Wilderness Casita
Location: Abiquiu, New Mexico, USA (In the Chama Wilderness, 35 Miles north of Abiquiu) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 1 Bedroom + Sleeping Porch, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Casita, Jacal, very remote, very secluded
This rustic Casita resides deep within the heart of the Chama Wilderness: the only privately-owned property in the area. The view from Casita's large deck looks out toward red and white Navajo Sandstone cliffs that rise 2,000 feet into the cerulean skies and woolly white clouds: the same Northern New Mexico beauty that awed and inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. This rental is in a 20-mile canyon, with no neighbors. Staying here is the essence of remoteness: we are completely off the grid, remote, secluded, and very private. Wilderness Casita resides on an organic working ranch: we have cows, horses, chickens, goats, cats and dogs--- they all run free. Due to the remoteness of the ranch, Casita is not suitable for children.
We are two miles from the Chama River where one can white-water raft, kayak, and fish. A table, two chairs, and two boogie boards are available for you to use on Rio Chama. You may bring your kayak or river raft and take a leisurely "Self-Outfitted" trip down the river to the Big Eddy Take-out, which takes approximately three hours. No fee or permit is required for "Self-Outfitted" river trips on the lower Chama River.
This is an excellent place for quiet reflection and hiking. One may cool off during the hot summer days by jumping into the spring-fed swimming pond. All of the water at the ranch comes from an Artesian spring, used long ago by the Anasazi.
Casita's living room is bright and sunny, with sky lights and large windows. Partitions separate the living room area from the shower and ecologically considerate composting toilet. The bedroom has a Queen-sized bed, several comfortable chairs, a writing desk, and plenty of space to place one's clothing. There is also a shady Ramada with table and chairs.
There is a park-like space behind Casita where one may sit in the shade and enjoy the forest. There is also a trail from this part-like area that leads to Casita's outdoor covered sleeping deck: this is a great place for amateur astronomers and stargazers. This sleeping deck has two twin-sized beds: if you wish to use the sleeping deck, please bring your own sleeping bag.
Next to the main house, which is about 100 yards down the road and out of sight of Casita, there is an outdoor kitchen and grape arbor, which you are welcome to use.
A hike through the canyon will reward the visitor with spectacular views of Northern New Mexico multicolored cliffs, Rio Gallina, sage, Ponderosa Pine, Piñon Pine, Juniper, Cedar, and wild flowers.
We are at 6,500 feet elevation, and the sunlight can be intense: sunscreen and a hat is highly recommended for hikers, as are sturdy hiking boots.
From Highway 84 to the locked gate at the only bridge on Rio Chama, it is an eight mile well-maintained dirt and gravel road. From that bridge, Casita is at the end of an eight-mile dirt road. If your vehicle has exceptionally low clearance, let us know and we will meet you at the bridge. (Example: Scion xB.)
** See the waiver, cancellation policy, and ranch policies on our main web site linked below. We require a signed waiver upon arrival: please read the waiver before booking the rental. **
If you are interested in a day of horseback riding through the canyon, you may contact Debbie at Equine Escapes 505-753-3531.
Attractions of the area include the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, the Continental Divide Trail, Echo Amphitheater, Ghost Ranch's paleontology museum, Abiquiu Lake where one may swim and fish, the Santo Tomas de Abiquiu Catholic Native American Indian Mission and the Dar al-Islam mosque at Abiquiu. One may take a one-hour tour of Ms. O'Keeffe's house in Abiquiu through the Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation. There is also the Abiquiu Inn with a café and gift store. A day's outing may include lunch at Rancho de Chimayó Restaurante, a visit to the world-famous El Santuario de Chimayo, and a stop at the weaving shops of the Ortega and Trujillo families. Dar al-Islam is noteworthy for, among other things, the only vaulted ceiling made from adobe brick in the United States.
Please go to our detailed main web site for more pictures of our incredible canyon.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided : 100% cotton sheets, down comforter with duvet cover, hypoallergenic pillows, Memory Foam pillows, extra blankets, sheets, and pillow cases. Also bath towels, wash cloths, large beach towels.
