This past week I have been busy traveling and meeting with a variety of folks in New Mexico about Footprints in the Dew. Along the way one place in particular caught my eye.
The hundred and eighty thousand acre spread that includes thousands of additional leased acres is called the Express UU Bar Ranch. The ranch is becoming famous for its cattle operation and for the superior quality of the bulls which are in demand for breeding across the country and beyond. After taking a tour of the place I learned that they offer a number of hunting and fishing packages to the general public including big game hunts for elk, deer, bear and mountain lion along with fishing for northern pike, trout and other fish that inhabit the mountain waters. They also will put together bird hunts for pheasant and quail with personal guides and dogs and arrange for any required hunting or fishing licenses.
The UU Bar offers several options for accommodations either in private cabins that sleep up to 14 or in the newly built Rayado Lodge, named after the nearby river. At the lodge Executive Chef Ralph Knighton prepares three gourmet meals daily which are provided as part of the room package there.
My visit to the ranch was brief but memorable with breathtaking views of the mountains rising in the west and the beautiful open plains full of deer and antelope and occasionally even mountain goats.
Waite Phillips’ 214 square mile Philmont Boy Scout Ranch adjoins the UU Bar on the northwest boundary, this is a place of great inspiration to me personally and I visit often. With the UU Bar as a neighbor more open space and wildlife habitat have been protected for all of us to see and enjoy.
For more information about the UU Bar go to: www.expressuubar.com