Driving Directions

(From Santa Fe to Cow Creek Ranch)

P.O. Box 487 * Pecos, NM 87552 * Phone(505) 757-2107

Email:

  • Take Interstate 25 North from Santa Fe to Pecos about 20 minutes.
  • Exit Glorieta / Pecos (exit 299)and go left over the highway.
  • Take a right after crossing the highway and go about 6 miles on highway 50until you reach a four-way intersection (this is the town of Pecos). There will be a Shell station on the right and a bank on the left. There will be no cell phone service beyond this point.
  • Go straight through the intersection and stay on that road for 1.5 miles, at which point it will become a dirt road.
  • Follow this dirt road for 5.7 miles until you come to a fork in the roadwith a sign reading "Bienvenidos al Rito de la Vaca." Stay to the left.
  • From this point you will travel 3.7 miles before arriving at the ranch gate. Before arriving at the gate you will go through a large valley with several ranches, a camping area and cross the stream three times.
  • The ranch gate will be on the left, one mile after crossing the stream for the third time.
  • The gate is metal and has two stone pillars.There is a sign reading Cow Creek Ranch on the left hand side of the road. After entering the gate you will drive about a mile and a half until you reach the lodge.
  • Total driving time from the town of Pecos to the ranch is about 35-40 minutes.

We recommend a vehicle with some clearance, as you will be driving on 9 miles of rough dirt road. 4-wheel drive is recommended if we are having rain showers.

What to Bring!

Equipment Suggestions

Cow Creek Ranch is not an outfitter and will not be providing fly fishing gear for its guests. All guests should come fully equipped. The ranch will, however, have a few rods on hand for guests to rent for lessons and such. Belly floats for fly fishing the bigger lakes can be rented out at an additional charge to the guests. Guests will be able to purchase items such as flies, tippet, line, leader and a wide variety of fly fishing accessories at the ranch store.

*Waders are recommended but not a must, as guests will be fishing small waters. All waders must be washed prior to entering the waters at Cow Creek Ranch.

Rod Specifications: Be prepared for small stream fishing and lake fishing. An 8 to 9 foot rod should be sufficient. We recommend 4 or 5 weight rods using floatable line. If you own a 7 1/2 foot rod of a lighter weight, it would prove to be very helpful in some of the tighter areas of the stream.

Recommended Fly Patterns: The following is a brief list of suggested fly patterns:

Elk hair caddis, Adams, Hoppers, Ants (foam body), Beetles, Stonefly patterns, Midges (black, dunn, or olive), Wooly buggers (black brown or olive), Beadhead bunny leeches (black, black/olive, or brown/olive), Prince nymphs (beadhead), Brassies and Copper Johns (red).

*All of these patterns and many more will be available in the ranch store at competitive prices.

*All fishing at Cow Creek Ranch is Catch-and-Release and all guests are required to bend the barb down on their hooks. Fishing licenses may be purchased online prior to arrival at , or in the town of Pecos at Adelos Town and Country Store. Unfortunately, we do not sell fishing licenses in the ranch store.

Weather Conditions to Expect

Cow Creek Ranch is located in the Sangre de CristoMountains at an elevation of 8,600 ft. Weather conditions can change quickly and drastically with very little warning. Mornings and evenings can be chilly with temperatures averaging 40 to 50 degrees. Afternoons are warmer and range anywhere from 65 to 85 degrees.

Layering is the best way to dress when living in a climate with such a broad range of temperatures. If you have it, rain gear would be a great thing to pack.

Other Packing Suggestions

Remember to bring sun block and a hat as the sun at this elevation can be very strong. A light rain jacket would also be recommended.

Don’t forget the ranch is BYOB! For you convenience, we have an arrangement with The Liquor Barn in Santa Fe. They will be happy to take your order and payment over the phone so as to have it ready and waiting for you to pick it up. Just call or e-mail at (505) 471-3960 or and ask for Tom Vento (wine selections) or Hector Veleta (beer and liquor selections) and mention that you are a guest of Cow Creek Ranch. The store is located at 2885 Cerrillos Road.

The Following is a list of activities, services, and rentals available at the ranch.

Services and Activities

Fly Fishing: No charge

Horseback riding: No charge

Guided wilderness hike: No Charge

Children’s Program:No charge

Breakfast Ride: No charge

Fish Fry: No charge

Massage:$85 / 1 hour

Fly fishing lesson/guide :

Up to 2 people$200/ half day

Up to 2 people$300/full day

Sporting Clays: $40 per person

Archery: No Charge

Equipment Rentals

Float tubes: $15/half day

Fishing Rods: No Charge

Bike Rentals: No Charge

Horseshoes: No charge

* All rates are subject to change.

Guest Profile and Activities Interest Sheet

Please take a moment to fill out this guest profile sheet, as it will help us to better meet your needs while visiting the ranch. Have each member of your party complete this form and return it to Cow Creek Ranch (P.O. Box 487, Pecos, NM 87552) as soon as possible. We must have this form prior to your arrival.

Name ______Male / FemaleAge (if under 21) ______

Address ______

Phone Number ______Dates of Stay at the Ranch ______

Emergency Contact ______Contact’s Phone ______

Check the activities in which you would like to participate while visiting the ranch. By checking these boxes you are just helping us to get a feel for your level of interest so we can make sure to have these activities available for you during your stay.

Fly Fishing

Horseback Riding

Hiking

Archery

Mountain Biking

The Children’s Program

Horseshoes

The following services are provided at an additional charge by guest request only. If you would like to book any of these activities while at the ranch please check the box next to the activity. We will line up the fishing guides and book the spa therapist prior to your stay at the ranch. You will have the opportunity to select a time slot for a spa treatment upon arrival at the ranch. The sooner we know of your request for a guide during your stay, the better the chances are of obtaining one. Once reservations for these services are made cancellations will not be possible.

Half day with a guide: How many days? ______Which days? ______a.m. or p.m

Full day with a guide: How many days? ______Which days? ______

One hour massage or spa treatment of your choice. Spa treatments are offered on Mondays and Fridays.

Sporting clays

Will you be interested in renting a fly rod while at the ranch? Yes/No

How would you categorize your level of fly fishing ability?

Never fly fished before

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced (very experienced)

Please notify us below if you have any special health conditions or dietary needs.

______

______

Thank you for your time. We are looking forward to your stay with us at Cow Creek Ranch!