Landscape
Never been to the high country, where life begins at 8,000 feet?
Do we ever have an environmental treat in store for you!
Surprise Valley Ranch is nestled in a high country canyon where cold mountain streams still cut their way through the sandstone rock of the canyon floor. These are the Sangre de Cristo Mountains ("Blood of Christ"), named for the reddish hue of the rocks and soils. Ironically, even at this altitude, the occasional deposit of sedimentary rock reveals fossils millions of years old.
The walls of the canyon are steep, and the views from the rim of the mesa at 9,700 feet are absolutely spectacular. From this vantage point at the top of the mesa, you can see the high plains nearly 3,000 feet below as they stretch eastward into Texas and beyond.
This is a rugged environment filled with wild animals. The hiking and riding is phenomenal, but not for the faint of heart. Trails are steep and can be easy to lose, so we recommend people avoid traveling alone whenever possible. Bring good hiking shoes, long pants to protect yourself from brambles, your daypack with emergency and first aid supplies and your sense of wonder. You'll use them all when you go exploring in the high country!