A recent stay at the Zapata Ranch leaves us eagerly looking forward to a return visit!! The staff are all very welcoming, helpful and eager to tailor your ranch stay as you like it- work, ride horses, relax, soak in the hot tub, bird, walk, read, roam the bison, visit the great Sand Dunes National Park,...or just hang out in... More

Coming to the Zapata Ranch is like entering another world, one which you may have imagined but never thought you actually get to experience. The beauty of the mountains, the sand dunes, and the prairie are awe inspiring. Add to the unique natural beauty top notch accommodation, a friendly knowledgeable staff, and superb food and you have a vacation you... More

Going to a dude ranch was something my family always wanted to do and our stay at the Zapata Ranch far exceeded our expectations. Everyone was so friendly and helpful during our entire stay. We felt a genuine connection with all the people on this ranch. We loved the philosophy of this ranch and loved learning all the details it... More

Between the brochure and the website, which are just gorgeous, and the price, I was expecting a near-5-star experience. If I had never seen the marketing materials, I probably would've been happier! Our family chose Zapata because its location fit in well with our 3-week SouthWest itinerary, because we could do a 4-day stay, and because it receives good reviews.... More

I did not see a swimming pool, but did not look since it was a photographic workshop. I loved my room, the service everywhere was off the top, and the food was to die for. I am a health nut, and very suspicious of food being fast food, and I can assure you all the food was hand picked, hand... More

Where does one start in describing the Zapata Ranch? The people that run the Zapata are professional and met our every request. The rooms were clean and comfortable and relaxing. Our daily meals starting with breakfast to packed lunches and campfire dinners were outstanding. Taking horse rides to see the bison words cant describe the treat and experience. We will... More

First of all, I had to pinch myself as drove to the ranch - I thought I was dreaming... the photos of the landscape - as impressive as they can be - do not do this location justice. The diversity of the topography ranged from 14,000 foot peaks to sand dunes, to chico bush pastures, to marshland, to mountain streams... More

What an amazing trip my husband and I had at Zapata Ranch. We were initially interested in this type of location so that we could experience a real working ranch and to enjoy the many hiking trails the San Juan Valley has to offer. We experienced it all and were extremely impressed with the guest services. We felt so taken... More

Aside from a rousing round of “Reveille” at 7am this ranch experience departed very little from the camp experiences of my youth. Complete with stern headmaster, grumpy cook and bubbly camp counselors ("wranglers" in this case) the ranch operates more like a summer camp than a high dollar guest ranch. When we booked our vacation I inquired into the type... More