- Off Street Parking : There is plenty of space to park right in front of Casita, just a few feet from the large deck.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Our Queen-size bed is accessible from both sides; night stands are next to the bed.
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : The sleeping deck has two twin beds, with two night stands with drawers, table and chairs. The provided wedge pillows allow guests to sit up in bed and take in the spectacular 200-degree-wide view of the magnificent canyon walls.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Paper towels, napkins, Ziploc bags, foil / Saran Wrap, French coffee press, hand coffee bean grinder, stove top bread toaster, two burner propane stove, plates, bowls, eating utensils, drinking glasses, cocktail glasses, ice bucket, cutting board, chopping knives. There is no oven in Casita, but there is a commercial-size oven you may use in the outside kitchen near the grape arbor. The kitchen contains salt, pepper, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and various seasonings.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Chef-quality Revere Proline copper-bottom stainless steel pots and pans with lids; two non-stick frying pans. All common silverware and cooking utensils are provided.
- Refrigerator : Refrigerator with top freezer and ice cube trays. A glass carafe is also inside the refrigerator to hold drinking water from our Artesian spring.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Webber propange BBQ with utensils, in Casita's park-like forest area by the picnic table.
- Deck/Patio : Includes outdoor table and chairs, two lounge chairs, umbrella, outside cabinet for rain gear, and a convenient bench to sit when taking off shoes.
- View/Location
- Water View : Casita is a leasurly one mile walk from Rio Chama. Located on the bank of the river we have placed a table and chairs for your use.
- Mountain View : Gallina Canyon Ranch is like a private Bryce Canyon. Stunning 2,000 foot tall red sandstone cliffs throughout a 20 mile long canyon populated with Ponderosa Pines, Pinion Pines and Cedars.
- Communications
- Telephone : Cellular telephones do not work in the canyon. Guests who need to make important phone calls can arrange with us to drive you a short distance out of the canyon to use our special telephone. There is also a sattelite telephone at the ranch for emergency use only.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Limited internet at the ranch is available via our satellite dish. Due to limited range, WiFi is not directly available inside Casita, but may be accessed at the grape arbor, outside kitchen, swimming pond, and sleeping deck.
- Other Amenities
- Solar powered lighting; computer printer. When our fruits and vegetables are in season, you are very welcome to pick from our one-acre organic garden. The sleeping deck has a Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope, with Starfinder scope and two eye pieces (45X and 90X).
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Due to all of our animals roaming freely on the ranch, we do not allow visiting pets.
- Not Suitable for Children
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Twenty-five years old.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Gallina Canyon Ranch is a beautiful place to spend a day on horseback. Visitors interested may contact Debbie at Equine Escapes at 505-753-3531or 505-929-1463 info@equine-escapes.com
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$125/night (2 night min) $750/week = $107/night.
Book 7 nights, pay for 6 (1 night free).
Monthly rate is also available. Add 6.5% sales tax to rates above.
We accept Credit Card payments via PayPal.
Half the rental fee is due at the time of booking and the other half upon arrival.
** We require a signed waiver upon arrival. **
No cleaning fee or security deposit.
Please check our availability calendar before emailing.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Gallina Canyon Ranch: the Land of Petroglyphs & Anasazi Ruins
Year Purchased: 1977
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin
The geology of Gallina Canyon is similar to Bryce National Park and Sedona AZ.
Just like the Wilderness Casita, the Wilderness Jacal resides on the ranch: the only privately-owned property in the area. Wilderness Jacal is five miles west of Wilderness Casita, and it offers a mor
Owner's Map of Abiquiu
Andrew, Elizabeth, and David will be your hosts here at Gallina Canyon Ranch. We purchased Gallina Canyon Ranch in 1977.
Property Photos
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- Wilderness Casita - Abiquiu, New Mexico Casita Rental Near Fishing, Rafting and Kayaking
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- Casita Living Room - Abiquiu, New Mexico Casita Rental Near Fishing, Rafting and Kayaking
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- Living Room - Abiquiu, New Mexico Casita Rental Near Fishing, Rafting and Kayaking
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- Casita's Kitchen
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- Casita's Bedroom
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- The outdoor sleeping deck includes a Celestron AstroMaster 70 Telescope.
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- There are two beds on Casita's sleeping desk.
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- View from the sleeping deck
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- The Grape Arbor
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- Swim Pond
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- Bird's eye view of Gallina Canyon Ranch
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- Twenty Miles of Privacy
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- A view of Rio Gallina
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- The canyon in the fall
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- Fall 2009
Traveler Reviews (12)
Just amazing!
Guest: Jonathan
(East)
Date of Stay: 08/05/11
Review Submitted: 08/18/11
We have had an amazing and peaceful stay. Gallina Canyon Ranch is beautiful. We had breakfast on the small covered patio near the mint, coffee on the deck, we grilled at the small picnic area, dipped our feet in the river, and thoroughly enjoyed the beds on the sleeping deck that overlooks the canyon. Every spot was well thought out. We didn’t lack a thing during our stay. The kitchen is well equipped. Thank you for being a gracious host. It was nice visiting with you and we hope to revisit!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
I'll be back
Guest: Lis
(Albuquerque)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
A few days into my week stay I decided to extend by two extra nights. Do I need to say more? Loved the peace and quiet, loved watching the dogs playing (although I am not a "dog person"), loved the sleeping deck. Even enjoyed the weather in spite of the typical New Mexico afternoon heat. My time I split between a writing project, enjoying the view from the sleeping deck, and the occasional morning hike. The sleeping deck really is as special as I expected. It welcomed me with a spectacular moon rise, humming birds waking me up by whizzing by inches from my face, a slight breeze to compensate for the afternoon heat, and even if I much would have preferred not to need it --- a good enough Internet connection! Maybe the highlight of my stay was a two-hour hike (one way) to the Jacal. Unfortunately I could only stay for one hour, to beat the afternoon heat, but I am hooked! Making up all kinds of schemes now for how and when I can return and spend a few days out there. Maybe combining a week at the Casita with 3 or 4 days at the Jacal. BTW, if you go on that hike, make sure to take suitable shoes for the 14 crossings of the Gallina River.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Some place different.
Guest: Barbara Drew
(New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 06/29/11
Review Submitted: 07/31/11
We wanted to go some place different. The casita far surpassed any expectations we had. The ranch and canyon were out of the world for us. Our days were spent exploring and looking for evidence of those who went before us. Our nights were spent on the spectacular sleeping deck. It was sweet relief from the brutal 100 degree temperatures we have in Tulsa. Our hosts have made the casita charming and filled with everything you need to enjoy every minute of your stay. Our host during our stay was David. He made every effort to assure we were comfortable and shared his knowledge of the ranch and canyon as we questioned him incessantly. Enjoy the hummingbirds, the escort service of the charming dogs, Roosty the rooster, the delicious spring water, the amazing scenery, and a canyon experience that will leave you thankful for hosts that share their treasure with you. We hope to return soon.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Paradise
Guest: David
(Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11
Review Submitted: 07/17/11
Gallina Canyon, and the ranch that graces its bottomland meadows, red rock cliffs and groves of ancient cottonwoods, deserves to be listed as one of the most exquisite places on the planet. The miles-long Canyon runs roughly east-west, the Gallina emptying into the magnificent Chama River directly opposite the Christ in the Desert Monastery that sits along the river's edge on the opposite bank. There is so much beauty in this remote wilderness, so much serenity, so much silence that it is impossible to capture the experience. Be prepared to be transformed. My wife and I stayed at the Casita for three days in mid-July, and found it to be exactly as described by Elizabeth and Andrew. The kitchen is well-equipped: we prepared wonderful meals -- most with a chili component -- and enjoyed them either at the cozy table in the dining area or out on the Casita's deck. The bedroom is quite large and the bed was very comfortable. The large living room has multiple options for curling up with a book, which we did every evening, using the Casita's solar-powered reading lamps. Elizabeth, Andrew and David were warmly welcoming and readily provided both practical information about the Casita as well as many stories about the area's rich history. The Casita -- the entire ranch -- is off the grid, which provides another valuable experience. Electricity is produced by solar panels attached to the roof. The refrigerator is powered by propane gas, which also provides the fuel for a small but efficient hot water heater. The toilet is a composting unit that is a marvel. The sleeping porch, located about 100 yards up a slope from the house, is simply magnificent. High enough off the canyon floor to catch the nearly constant breezes that flow down the canyon, the porch provides a shaded perch from which you can stare at miles and miles of red cliffs, blue skies, and the constantly changing cumulous clouds that flow across the northern New Mexico sky. Miraculously, you can also connect to the ranch's wifi from the porch (with occasional interruptions). Walk the Canyon. The track to the Jacal stretches for miles along the Gallina River, through groves and meadows, crossing and re-crossing the river as it meanders beneath the ever-present red cliffs that reach 1000 feet above the Canyon floor. Let the exquisite beauty and serenity of the Canyon soak in.
