There just isn’t a lot of wheelchair accessible cabins to stay at in northern Arizona. So when I found Hidden Meadow Ranch had an accessible room, it became a priority to visit. Having enjoyed two great nights, I can say that this is not your everyday average cabin or dude ranch. The best way to describe it is to imagine if John Wayne and Donald Trump were to collaborate on a resort. That’s about what you have at Hidden Meadow Ranch.

On arrival, we were escorted to the cabin by a cowboy atop a horse, wearing a well-worn cowboy hat, full-length duster and spurs. He helped with the luggage and explained how the cabin functioned. Cowboy bellhops certainly gets you into the mood and swing of things.

{note: if you click on the photos above, I’ve added some descriptions}

Hidden Meadow Ranch consists of 12 cabins, an amazing restaurant, and a working ranch all surrounded by the Apache-Sitgraves National Forest in Northeastern Arizona, in between the interesting towns of Greer and Pinetop. The ranch is over 150 acres and has 2 trout ponds, numerous riding stalls, an arena and barn. Conde Nash recently voted Hidden Meadow Ranch it’s top ranch style destination for 2009. Best of all, the accessible cabin is really accessible and really nice.

From the moment you arrive it is apparent that this very secluded ranch has been designed by people who understand luxurious accommodations. Perhaps even more telling is in the way management and staff conduct themselves. Everyone is constantly catering to your enjoyment and yet still maintaining a ranch-style casual atmosphere.

History – The land was originally homesteaded in the early 1900’s. Two families owned the ranch up until recently when the current owners, who have hospitality backgrounds acquired the property and began the dramatic transition to what the ranch is today. We enjoyed a sunny lunch on the balcony with a family who had flown from London to Phoenix, and then driven direct the 4-hours to the ranch. Part of their 3-stops, the couple wanted their daughter to experience a real western ranch. No English saddles here for sure.

Accessibility – Let me preface my comments on accessibility by saying that this isn’t a flat resort with concrete paths everywhere. We’re at 8,500’ elevation and the mountains are steep and rugged in every direction. This is snow country and the ranch is not 100% accessible but a lot of thought, and planning and expense has gone into making the ranch as accessible as possible. Paths lead you from your cabin to the common areas. None are too steep or too narrow but they used crushed rock as a surface for the paths and roads which isn’t really compatible for wheelchairs with smaller casters. On this trip I brought a power chair and thankfully was able to go everywhere. An agile para could get about, but a scooter or power chair is going to make getting about the ranch much more enjoyable. As an amateur photographer I ‘saddled up’ the ‘ol Quickie and roamed about the entire ranch taking photos of the scenery and animals.

Strawberry Fields Cabin – The ranch offers the Strawberry Fields cabin to us needing accessible accommodations. The 2-bedroom log cabin is very quaint and very well furnished. The décor is rustic southwestern with plenty of art work, antiques and modern conveniences. The unit has a small refrigerator and microwave along with complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks. We really enjoyed listening to the commercial-free satellite radio when we were in the cabin and it’s nice to be in touch with the free wi-fi internet as cellular coverage isn’t available. The ranch does accept pets however the Strawberry Fields Cabin is not one of their listed pet-friendly cabins which feature dog runs. So check ahead if you are wanting to bring Fido.

The main floor has a queen-size bedroom to accommodate wheelchairs. The doorways are sufficiently wide and the bed, which has a soft cozy pillow-top mattress and down comforter can be accessed on one side. Stairs lead you to the 2nd floor bedroom which includes a sitting area and desk for additional guests. The ground-floor bathroom is truly a beautiful. The doorway is plenty wide and the toilet is accessible. In addition to the all the candles, lotions, soaps, towels, and antiques, the bathroom has a roll-in shower that’s formed of large rocks. It like being in a little grotto.

The Food – Accommodations are all inclusive, meaning your meals are included and I must say that it was the three gourmet meals we enjoyed each day at the Ranch House that we shall remember the most. The Ranch House itself is impressive. It’s a massive log-framed building with a gorgeous balcony overlooking one of two trout ponds. Inside, the room offers dining for perhaps 50 with a sitting area around the large stone fire place. We spent a few hours enjoying their collection of photography books.

As we relaxed and explored, it didnt take long for us to start pondering and discussing what we were going to order for the next meal. The menu consists of steaks, filet mignon, chicken and fish along with a wilder selection of elk, duck, buffalo and quail. The vegetables were cooked superbly. Each morning we enjoyed fresh fruit and juices along with made to order omelets.

As testament to the superb vittles we were enjoying, numerous times we sat next to local folk who had made the trek back into the ranch just to enjoy the food. No question, Its worth the drive.

Activities – The ranch offers guests of any ability horseback lessons, group rides and use of their horses. Anyone needing adaptive riding equipment or lessons should contact management prior to arrival. As well, guests can enjoy use of mountain bikes, canoes and fishing tackle. Karla set out for a sunny morning jog one day after we had been taking photos at the second trout pond. At this elevation she was gasping for air before she’d gone even a half mile.

