The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700'
We've had a lovely June with rain showers. The mountaintop is cool and green! We've added "The Moose Room" for meditation, yoga, reading, quiet time. DVD TV available in the Moose Room, too. It's located about 100 feet from The Alpaca Barnhaus. No extra charge for daytime use if the room is kept clean. Pay extra if you use the trundle bed/s overnight: $30 for one person. $35 for two. Check or Cash only, paid when you decide if you will sleep in The Moose Room. See photos. Any number over five people who stay at the Barnhaus is $30/night extra per person. Pay with cash or check when you arrive. (COVID: Vaccinations recommended.)
We are so fortunate to live up here, and we do love to share. Love animals? Connect with alpacas and our Anatolian Shepherd! The owners, Mickey and Evelyn, are your neighbors and will gladly show you around and make sure your stay at The Alpaca Barnhaus meets your needs. The Santa Fe National Forest is just steps away. (Check out Facebook Aspen Ridge Alpacas for more photos.) NEW: The Alpaca Barnhaus and the alpaca barn are available for small weddings. Walk down the aisle through the pasture with an alpaca. Come up and look at our venue and see if this is the place for an unforgettable and unusual wedding.
Being in nature is magical, a retreat from the workplace. (Wi-Fi is available.)The Barnhaus has cell phone service. And a landline phone is available. Enjoy an isolation vacation 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!
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 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 upstairs in the loft (queen-sized bed in one bedroom and full-sized bed in the other bedroom) and a half-bath upstairs in the loft. A single bed is 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. 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. We do not charge a cleaning fee as long as you leave the house as you found it. $120 if you do not care to clean the house. 90% of our guests clean the house. There are no additional fees.
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 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, Bedroom #1 queen-sized bed #2 full bed • 1 bath with shower on ground floor • Fully furnished (1 queen & 1 full bed upstairs, 1 single bed, sofa bed downstairs) * 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 (now a national park) 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.
Keywords: Cozy house with wood-burning stove and plenty of wood. Clean and well furnished, meditation, quiet space, Anatolian Livestock Guardian Dog, Alpacas, Near Recreation Areas,
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Private cottage located on the Jemez River and close to town.
Jemez Springs
Private cottage located on the Jemez River and close to town.
Barnhaus guests are not allowed in the alpaca barn area unless accompanied by one of the owners (Mickey or Evelyn). Gift shop above barn.
For no cleaning charge the house must be left as found. Or you can opt to pay $60 fee. Please put towels and sheets (in pillow cases) in the kitchen.
PARKING: Summer: Park in front of The Alpaca Barnhaus off Aspen Dr. 830 Aspen Dr. Winter: Access off Squirrel Trail. Park at barn area . AWD/4WD.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 03432124001
Property # 217221vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Jemez Springs
Located in Jemez Springs, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Battleship Rock and Fenton Lake State Park, while Janecka Collection Art Gallery and Los Alamos Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Jemez Springs Bath House and Bradbury Science Museum are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Valles Caldera National Preserve - 14 min drive - 7.5 km
McCauley Hot Spring - 16 min drive - 11.2 km
Battleship Rock - 22 min drive - 18.3 km
Fenton Lake State Park - 32 min drive - 28.3 km
Jemez Mountains - 33 min drive - 28.7 km
Getting around
Los Alamos, NM (LAM-Los Alamos County) - 56 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' ?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' on 8 Jul 2026 start from £137, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' ?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Alpaca Barnhaus in the Jemez Mountains-Quiet & Comfortable at 8700' located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Valles Caldera National Preserve and within 9 miles (15 km) of McCauley Hot Spring and Battleship Rock. Soda Dam Hot Springs and Jemez Historic Site are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Perfect getaway! Mickey graciously hosted our wedding and made it special. The location and property are exactly as described. Enjoy your future stay!
J C.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Mar 2026
Perfect, Indeed! What a pleasure to meet you and your bride. We do hope you will return and relax up here on the mountaintop. We love to share the experience.
The host was fantastic. The cabin was amazing. The entire area is so beautiful. We will be back again!
Brandon S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jan 2026
Wonderful guests, and their wedding anniversary stay was perfect. And we enjoyed meeting such an interesting couple. The house was left clean and tidy.
Our host was gracious and welcoming, the cabin well appointed and "cozy". Virtually anything you could want for a stay was present. An easy recommendation to anyone wanting to stay in the mountains, and we look forward to returning!
Kenneth Earl A.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2025
The weather: Perfect. So glad you enjoyed your stay at The Alpaca Barnhaus. Cozy is the operative word here.
Thank you for the kind words, and I do hope you will return.
Mickey and Evelyn are the sweetest, most caring hosts that make it their goal that everyone has an amazing stay at their place. These people are truly special in every way and the place and surrounding area are simply gorgeous. We can’t wait to visit again!
Greg B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2025
What a fun family! You really made the most of your stay, and there is so much more to see. We are thrilled that you were thrilled with your stay at The Alpaca Barnhaus. See you again. Adventures await.
Great location, property, and hosts. We've stayed here on more than one occasion. Wonderful relaxing setting with easy access to Jemez mountain hiking.
Jonathan L.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
Thanks for the review and more thanks for being Barnhaus guests again.
