Vacation Rentals by Owner

Heaven!

Guest: TravelingPard (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 03/27/12 Review Submitted: 04/08/12

This was our second visit to Gallino Canyon Ranch. What a treat it was to be there! The location is idyllic, the hosts engaging, and the accommodations unique. The sleeping porch is incredible. The views are perfectly framed in every direction. We enjoyed hiking, star gazing and talking with Elizabeth and Andrew. As an added bonus we were on hand to "help" with a calf being born. We'll be back next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Return to Heaven

Guest: Steve P. (Albuquerque)
Date of Stay: 03/26/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

On our second trip to Gallina Ranch, we quickly settled into the cozy casita (with a really great bed). The kitchen has everything you need from ice to fresh mint and parsley grown on the farm. We enjoyed sitting at the kitchen table with a perfect view of the Navajo Sandstone Cliffs. Elizabeth and Andrew go out of their way to attend to every detail even water at the sleeping porch . This beautiful location provides another space to enjoy the view, red cliffs ,the backdrop to their house and gardens. As we were there in early spring, I have to imagine the hollyhocks in full bloom against the bluest sky. Our hosts were preparing the flower beds ,weeding and watering ,surrounded by classical music and the fortunate dogs rescued from the shelter. Hiking is unlimited, on a well traveled road or exploring rougher terrain. Expect the unexpected! We got to watch the birth of a beautiful Black Angus calf from a foot away. We have yet to see the Elk. And then there are the dogs ! Bowser and his buddies showered us with canine affection and kept an eye on us. We are grateful that Elizabeth and Andrew are so thoughtful and generous in every way and I will make sure that I return again for a longer stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Doug Currey
Date of Stay: 10/30/09 Review Submitted: 10/29/09

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!

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Guest: Douglas Preston
Date of Stay: 10/15/09 Review Submitted: 10/14/09

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.

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Guest: Bryan E
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/21/09

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.

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Guest: Fredric
Date of Stay: 09/10/09 Review Submitted: 09/09/09

Staying at the ranch for a week was awesome: far from city lights and noise, it was perfect for hiking during the day and star gazing at night--- a perfect place to get away from the stink and turmoil of civilization and relax in peaceful solitude for a short while. The coyotes yipping and singing off in the distance at night and the blanket of snow that was falling was perfect for wrapping up warmly with a blanket and a cup of coffee while reading. In all, an excellent week.

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Guest: Patricia DeLoss
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 08/14/09

As the gate opens and you journey across the Chama River, prepare yourself to be transported to a magical place. Leave behind what you know. Open your heart. Most important, learn the ancient mother tongue of stone and river and sky. Be silent. The spirit of the canyon can never be captured, only experienced. Find your way to Gallina Canyon Ranch.

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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:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.