mcelmo canyon, cortez
Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch This historic guest ranch with private cabins is located along the winding route through rugged McElmo Canyon that was once referred to as “Robbers Path,” where outlaws such as Butch Cassidy are rumored to have stashed their treasure. hile guest will feel they have dis-
a meandering stream. The property is also
covered a remote hideaway, in fact
a working farm and ranch, where Ming and
the Canyon of the Ancients Guest
Garry are dedicated to raising livestock and
Ranch is within easy proximity to Durango,
growing produce using sustainable methods
Cortez, and the ruins at Mesa Verde. Sutcliffe
and adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Vineyards, also in McElmo Canyon, is approx-
And their devotion to the land and to all the
imately five miles to the
creatures that live on it is
east. Surrounding the
apparent to anyone who
ranch is Canyon of the
visits: a sense of peace
Ancients National Monu-
and contentment felt by
ment, a landscape rich in
both man and beast is
pre-historic archeologi-
pervasive throughout this
cal sites and petroglyph
enchanting location. The
drawings. Here the ancient
guesthouses at Canyon of
Pueblo people lived, and
the Ancients Ranch range
today visitors wishing to
from charming restored
explore the area on foot,
log cabins, to larger west-
mountain bike or horse-
ern style stone or adobe
back will discover the
houses. Homey stone fire-
remains of shrines and towers, villages and cliff
places and rustic furniture combine with an
dwellings. Tucked into this majestic setting, is
eclectic selection of art and antiques in each
the idyllic guest ranch that owners Garry and
of the lodging choices. All are equipped with
Ming Adams have lovingly created over the past
modern kitchens and baths, and a touch of
10 years. Quaint guest cabins are set among
Ming decor magic. Settle in, and make your-
green swaths of pastureland, orchards, and
self at home. 12
Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is a working farm, and all of the creatures that live here are treated with care and respect. And they are curious about visitors! The Adams’ Black Baldy, Mickey, greets the couple each day as they go about their morning rounds. As the sun comes up at the ranch, Ming will be happy to bring you fresh eggs for breakfast. And don’t be surprised if Garry suggests you join him on a climbing or biking excursion into the canyons to visit ancient ruins and petroglyphs.
Guests from around the world arrive regularly at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, drawn to the peace and seclusion of this remote luxury lodging. The ranch welcomes visitors year-round. The pastures and orchards are lush and green during the glorious days of spring and summer, and cottonwood trees provide needed shade. In fall and winter the landscape becomes more dramatic. Guests are often invited up to the Adams’ home, an adobe encampment (left) that sits high up on a rise above the farm, for a cup of tea and some conversation.