A highlight for us was the pond. Well, more of a highlight for our water-loving dog! Such fun!
We really enjoyed our stay. The place and property were very clean, warm, and inviting. It had everything we could have asked for and more!
James B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
The weather was quite nice for your stay at The Alpaca Barnhaus. We're so glad you enjoyed your time here. The Alpaca Barnhaus is your home away from home.
We had a wonderful stay at the alpaca barnhaus! Very relaxing girls trip with games and lots of local hikes! We will definitely be back for more adventures!
Mackenzie Y.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
You all certainly took in the sites and the hiking opportunities. There is so much to discover in this area of the Jemez. Hope to see you again for more exploring.
We had a wonderful stay at the Alpaca Haus. Mickey was very communicative and ensured that we had everything we needed. Everything was as listed and a great location to explore neighboring areas: Jemez, Valles Caldera, Bandelier and more.
Candace F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jun 2025
Thank you for the nice review. The location of The Alpaca Barnhaus is perfect for a base. So much to see in the Jemez!
We hope you come back to explore even more.
We love staying here! Mickie and Evelyn are fantastic hosts. It’s such a beautiful part of the Jemez mountains.
Jeremy S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
The weather certainly cooperated. And you took advantage of this part of the Jemez Mountains. The Alpaca Barnhaus is perfectly positioned, just far enough from Hwy 4 with hiking opportunities are right outside your door. We hope you return.
Place was advertised, able to shut it down, and relax, much needed.
Ronald T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
This mountaintop in the Jemez Mountains is away from the city and the everyday cares. I just went outside before going to bed. Again, I was amazed at the starlit sky, and all was quiet. Yes, come to The Alpaca Barnhaus to totally relax.
Our second stay in this beautiful home and location. Mickey and Evelyn are terrific hosts as are Sunny, Alice (dogs) and the alpacas. Amazing hiking nearby filled the days, bookended by cool mornings and evenings on the deck.
Bonnie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
Thank you for the kind words. We're looking forward to your next visit during October. That will be number three! There's so much to share in this mountain environment. We, too, are looking forward to the fall color display.
We had a great stay at the Barnhaus! The owners were very kind and our daughter loved the alpacas and the sledding steps away from the property.
Stan Q.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
We enjoyed meeting you and showing you around the alpaca barn. We hope to see you in the future with or without snow. It's always beautiful up here on the mountaintop. Perhaps next time we can have a few games of chess.
We really enjoyed our return to the Alpaca Barnhaus, a family favorite. Mickey and Evelyn were wonderfully welcoming, and let us feed the alpacas on our first day. The house was, as always, a cozy base camp for various adventures around the Jemez Mountains. The cool mountain air, the pines, and the aspens all made for a blissful atmosphere. We plan to return next summer!
David M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun 2025
Always a pleasure to have you return to The Alpaca Barnhaus. "Blissful atmosphere"...Thank you for the review! See you next year.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
camille s.
28 Feb 2019
This place is awesome
The hosts were so helpful and welcoming! We loved our stay and had everything we needed. It was a great remote location but also located not to far from bigger towns. All in all an awesome experience
camille s.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
What a pleasure to meet the family all! Your suggestions about having Aspen Ridge Alpacas as a venue for a small wedding are intriguing and certainly a possibility. We've had much more snow since you left. It's been a wonderful winter.
This is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. We loved the remote location and mountain beauty. The weather was spectacular with very cool mornings and perfect sunny afternoons.
Kendra P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
You had wonderful hiking experiences! You were even able to experience hundreds (right?) of mother elk and their babies running in the Valles Caldera. I loved the photos you showed me. This area of NM is, indeed, a treasure.
Our family loves this spot to come getaway for some winter fun. Mickey is a wonderful host and so very thoughtful and respectful. We would recommend this spot for lots of fun and an absolutely beautiful location!!!
Shannon C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan 2024
The snow was perfect for sledding, and you and family took advantage of the opportunity! We will see you in the summer for a different experience, still beautiful with the aspen and conifers and cooler weather at this altitude. We love sharing.
We love it up here, too!
The cool weather, the quiet, the total ambiance of life on a mountaintop is our pleasure to share. It was wonderful meeting you.
Winter 2025 began as a dry year, the week after Christmas didn't deliver much snow. We arrived and it snowed abt. an inch, which was plenty for this S. Tex family to enjoy with the steep drive up the hill. The Alpaca Barn was full of amazing history and was educational for all of us! (Ages 12-53) The store was full of Alpaca wool goodies which we couldn't resist, since it is so soft and hypoallergenic! Mickey and Evelyn were so hospitable and welcomed us, providing answers to our many questions.
Very nice place, all the cooking items you might need, close to Valles Calderra annd other hiking opportunities, alpacas are fun to feed if you would like to. Mickey and Evelyn are very friendly and nice hosts.
Paul F.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov 2023
You had excellent hiking weather for sure. Plus you had the bonus of snow. Many adventures await you all. Hope to see you again.
About the host
Hosted by Mickey Wright
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 they chose this property
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.
What makes this property unique
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 livestock guardian dog, Sunny, is people friendly, too. In June the alpacas are sheared. Bags of the most incredible fleece are collected for sale or to be made into yarn, batts (for felting), and roving (for spinning). 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.
Languages:
English, German
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests