Grand Canyon Part 2: A Western Ranch Adventure

While visiting Grand Canyon West, this city girl decided to embark on a new adventure and stay at a cattle ranch, instead of a hotel or Airbnb, per usual.

Meadview, Arizona

Grand Canyon Western Ranch is located in Meadview, Arizona, a secluded town, about ten miles from the west rim of the Grand Canyon. This Old West-style, 800-acre ranch, dates back to the 1900's and was once owned by members of the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang.

Though Grand Canyon Western Ranch is now owned and operated primarily for tourism, and has been since 2002, it still functions in part as a working horse and cattle ranch. A stay on the property will transport you to the American Frontier to walk the dusty trails that were once the site of cattle drives and gunfights.

Grand Canyon Western Ranch

The ranch is so secluded and remote that there is no internet, cable or phone service. I found the two day vacation from my phone, email, internet and television refreshing.

It gave me time to slow down and take in the natural beauty all around me without distraction.

While at Grand Canyon Western Ranch, I stayed in this cabin, originally constructed in the 1880's and modified over the years. The water in the cabin, and throughout the property, comes from Grass Springs, an artesian spring. An artesian spring is a source of groundwater that does not require pumping because it is under natural pressure within an aquifer.

The cabin was small, warm and cozy and the decor and ambiance definitely made me feel like I was living in a western film.

In terms of activities, Grand Canyon Western Ranch has a shooting range, offers helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon and carriage rides on the property.

You also have the option of going on a sunset horseback ride which was the activity I chose.

I confidently mounted my horse and immediately felt minuscule and humbled by the sheer strength, power and height of the animal. The cowboy who was leading the ride, sidled up to me and told me to keep a firm grip on the reigns, because my horse was "particularly sassy." While we ambled up the mountain, through the trees and brush, kicking up dirt, my horse was perfectly responsive and obedient.

That is, until she wasn't. Just as I started to relax into my saddle and enjoy the scenery, she showed her ornery determination and took off in a random gallup, as you can see in the video above.

That was enough to make me much more vigilant and assertive the rest of the ride, while still enjoying the breathtaking landscape.

Golden Hour

Once we arrived at the top of the mountain, the sun began to set and the rocks took on a beautiful, golden hue.

Bison

We stopped and watched some bison graze as we enjoyed the sunset.

Though my horse seemed disinterested in the bison and her surroundings, I was eagerly drinking in the tranquility all around me.

Between the horse's rhythmic gait, the quiet and the scenery, I found the experience incredibly peaceful and meditative.

To enjoy a desert sunset in the midst of it made it exceptionally unique and unforgettable.

As the last bit of sun dipped behind the hills in the distance, my horse decided to show her feisty side one last time, and tried to gallup away, almost spilling my champagne. I checked her quickly as my cowboy had taught me to do and thus, only lost a few drops. Phew!

The horse quickly settled down, and in turn, we settled in to toast the ride and the setting sun.

Once we made it down the mountain, dismounted and returned the horses to their stables, I took some time to wander in the desert and enjoy the sunset a little bit longer amidst the Joshua trees.

What is it about desert sunsets? Is it just me or are the colors deeper and richer in this landscape? The way the desert seemingly sets the sky ablaze always takes my breath away.

I stayed to enjoy God's artistry until the moon was visible ...

... and the temperatures began to dip.

Then it was back to the ranch for some vittles (yup, I am really embracing this whole ranch experience, vocabulary included). Dinner was served at the main house on the ranch, which has been converted into a restaurant that serves three meals a day and also has a full bar.

Word at the ranch was that the best item on the menu was the grilled ribeye steak, so that's what I ordered. The steak came with mashed potatoes, beans and a fluffy, dinner roll.

The steak was a delicious medium-rare, juicy and flavorful and the sides were equally good as well.

The meal was completed by a generous slice of coconut creme pie and warm conversations with guests also staying at the ranch.

We all made friends quickly and headed outside to enjoy a roaring campfire where we roasted marshmallow to make s'mores, ...

... and sang songs, including many hits by the Eagles.

As the fire died down, the stars overhead became even more visible.

I was elated to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, one of very few I have seen. I guess that's one of many things you miss when you live in a big city.

The remainder of my stay followed the same cadence and mood as the portion I've shared above -- slow, calm, and relaxing. After two days, it was time to head home. As I finished my last meal at Grand Canyon Western Ranch, one of the cowboys came over to serenade me with "Here Comes the Sun," by the Beatles.

Without knowing it, he chose a song that is deeply meaningful to me and consequently brought my first experience on a cattle ranch to conclusion on a tender, high and moving note.

Whether you visit Grand Canyon Western Ranch or find a working cattle ranch elsewhere, I recommend this experience. I was a bit dubious when I booked this adventure, but tarnation (yup, I'm still leaning into that cowboy slang), I loved it and would certainly do it again. Until next time, happy trails.