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Southwest ranches immerse attendees in the region’s stunning landscapes and cowboy culture

By Maya Mackinnon

Horseback riding at Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve, ranch in Raton, New Mexico
Horseback riding at Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve, in Raton, New Mexico || Photo by Deann McBride

Whether you’re looking to gather amid alpine tundra of New Mexico or overlooking the expansive Nevada deserts, consider ranches in the Southwest. These atmospheric sites with limitless views are a great choice for incentive trips, small gatherings, and board meetings.

“I have been promoting ranches for many years as one of the best experiences for corporate or group gatherings due to the fact that once you arrive, you don’t need to leave and go anywhere else to immerse guests in a wealth of activities, from relaxed to adventurous, while dining on five-star meals and receiving the personalized service that is only possible from small venues,” says Jeff Hollander, founder of True West Incentive Travel in Longmont, Colorado, which creates custom incentive programs.

At these impressive ranch destinations, groups might embark on adventures across acres of ranchland, spend time with a variety of animals often found on-site, indulge in delectable culinary experiences, attempt to learn new skills, breathe easy under wide-open skies, and explore surrounding natural areas like state or national parks.

Activities vary from ranch to ranch. However, the breathtaking natural surroundings, down-to-earth service, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences are always guaranteed. You do not want to miss these Southwest outlets and their exemplary experiences spanning Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

Sitting on more than 550,000 acres in northern New Mexico is Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve, which offers a near endless list of sightseeing opportunities, group activities, accommodations, and amenities. Vermejo honors regenerative tourism (a philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of people, communities, the environment, and the ranchland itself) and emphasizes efforts to restore and preserve the property. The all-inclusive resort makes budgeting easy and tailors to every attendee’s needs while being grounded in conservation and connecting people with nature.

Casa Grande at Vermejo || Photo by Ben Clark

“Vermejo is a wonderful fit for boutique retreats and incentives for planners who want the feeling of exclusivity for their event,” says Lindsay Curry, vice president of sales and marketing for Ted Turner Reserves. “With only 38 rooms at our Main Lodge area [plus an additional 10 on the reserve within 45 minutes from the Main Lodge], small buyouts are often offered and provide groups with the feeling of having their own private national park.”
Vermejo has 19 fishable lakes, over 1,200 roaming bison, 30 miles of pristine streams, and turn-of-the-20th-century mansions and cottages. It offers tours, horseback riding, shooting, hiking, biking, and a plethora of team-building options for attendees. The tours include the “Vermejo Conservation Tour,” the “Catskill Kilns and History Tour,” an adventurous wildlife safari, and a bison expedition.

“While I initially created a concept I thought would meet the needs of my client, the staff at Vermejo worked with me to fine-tune it so that my presentation exceeded expectations,” says Hollander. “And then the personal concierge style of service offered by Vermejo fine-tuned everything even further, this time directly with the client to satisfy their every interest.”

Up in Utah, treat attendees to an authentic rancher experience at The Ranch at Wild Rose in Alton, located in the southeastern part of the state. The property is nestled between the renowned Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks and is a 180-acre, family-run working ranch and event venue. Sleeping up to 30 guests, the ranch best accommodates smaller events and group retreats. Most notably, the ranch offers remarkable cowboy experiences—including multiday cattle drives and cattle branding.

The Ranch at Wild Rose in Alton, Utah
The Ranch at Wild Rose in Alton, Utah || Photo by Sam Ree

“My favorite reason to get people out on the ranch is grounding,” says Harmony Cox, owner of The Ranch at Wild Rose. “There is something so special about being together in nature, with endless stars, campfires, and quiet moments with wildlife. There are very few distractions (except for the ‘wows’ regarding the gorgeous scenery). It’s beautiful, and it’s remote enough to get focus for your group, but it’s still close enough for an afternoon at Zion or Bryce Canyon national parks.”

The Ranch at Wild Rose in Alton, Utah
Guest room at The Ranch at Wild Rose || Photo by Sam Reed

Look farther northwest and you will find Havens Ranch sitting on 154 acres in the Humboldt River Valley in Winnemucca, Nevada. Havens was originally a 1940s homestead and is now a family-owned and -operated working ranch and rustic getaway with incredible mountain and desert views.

“Since acquiring it in 2016, I have made many improvements, such as ponds, trees, gardens, a water feature, and a large shade structure,” explains Warren Havens, owner of Havens Ranch. “We have done corporate parties, family reunions, and music festivals. It’s a beautiful spot on the Humboldt River that combines antiquated and modern infrastructure.”
Ranches are a perfect way to give your team an authentic and novel experience while connecting with not only each other but also the surrounding natural beauty. Ranch activities provide a way to level the “hierarchical playing field,” says Hollander, allowing all participants to showcase skills that might be overlooked in an office setting and strengthen the organization’s teamwork capabilities.

Havens Ranch
Havens Ranch in Winnemucca, Nevada || Courtesy of Havens Ranch

“Ranch activities are the perfect way to break up business meetings, clear the minds of the attendees, and get the guests out of their comfort zone,” Hollander adds. “Doing so allows them to focus again on the business at hand once they go back into the next meeting. This clarity of mind makes the meetings more productive and less a test of endurance.”

havensranch.org
theranchatwildrose.com
tedturnerreserves.com/vermejo

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