Hidden Meadow Ranch

The Spirit Horse cabin is a cozy, family-friendly respite from a day spent in the great outdoors. //© Hidden Meadow Ranch

Why: While families might have daydreamed of reenacting scenes from City Slickers, what they really want is to be able to enjoy the great outdoors during the day, then retreat to all the amenities of a comfortable boutique hotel at night. Each one of Hidden Meadow Ranch’s 12 uniquely decorated cabins offers privacy against the backdrop of a lush national park in the remote White Mountains of Arizona. Amenities include room for five guests, luxurious Italian sheets, a slate bathroom with huge custom tub, a kitchenette with a large dining table, a lounge, Wi-Fi, board games and a fully stocked fireplace. And, most importantly, clients won’t find a television set.

When to Go: Whether your clients prefer skiing or fly-fishing will dictate what time of year is best. The resort is open year-round, and, in winter, transportation to and from the nearby slopes is provided and comes with the added bonus of hot toddies on the ride back.

What to Do: Clients should take advantage of horseback riding. Plenty of other activities also cater to multiple ages, such as fly-fishing in the resort’s private lake, leather working, archery, woodworking, nature hikes or a leisurely ride in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. Young children enjoy access to the property’s playground near the stables, where they can interact with friendly horses and a pair of adorable miniature donkeys.

Dining: A rustic but elegant dining hall serving breakfast, lunch and dinner lies at the center of the resort. For families with young children, the dining room provides an early 5:30 p.m. seating for dinner. A hearty Cowboy breakfast is also prepared in Dutch ovens over a roaring campfire, as well as evening “snifters and smores” — a treat for adults and kids alike.

Insider Tip: Bring your camera during the old-fashioned hay ride. The horse-drawn wagon takes riders around the densely wooded property in the early evening. At journey’s end, guests help dole out hay to the horses. During this time, golden light from the setting sun will make for spectacular photos of your little ones.

Getting There: The Hidden Meadow Ranch is located about 10 miles north of Greer, Ariz., roughly a four-hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson. Great Lakes Airlines also offers a flight to the Show Low Airport via the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Private and chartered flights can also land at Springerville Airport, which is located 25 minutes from the property. The ranch offers transportation to and from either airport.

Hidden Meadow Ranch
www.hiddenmeadow.com