Location: Jemez Springs, New Mexico, USA (90 Minutes Fm Albuquerque/Santa Fe Off Scenic Byway NM Hwy 4)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1.25 Baths (Sleeps 5-6)
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Winter is here! Come up to the mountain top for winter R&R. 4x4 or AWD vehicle recommended.
GET UNPLUGGED. The Barnhaus has no cell phone service. The Today Show recommended isolation vacations to recharge your own batteries. Enter a world of nature.
Relax in the mountains in a perfect getaway/base camp--winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Centrally located in the Jemez/Valles Caldera area. The Barnhaus is ideal for small retreats for writers or artists. Plan your next adventure or romantic getaway at the Alpaca Barnhaus. You will be back! For your viewing pleasure, we recently purchased DVD movies that were filmed in this area.
The Alpaca Barnhaus is located on one acre in the Santa Fe National Forest just 3.5 miles off the National Scenic Byway known as “The Jemez Trail” (NM Hwy 4). This two-bedroom home is surrounded by aspen and conifers. Perched at the top of a mountain, the quiet serenity of the surroundings makes it a perfect getaway for couples or individuals looking for a retreat in nature.
Walk across a large meadow to the spring-fed pond. Continue up the ridge to a gorgeous overlook of San Antonio Canyon where the San Antonio River offers great fishing (but you have to drive around because the steep cliffs don’t invite even the most adventurous!)
You may choose to hike to the river through Mushroom Basin. The hike takes about an hour one way. A picnic lunch may be in order. During the winter months, snow is on your nature menu. Close by is an excellent hill for sledding, and cross-country skiing is ideal. Near Los Alamos are down-hill ski runs.
The house has two bedrooms and a half-bath upstairs in the loft. A queen-sized sofa bed and a single bed are downstairs. On the first level is a full bath with a shower. The cabin has a forced-air furnace, ceiling fans and wood stove. At this altitude air conditioning is unnecessary since the temperature in the summer rarely gets above 80.
The Alpaca Barnhaus is furnished in a way that makes you feel like it's your home too. The kitchen is fully stocked with cookware. If you’ve forgotten to bring something, Amanda’s Country Store is just down the hill in La Cueva. The Ridgeback Café is next door to the country store if you want a wholesome meal. For your convenience there's a washer/dryer with eco-friendly washing products. A picnic table is on the side deck. If the night is clear, take the comfortable air mattress outside and enjoy stargazing from the deck. The bird feeders and hummingbird feeders invite feathered friends.
OH, ALPACAS! The owners have an alpaca ranch near the Alpaca Barnhaus. Mickey and Evelyn will be happy to introduce you to these friendly fur-bearing animals. They are quiet, odor-free, gentle on the environment, and produce exquisite fiber that is made into yarn and other alpaca products. As you stand in the barn area, the alpacas will run down the rocky hill, enter the barn, and weigh themselves! Indeed, you will get up close and personal with the alpacas as you learn about them and get a chance to feed them with their special pellet supplements. Alpacas are known to be the most intelligent of all livestock. Our guarantee: You and the alpacas will smile.
About 20 minutes south in historic Jemez Springs are restaurants, a saloon, a historic hot-springs bathhouse with massages, and an outdoor hot-springs pool. Jemez Springs is home to several outstanding artists, too. Farther south on Hwy 4 is the Jemez Pueblo Walatowa Center with its fine museum and native-American crafts.
In the other direction toward Los Alamos you will enter the awe-inspiring Valles Caldera National Preserve. Tours can be arranged online or in Jemez Springs. Off the road in the Valles Caldera you will wonder at the Valle Grande where you can usually spot elk herds.
Continue driving to Bandelier National Monument with its ancient cliff dwellings. This is another good place to have a picnic. Afterwards loop back up to Los Alamos and visit the two outstanding museums. The museum run by the historical society takes you back to the formation of the plateaus and the foundation and operation of the Los Alamos Ranch School. For the making of the atomic bomb, the Ranch School gave way to Los Alamos Scientific Lab. The second museum, The Bradbury Museum, takes you through the war years to the present.
