In the heart of the Tonto National Forest along the Mogollon Rim, Cherry Creek Lodge is nestled on a 55,000-acre cattle ranch that offers something for every guest and every riding ability.

The lodge exudes rustic elegance and modern comfort without losing the identity of a working cattle ranch. Guests will enjoy the lodge's accommodations, including the large living room with its open fireplace and leather armchairs, the beautiful bedrooms and the veranda overlooking the lake. The lodge is the ideal place to relax when you're not out riding the well-trained horses or enjoying one of the many other ranch activities such as lassoing, shooting, pottery, quad biking, fishing, hiking, etc.

The lodge opened to guests in 2008 and now offers a variety of riding opportunities for all levels. From cowboy skill courses to trail rides, half-day and full-day rides to multi-day rides with camping overnight to explore Native American ruins, remote or historic sites. Experienced riders can also ride with the cowboys, check the cattle, repair fences, herd cattle - experience first-hand what cowboy life is all about.

Itinerary

The riding trails lead through a varied and beautiful landscape: ponderosa pine forests, clear rivers, valleys and canyons, oak forests and open grasslands. Beginners will enjoy rides on the trails near the lodge, which wind gently through the hills. These trails are relatively flat and easy to navigate. More experienced riders will enjoy longer and more challenging trails. The rides lead through canyons, across plains and hills. The trails are sometimes quite narrow and rocky, but you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Pleasant Valley and, with a little luck, you may see some wildlife.
Riders can put together their own riding programme. Experienced riders who want to experience cowboy life can ride out with the cowboys to control the cattle, drive them to new pastures, repair fences and help with branding or vaccinating the cattle.

Sample weekly programme:

Sunday: Arrival at the lodge (check-in from 3 p.m.). Tour of the grounds and discussion of the programme with the hosts. After dinner, everyone meets around the campfire to get to know each other.

Monday: Depending on your wishes and riding experience, today you will be given an introduction to Western riding and go on a short ride, or you can go riding in the morning and afternoon and enjoy lunch at the lodge.

Tuesday: Today you can choose between two rides with lunch at the lodge or a full-day ride to an interesting destination with a picnic lunch en route.

Wednesday: If you are interested, you can practise lassoing or gymkhana or help with the cattle work. There is always plenty to do here. Alternatively, you can take part in one or two rides. Lunch is served at the lodge.

Thursday: Today you have the opportunity to help with the cattle drive or simply ride along with the cowboys.

Friday: You can choose between guided horse rides, training in the riding arena in the morning and afternoon with lunch at the lodge, or a day ride with a picnic. Of course, you can also ride with the cowboys again and lend them a hand.

Saturday: If you are an early riser, you can go on another horse ride or simply relax until it is time to leave.
Every day, you have many options. You can help the cowboys with ranch work, go riding on your own or simply relax.

Accomodation
You spend the night at Lodge or in separate wooden huts. All accommodation is unique and can be adapted to your needs. Baby cribs are available for families with small children. All guest rooms are private, quiet and furnished with high-quality furniture. In addition, the beds are equipped with cozy blankets and fluffy pillows and have high-quality mattresses (with the exception of some beds in the wooden cabins).
The system is powered by solar energy. In general, the operators of Ranch have a very environmentally conscious attitude.

Wrangler Rooms: Two rooms in a more rustic style with lots of wood are located in the so-called Bunkhouse, the former house for the workers of Ranch. It is located close to the horses and approx. 200m from the main house. The rooms are furnished with either a double bed or two large single beds. Each room has its own shower/WC.
Two further rooms in the Wrangler's category are located in the main house. One is equipped with a large double bed and one with two large single beds. These two rooms share a bathroom. Ideal for friends and families. The doors to lead open directly onto the large wooden terrace with seating furniture.
Under "special requests" you can let us know your wishes when you make your booking.

Cow Boss Rooms: The two rooms in the main house are slightly different: a loft room with a large double bed, shower/WC and balcony with a view of the hill and a room with two large single beds, bathroom and terrace at lake.

Owner's Hideaway: The largest room at Ranch has a large double bed, a fireplace, a TV, a bathroom with a bathtub and an oversized shower. You can also enjoy your own private terrace.

Family option: In the Bunkhouse there is a large family room for up to six people with a large double bed and two bunk beds as well as a kitchenette with dining table. Shower/WC are of course also available. Price upon request.

There are free WIFI, as well as a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Saddle & Tack: Western.

Experience: From 1-2 years, the riding pace is rather slow with trot and canter depending on riding experience. Cattle work requires more riding experience and fast gallops from time to time.

Horses: Quarter horses, mules.