Ranchlands- Zapata Ranch
We had an amazing experience a few weeks ago. There are a few places that I have been blessed to see and enjoy in my life that seemed sort of other worldly. If you have read the book "Thin Places" this is what this place reminded me of. The places where (if you are looking for them) the beauty that your eyes behold is so deep and unbelievable that you are drawn to the Creator of it all. Like maybe He is there super close smiling at our delight.
Ranchlands Zapata Ranch was one of those places.
Our sons are photographers and videographers. They have really gotten into ranching photography and our youngest has become friends with the wonderful Ranchland folks in Mosca, Colorado. He graciously gifted us a trip up to see it for ourselves for a few days. He knew that we would probably never decide to take that trip on our own and so we felt pretty special and blessed to enjoy it.
Being at Zapata Ranch felt a little like going back in time. The lodge rooms are comfy and warm with big claw foot tubs and picture windows. (I actually think we were blessed with one of the best picture window rooms) I was in awe. We loved that there were no phones or televisions in the rooms and everyone met in the same dining room for coffee of tea when wanted. The gourmet meals were served family style in the dining room with the other guests. I meant to take some pictures of the meals but totally forgot because we were I guess enjoying the food and company so much. We met folks from Italy, France, Philly, Seattle, San Diego, South Carolina and Cincinnati. I think after the past few years of covid isolation it seemed extra special to just sit and talk to people. It was delightful. Ya'll, the food. SO good.
Oh, and you get to RIDE HORSES! Not that follow on a trail nose to rear end stuff but if you are even an intermediate horse rider you get to actually help on the ranch. The first day we helped to round up and move 2 bulls that were injured. Like, cowboy, cutting horse type stuff. ha! No, we were not great at it but boy, was it an interesting and fun experience. One cool thing to note is that this is a ranch within a system of ranches. This particular one is run by women. Yep, women run the lodge, the mercantile, the ranch. The chef is a man and boy does he know what he is doing. He is so talented. I was just impressed that all of the wranglers were women. These girls know their horses and cattle and also know the art of hospitality.
The next day we were blessed to ride in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
I had no idea what to expect and it blew our minds. The sand dunes cover 30 square miles and the tallest dune is the Star dune and it towers 750 feet from its base to the top. If you were to walk straight up to the top it would be a mile walk. Amazing. God's creation is a wonder.
We only had two days and wanted to stay longer. We will be saving our money to go back up because there is a ride in the Medano section of the ranch that is with the buffalo herd.
Yep, I do want to see and experience that.
This trip will be remembered so very fondly and cherished for years to come. If you love experiencing the beauty of God's creation, great food, sweet fellowship, riding horses and learning about a working ranch we highly recommend going and being a cowboy for a few days or better yet a week.
You will love it.
Blessings! Amy
The Great Sand Dunes you can see at the foot of the mountains.
The Zapata Lodge
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