Barnhaus Amenities
• 1296 sq ft
• 2 bedrooms w/half-bath in loft
• 1 bath with shower on ground floor
• Fully furnished (2 double beds, 1 single bed, sofa bed)
* Deep air mattress can be used for two more guests
• Washer/Dryer
• Vaulted ceiling with loft
• Deck and covered front porch
• Wood-burning stove
• Forced air furnace (propane)
• Full-sized refrigerator and propane range
• Ceiling fan
• Nestled in conifers and aspen
* Fully equipped kitchen
Great location • Quiet and private
8700’ elevation • Maintained dirt road
Amanda’s Country Store in La Cueva is minutes away from Aspen Ridge Alpacas. Check out Amanda’s website for information about groceries, snacks, ice, bait, area info, and camping supplies.
Drive twenty-five minutes from Aspen Ridge Alpacas and experience the amazing Valles Caldera. The Valles Caldera National Preserve was a private ranch until 2000, when Congress created it from a well-known ranch known as “the Baca Ranch” in New Mexico’s volcanic Jemez Mountain Range. This 89,000 acre property is situated inside a collapsed crater. Studded with eruptive domes and featuring Redondo Peak (11,254 feet), this old ranch property is now being developed to explore a new way of managing public lands. The preserve is open to the public, but we guarantee you’ll find the visit unlike any other you’ve had in a park or national forest.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : Off Highway 4 there are 3.5 miles of dirt road leads to Thompson Ridge. a graveled long driveway leads to the house. There is plenty of parking area.
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Double Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed : queen size sofa bed in living room
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library : WE NOW HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF DVD MOVIES THAT WERE MADE AT THE VALLES CALDERA (VALLE GRANDE) AND AT GILMAN TUNNELS. We are quite near these locations. We have a few other DVD's available. Please bring your favorite DVD's, too.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View : We are located at the top of the mountain. An easy hike takes you to a spectacular view from a rocky ledge overlooking San Antonio canyon! A short drive takes you to the Valles Caldera National Preserve and Gilman Tunnels (where "3:10 to Yuma" was filmed).
- Other Amenities
- Near our Alpaca Barn, and we love to show off our barn facilities and our alpacas. The house is on one acre among aspen and pine trees, close to a meadow, surrounded by a national forest. Ideal for x-country skiing and hiking and relaxing in mountain serenity at 8700'. During the winter 4x4 or AWD vehicle may be necessary. Please call for road conditions. County maintains the road as needed.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : Everyone, especially kids, enjoy meeting the alpacas and our two, very friendly, Anatolian Shepherds named Tinker and Belle.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Meet our alpacas and learn all about these gentle animals. You can choose to relax, hike or bike or cross-country ski. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to Jemez Springs where you will find spa services, local artists and galleries, and fine dining. The Jemez Pueblo Walatowa Center featuring Native-American crafts and a museum is south of Jemez Springs. Don't miss visiting the awe-inspiring Valles Caldera National Preserve, a likely place to see wild animals (especially elk). The Jemez Mountain area is filled with history from ancient cave dwellings to Los Alamos (50 min away) where two museums take you back to the time before the development of the atomic bomb to present day scientific research. We are proud of "our" mountain location and enjoy sharing its riches.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
All-inclusive rate of $135/night up to 5 people. $850/week (7 nights). $2500/month
We request a $135 deposit for two nights or 50% of total. We accept checks only.
Please call or email us directly to make your reservation.
Once your reservation dates are confirmed,we will email contract and directions.
We request that you leave the house and surrounding area as clean as you found it.
$100 REFUNDABLE cleaning/breakage fee.$10 chg/night for each person over 5.
WE HAVE A TWO-NIGHT MINIMUM.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2007
Since retiring from teaching in 2000, sisters Mickey and Evelyn began a whole new venture breeding and raising alpacas. These gentle and intelligent animals have been our full-time pleasure. In 2009 the Alpaca Barnhaus was ready for vacation renters.
Why the Owner Chose Jemez Springs
Thompson Ridge, where Aspen Ridge Alpacas of Northern New Mexico and the Alpaca Barnhaus are located, is in the midst of a National Forest. At at altitude of 8700' we enjoy aspen stands and conifers, mild summers, colorful autumns, white winters, and delightful springs. The climate is perfect for us.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Nature abounds with mountain flowers, hummingbirds, eagles, deer, elk, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and more. Just open the door and walk in any direction to discover the blessings of the natural world. To make your stay at the Alpaca Barnhaus really unique, Mickey and Evelyn invite you to learn about their wonderful alpacas and what alpaca ranching is all about. Their two livestock guardian dogs, Tinker and Belle, are people friendly, too. In September 2012 we're expecting the births of four alpaca babies. In May the alpacas are sheared. Bags of the most incredible fleece are collected for sale or to be made into rugs and yarn. We have a store featuring quality alpaca products. Come and experience this most unique area as well as the alpacas. This part of New Mexico is truly enchanting.
Property Photos
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- Recently painted exterior - Jemez Springs Vacation Home with Mountain View
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- Aspen Ridge Shalako--Meet him and other alpacas at the barn. - Jemez Springs Vacation Home with Mountain View
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- Vaulted Ceiling and Loft. Pine floors. Wood-burning stove. - Jemez Springs Vacation Home with Mountain View
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- Kitchen Area
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- Patio Area at the Barn.
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- There's the roof of the Barnhaus on the left. Alpacas are playing on boulders.
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- During the winter park between the barn (left) and the back of the Barnhaus (rt)
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- Winter wonderland at the barn
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- My new best friend!
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- Baby alpaca named Chimayo. Sept 2012 is when we will have four babies born.
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- On the road to The Alpaca Barnhaus. Fall is especially beautiful.
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- Training alpacas on the obstacle course
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- Tinker and Belle, our Anatolian Shepherds (livestock guardian dogs),love people.
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- A twin bed is on the first floor.
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- Cozy warm inside with the wood-burning stove. A winter retreat and playground.
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- FOR SALE:scarves, yarn, socks, gloves, headwear, sweaters, vests, teddy bears...
Traveler Reviews (38)
Family weekend
Guest: felter
(Gallup, NM)
Date of Stay: 12/31/11
Review Submitted: 01/09/12
The house was great...everything we needed was there. It slept 7 comfortably. Owners were wonderful and very accomodating...gave a wonderful tour of the alpaca farm. Great sledding just out the door. Close enough to Valle Caldera and the Jemez attractions but far enough away to feel like you're away from it all. We will return.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Winter Wonderland
Guest: Dave
(Albuquerque)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11
Review Submitted: 12/20/11
Perfect two-bedroom get-away for my platonic friend of 15 years. It was a spiritual retreat which evolved into a marriage proposal and acceptance by the warm fireplace. A winter wonderland with God's peace and breathtaking scenery. The alpacas were fun to hang out with as were the two awesome hosts, Evelyn and Mickey. If your into cleanliness and good taste the Barnhaus was immaculate with just the right touch to make you feel at home. I also recommend 'Hiway 4 Deli Bakery' in Jemez. The baked goods are the creation of a master Chef (taught by a world renown chef). If you want to relax and rest your weary bones may I strongly suggest a stay at The Alpaca Barnhaus....Cheers!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Great time at the Barnhaus!!
Guest: Craig B.
Date of Stay: 11/24/11
Review Submitted: 11/28/11
My wife and I had an early Thanksgiving this year the first weekend of November, so decided to try VRBO for the first time and over Thanksgiving. Did we ever have a great time! We arrived late enough that we weren't able to have Thanksgiving dinner with the hosts, Mickey and Evelyn, although they invited us multiple times during our correspondence and before our trip. That is just the way they are! They are wonderful hosts and have a great place to spend a few days. Mickey was standing outside on the darkened road in near 30 degree weather to direct us to the cabin. It's about 3 miles off the highway and on a good road--you don't need 4 wheel drive unless there's lots of moisture or frozen snow or rain on the road. The Barnhaus, the cabin, has everything you need to stay a day or a month. You just bring your own food and clothing---everything else is already there. It snowed one night and we enjoyed a fire in the fireplace. The television has several stations and they provide multiple good movies, many filmed in the area. We rented a movie at Red Box in Los Alamos so that is an option also. During our stay it got dark by 5:30 so we had quite a bit of time available to read or watch movies and relax. The cabin has a good kitchen, stove, dishes, couch.....well, everything you need to live. It's very comfortable with a large front porch, outdoor bbq grill. The upstairs has two bedrooms and a half bath. The lower level a single bed and I think the couch makes into a bed and if it does, then the cabin would sleep 7, which is the number we intend to come with on our return trip! The owners raise alpacas and will give you a tour, yes, free, of their operation. I've seen two other alpaca operations, both in Texas, and neither one appeared to be at the same level of care as this operation. They are knowledgable about alpacas and will take the time to teach you about them. They have some good quality alpaca garments available for sale made with the fleece from the alpacas, so take some extra money and buy some slippers, a cap or shawl--you'll love it! The Jemez Springs area is beautiful with hot springs to hike to, bath houses to visit along with cultural history and art and pottery for sale in the area. There are numerous places to get to river access off the hwy for fishing. The Caldera--a volcanic crater--is a few miles away and offers an interesting visitors center. Out of space here...questions? achdrbrown@aol.com
Recommended for:
Cozy & charming
Guest: Cheryl T.
