Elevate your Summer Holiday at Vermejo
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Every Vermejo vacation includes a plethora of complimentary activities to enjoy, both guided and independently explored, on the vast 558,000-acre reserve. Each summer, travel parties have the opportunity to engage in all of Vermejo’s premium offerings, providing immersive exploration and discovery.
Koehler Mining Tour
A visit to Koehler is a glimpse into the boom-and-bust nature of early America. After the first coal mine opened here in 1906, the town grew from nothing to a bustling community of 1,000 residents, complete with a rail line, beehive coke ovens, post office, company store, two-story schoolhouse, and dance hall. But frequent strikes, the depression, and a damaging fire caused the camp to close in 1924. Explore the remnants of the lives of the people who built their version of the American dream, toiling to produce the fuel that powered the settlement of the US West. Some 90 minutes from headquarters, a day at Koehler includes a scenic property drive, with wildlife viewing enroute, and lunch, either picnic style or at the Historic St. James Hotel in Cimarron.
High Country Lakes UTV and Hiking Tour
Discover the diversity and enormity of the property with a 4×4 excursion to one of the most remote and scenic spots on Vermejo. Chat with your Reserve Ambassador to choose from Casias or Glacier Lakes. Your day begins with a two-hour tour to the high country in the early morning, when it’s easiest to spot elk, bear, and other big game. After a steep drive to the trailhead, a short hike takes you to one or more diamond-clear glacial tarns just in time for a lakeside picnic. Post-lunch, extend your hike to explore more stunning mountain and lake views, take a nap in the shade, or simply head back to the UTV for a wild and scenic return trip on some of our favorite backroads.
High Country Horseback Ride
A horseback ride through Vermejo’s majestic high country is easily one of the most memorable experiences on the property. After a hearty breakfast in the lodge, meet your driver for a scenic tour up to our cowboy camp at 10,000 feet. The ride takes you along winding two-tracks, through lush meadows, across glistening creeks, and past high-mountain tarns. It’s common to spot wildlife, which is abundant up high. Before the return trip, enjoy a curated lakeside picnic. Then take an exploratory hike, practice your cast on one of the lakes, or savor a quick hammock nap.
Experience: Intermediate and up, height and weight requirements
Survivor Challenge
Test your survival skills and backcountry knowledge in this fun, family-friendly competition. The contest starts with a paddle race across the lake to locate a stash of potentially life-saving gear. Then practice your archery skills on a life-size target to prepare yourself for harvesting your own food. Learn to use flint and steel to start a fire and stoke the flames high enough to boil and purify water. Scavenge for materials to build a makeshift structure strong enough to withstand the harsh mountain weather. Only one team can win, but everyone will walk away with some backcountry know-how.
Duration: Half day
All of these opportunities are available through the summer months and are priced at $800 for parties of up to 4 persons. To plan your trip, or inquire about additional customization and offseason availability, contact our Reserve Ambassadors. All elevated experiences are included for travel parties reserving a Vermejo Residence in its entirety: Casa Grande, Costilla Lodge or Bernal Lake Cabin.