The ranch is great for kids. Each day an activity newsletter is delivered to your door which includes all the organized events for kids. Archery, fishing lessons, leather crafting, are offered. Perhaps the best experience for kids is to just see how a ranch operates. All of the employees were showing the kids how the animals are cared for, and what goes on at a ranch.

Whether you are grandparents wanting to show the grandkids how life use to be, or a family looking to escape the typical resort vacation, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Hidden Meadow Ranch offers enough accessibility to assure you can relax and enjoy such a scenic part of Arizona and yet still enjoy upscale accommodations, service and dining.

If you are ever coming through Pinetop, check out Woodland Lake, and the Interpretive Trail, and set aside time to visit what I think is Arizona’s best trail: Mogollon #622

Hidden Meadow Ranch
Greer, Arizona
866-333-4080

Hidden Meadow Ranch is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

In my travels, I am always asking people if they know about anywhere accessible, and on two occasions I have heard mention of an accessible lake up in Pinetop, Arizona. I know a little bit about Pinetop as I have driven through there a few times and could never find the lake. On one trip I noticed a sign for the Pinetop-Lakeside Interpretive Trail. It caught my eye because there was a big wheelchair-dude logo on the sign. Its worth visiting.

This week we traveled to northeastern Arizona to visit the Hidden Meadow Ranch, and so I googled for an accessible lake in Pinetop. Sure enough it exists, but there really are no signs on the main drag through Pinetop and definitely no wheelchair-logos to catch my eye. But the lake does exist, and it is a great place for wheelers to roll about.

Woodland Lake is basically right in the middle of town. The lake has no dedicated website, nor is it easy to find. I get the feeling the locals are keeping this place a secret. Good idea.

This is your basic 18-acre man-made urban lake. It is stocked with trout and bass and electric motor boats are allowed. Around the lake are picnic tables, a boat ramp tennis courts, volleyball, and playgrounds and all that stuff. But what makes Woodland Lake a must visit destination is the accessible trail going all around the lake.

What I liked about the trail is that it is 99% flat. This is casual strolling and rolling. The path itself is made of asphalt and plenty wide. A portion of the trail takes you across a shady hillside covered in pine trees, and another portion takes you across the earth mound damn which allows you to see quite a distance. The last portion is also in the pines but it takes you around by the shallow waters which are heavily vegetated and home to many birds. All along the way are rest areas, but I did not see any water supply. I estimate the circumference of the lake is a tad more than 1 mile.

So here is the odd part about this circular trail. Near one of the entrances to the park is a miniature covered bridge. This baby has some very steep ramps. ADA-enthusiasts will blow a gasket when they see the bridge entrance and exit ramps. And directly behind this bridge is a 50-foot section of the trail which is way too steep as well.

On this trip I brought along a power chair for some off-road exploring/photography I was doing elsewhere. So I happened to be in a power chair that handled the steep trail and the bridge without a problem. But in my trusty manual chair, and by myself, neither would be accessible. No big deal, because I would be perfectly happy to turn around and go back the way I came. Maybe even a few times.

Bring your tackle because the lake has an accessible fishing pier for wheelers too. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.

In my research, I learned that the lake is federally owned and locally managed and that this relationship is potentially going to expire. It sure would be a shame if this lake somehow became unavailable to the public. Pinetop is no exception to the urban sprawl Arizona is experiencing, and this lake is a true treasure.

I’m going to geo-tagged my Flickr photos very accurately so anyone can zoom in on my map and get some perspective about where the lake is. Or, another novel idea is to just to ask someone in Pinetop. But I just could not bring myself to this approach. Hint: From White Mountain Boulevard/AZ 260, turn in about a half mile on Woodland Lake Road at the Chevron Station. Pinetop-Lakeside Parks and Recreation (928/368-6700).

Woodland Lake is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

LOCATION: Northeast Arizona

We were traveling through the town of Pinetop-Lakeside (I guess the towns got married) when I noticed a sign for the Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail. I might not have noticed it, accept it features a huge wheelchair dude on the sign. This brings a new meaning to the phrase, nature is calling.

So we whipped a U-ee and found the parking lot. Like most of the paths in northern Arizona, this one is about 40” wide and made of asphalt. It’s a 1/3rd mile long and dead ends at the Mogollon Rim. You will work a little harder on your way out, and enjoy coasting back to the car.

This part of the rim isn’t as spectacular as you will find at the 622 trail, but it’s a fine trail if you are in the neighborhood. I doubt there’s much wildlife here as you are too close to roads and dwellings, but its scenic. There is some nice places to take photos along the trail, but I never quite figured out the interpretive part of this trail.

Pinetop-Lakeside Interpretive Trail is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.