Date of Stay: 11/18/11
Review Submitted: 11/23/11
Had a great stay! There were six of us, two kids, and everyone had a good time. The cabin was well-stocked, nice wine glasses, pots and pans, dishes, all the condiments one could want, even some canned food. It was clean, and beds were comfortable. We would definitely stay here again, for cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking and just relaxing. The cabin was so cozy it was hard to leave to do our planned activities! The owners, Mickey and Evelyn, were very accommodating, there when you needed them but not intrusive in any way. And getting to see the alpacas and dogs was a wonderful experience.
Recommended for:
October at the Alpaca Barnhaus
Guest: Kathy
(Albuquerque)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11
Review Submitted: 10/31/11
I was looking for somewhere in the mountains for myself and my two teen boys. I accidently found this on vrbo and immediately thought that it would be fun and interesting to "hang " out with Alpacas. We had the BEST time. The aspen leaves were turning golden and the cabin was spotless and had lots of extras..we took food already cooked so we did have to spend time cooking but it would have been fabulous to have cooked more. Very cozy and the place looks much better than the photos. Very quiet and peaceful. Mickey and Evelyn were very hospitable and friendly...like family.. Their two dogs...Bell and Tinker are awesome....I would highly recommend this place
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Our 1st trip to New Mexico
Guest: RiJO
(Kansas)
Date of Stay: 09/21/11
Review Submitted: 10/09/11
We found this beautiful place on the web by accident. It was the first time we have ever did the VRBO adventure. We headed to NM for fishing and hiking, which we found. Though fishing was no that great thanks to the fires and washouts on the Jemez River, everything else was perfect. Beautiful landscape, different every where we went. Mickey and Evelyn were great and their home lives up to and past any expectatons I had. The Alpacs were awesome. I recommend fishing San Gregerio Lake (Way up 126 towards Cuba) and star gazing at the Valles Caldera. The only down fall was the trash removal situation, you have to take it out and find a dumpster yourself. Remedied once we got over the idea of finding a dumpster, I recommend the one at Jemez Falls campground or Fenton Lake (Be sure to take a adequate amount of small trash sacks (grocery sacks work) to decrease your discomfort. Shop at Los ALamos or somewhere larger for your food. This is on place I WOULD GO AGAIN !! LOVED IT and it was Peaceful and quiet, the most restful place I have been. It is a dirt road up to the home, it is a pretty good road and a car can handle it. THANK YOU Mickey and Evelyn your place is lovely and the best. Would be a great Honeymoon getaway.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Quiet and secluded
Guest: GG
(Tucson, Az.)
Date of Stay: 08/03/11
Review Submitted: 09/20/11
What a delightful month!! The temperatures (August) could not have been better. We fished, hiked, and traveled a 100 mile radius sightseeing. The alpacas were wonderful and from time to time we "helped" with them. Mickey and Evelyn were extremely helpful and of course the house is absolutely the best! We have stayed in many VRBO properties and this was by far the best equipped. The house is even better than the photos indicate. This is definitely a place to visit and spend time. We are looking forward to returning next summer.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
The best vacation hide-away!