Owner response:Thank you David and Claire. The sleeping deck has been a big hit with people staying at Casita, so we are indeed taking your suggestion about getting new mattresses, and maybe even put an ice box up there. Perhaps a collection of paperback books on the sleeping deck also. --- David
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Spectacular
Guest: Jill C
(Mundelein, IL)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11
Review Submitted: 06/23/11
Clean, comfortable and homey; a great place to get away hustle of daily life. Elizabeth and Andrew go out of the way to make sure that we had a perfect stay. The views are spectacular and a very relaxing vacation.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Wow!
Guest: Jill C
(Mundelein, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/10/10
Review Submitted: 03/02/11
In a word WOW! My only complaint was that our stay was too short. Next time we will plan for a longer visit. What a beautiful, magical place. The outdoor sleeping deck was amazing. Pictures don't do it justice. The scenery at Gallina Canyon Ranch is breathtaking, the accommodations are ideal and the hosts are fascinating. What more could you ask for? If you are looking for an idyllic place to relax, you've found it.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
A magical place
Guest: David R.
(New York)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09
Review Submitted: 03/02/11
I stayed at the Casita last July for close to a month and it was amazing. If you want to get away, into the wild, without totally roughing it, this is the place. The casita was clean, cozy, and full of character. I spent endless hours on the sleeping deck listening to hummingbirds and drifting off into daytime half-sleep. Jacal also looked fabulous, accommodating a true solo experience... I think of Gallina Canyon Ranch often, especially Rourke and all the ranch's furry friends, oh, and David too... Helpful and quite knowledgeable of the surrounding area. Thanks for sharing this magical place.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Guest: Doug Currey
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/30/09
Review Submitted: 10/30/09
Nancy and I stayed in the Wilderness Casita for several days in June 2009. People aren't kidding when they say New Mexico is a powerful place, the "Land of Enchantment". Well, this goes doubly for the Gallina Canyon Ranch. After arriving, we promptly fell dead asleep for 3 hours, then awoke to the magical late afternoon light in the canyon. I spent the next 10 hours on the front deck laying on the comfortable lounge gazing at the sunset on the cliffs, then the transition to night with countless stars above. During the next couple days we explored. First, a hike down the canyon, fording the beautiful Chama River for a visit to the Christ in the Desert Monastery. Next, we hiked up the enchanting Gallina Canyon, easily crossing the Gallina River 14 times to the Wilderness Jacal (this would be a great place to stay!). Beyond lay more canyon, the mesa, ruins, and more, but our time was limited. Elizabeth and Andrew were quite thoughtful and stopped by to offer us a ride back down the valley. They are good folk- they leave you alone (this place is quiet!), are ready to give assistance when needed, are informative and easy-going: the perfect hosts. If you are flexible and like a little adventure in your vacation, this is definitely the place to visit. Just don't book it when we want to return!
Recommended for:
Guest: Douglas Preston
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/15/09
Review Submitted: 10/15/09
Elizabeth and Andrew own perhaps the most beautiful ranch in New Mexico, deep in the Chama River Wilderness. They own two small casitas that they rent out to working writers who are seeking extreme remoteness, natural beauty, peace and quiet to work.
Recommended for:
Guest: Bryan E
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09
Review Submitted: 09/22/09
I had the privilege of living and working for about a year with Andrew and Elizabeth. I would have never left had I not become ill. The canyon... A place where the trees whisper their ancient secrets, the sun paints a daily masterpiece on sandstone walls and the stars are so luminous they cast shadows. A magical, spiritual gift from God.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #258403
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