New Mexico. Alan Eggleston is an expert horseman. He and Debbie offer a family friendly atmosphere. At the Double E Guest Ranch, guests can trek through the same land that Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Judge Roy Bean, “Dangerous” Dan Tucker and Ben Lilly once rode. The property is rich with Native American archeological sites and history. Privately protected ruins and the remains of old stone and adobe homesteads can be reached by horseback and on foot.

The staff works hard to match horse and rider and caters to each individual’s riding ability and schedule. The Double E has more than 65 horses, including Mexican Mustangs, Paints, Appolosas and Quarter Horses, all trained on site. The southwestern edge of the Gila Forest region is one of the most diverse in the U.S., ranging from miles of creek bottom to steep canyons, high mesas to rugged mountains. The Double E offers an authentic chance to work cattle and discourages ‘nose to tail’ trail riding. Experienced riders will not be bored with the Double E’s riding program, which includes wilderness rides, round ups, team penning, barrel racing, learning to rope and “improving your horsemanship” clinics.

Activities

Ranch Work

Additional Activities

Cowgirl Camp, women’s only camp, and Cowboy Mounted Shooting Clinics, Wilderness rides, round ups, team penning, barrel racing, learning to rope and “improving your horsemanship” clinics, bird watching, nature hikes, dude ranching and historic educational seminars.

Accommodations

Private 2 to 4 bedroom guest houses in log cabins, historic bungalows or a southwestern pueblo-style, tri-story adobe, all with full kitchens and covered porches with rocking chairs. Only one related family per house.

Food

Included in your stay are a plethora of homemade, family-style meals. Picnic lunches are served when out on the trail. Back at the ranch, feast on hearty homemade biscuits, home grown organic Texas Longhorn beef and buffalo dishes, and hot baked desserts.

Area Attractions

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Lake Roberts, the old mining town of Pinos Altos, Gila National Forest, City of Rocks State Park, Western New Mexico University Museum in Silver City which houses the largest permanent display of Mimbres pottery in the U.S., mining camp at Mogollon Ghost Town, PRCA Rodeos.