Guest: Dru
(Amarillo, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/10/11
Review Submitted: 08/20/11
My husband and I badly needed a 'get away from it all' vacation. We spent the most wonderful week with our hosts, the alpacas and their two dogs, Tinker and Bell. The 'guest house' is really a more like a home. It has all the amenities of a home has plus an (almost) wrap around porch with picnic table and awning and gas grill. I got to feed the alpacas as often as I wanted (at their regular feeding time, of course) and they are sweet and gentle animals. They'd be wonderful for children to learn about. The description is very accurate re the location, appearance and amenities. The photos are right on. And the property is very clean. You can clean it yourself or, for extra money, have someone do it after you leave. We chose the latter. The sisters are lovely and fun to talk with, yet they also leave you alone. They were happy to answer questions, give directions, suggest places to go. I would definately recommend this property to others and, in fact, already have. Jemez Springs is about a 25 minute drive, the closest town. It's very small, the people are very friendly and we had a good lunch at a western place....can't remember the name! Mickey will know. I just can't come up with enough adjectives to describe how much we enjoyed our stay, but I'll try: the hummingbirds, as well as lots of others, are fun to watch and name. A bird watchers delight! The house is very comfortable and easy to live in. The wind through the pines lulled us to sleep. We were able to keep the house open all the time and the temperature was so nice and cool, especially the nights. There's all kinds of hikes you can go on, plus walk aroung the nearby areas. There's an abundance of things to see and do within an hour's drive or so and Mickey can tell you all about them. We have stayed at other owner vacation rentals, several in fact. But this one is by far the best in all ways: comfort, beauty of area, friendly and helpful hosts, the alpacas and dogs, the quiet, the stars, the comfortable porch, the inviting house. We Well Definately Be Back!!!!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Alpacas are Awesome
Guest: Matt
(Miami Beach)
Date of Stay: 06/20/11
Review Submitted: 06/26/11
We came to the Jemez Mountains for a vacation and to commute into Los Alamos, where I grew up. We were fortunate that a cancellation permitted us to stay at the Alpaca Barnhaus for four days. The setting is rustic - and right by the alpacas, as promised. If you want to spend time with the alpacas, as did my 12 year old daughter (Alpacas are awesome), Mickey would be delighted to accommodate you. The house is a loft style structure with two upstairs bedrooms with queen Tempur-pedics and a single bed downstairs on the edge of a large living room. There is a full kitchen and laundry room. The graciousness of the space, and the care with which Evelyn and Mickey decorated made it a delightful refuge to which we eagerly returned at the end of long days. Note that there was no internet or cell service, though that may change. The commute to Los Alamos is between 45 minutes and an hour. We undertook the following hikes, most of which were within 20 minutes on SR 4: Las Conchas - a zen garden canyon on the Jemez river La Garita - a steep climb in the Valles Caldera with great views. The barnhaus is about as close (15 minutes away) as you can stay without camping to the Valles Caldera - formerly the greatest ranch, now one of the great parks, in the U.S. Tsankawi - A hike and climb through an archeological site on the top and sides of a desert mesa complete with cave dwellings and pot shards. Part of Bandelier National Monument, whose more extensive ruins have been partially reconstructed. Jemez Falls - a short walk in to an overlook, with options for more. Obsidian Ridge - one of many sites in the Jemez scattered with obsidian. Bayo Canyon - a spectacular canyon in Los Alamos. You probably won't find the best trailhead out at the stables without local help, but you can walk in from the roundabout between Barranca Mesa and North Mesa. East Fork of the Jemez river - a pleasant walk by and in the Jemez river up to a place where you can jump from a 20 foot ledge into a deep pool We saw the following animals during our visit: Alpacas Bat Cattle Chipmunk Coyote Deer Elk Garter snake A hawk holding a frog Horned toad Horses Hummingbird Prairie dog / gopher Ravens Squirrels - both Abert and rock Trout Various insects including butterfly and dragonfly
Recommended for:
A great place to getawawy from it all!
Guest: Chris
(Clarks Summit, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11
Review Submitted: 06/04/11
We had planned to only spend one night at the Alpaca Barnhaus. Fortunately the next night wasn't booked so we stayed another night. It was a great place to get away and relax. We went to Bandalier National Park while we were there. We also went to the hot springs down the road by Jemez Springs. Mickey and Evelyn were great hosts. The house was immaculate, and we had everything we needed to cook. They let us feed the alpacas, which I think was as fun for us parents as it was for the kids. If getting away is what you are looking for this is a great place. Nestled in the woods of northern New Mexico the Alpaca Barnhaus will give you the peace and solitude you are looking for. The water at the Alpaca Barnhaus is the best water I've had in years. Funny thing to write about, but it's the truth! If you're planning a trip to the area, the Alpaca Barnhaus is your place to stay! Thanks again Mickey and Evelyn!!! The McCue family
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
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