News & Events

Schedule of Events 2013

May

The She-vent:  May 6-12

It’s a “girl-centric” getaway week at HMR.  Come with your mother, sister, daughter or just a group of girlfriends and enjoy some really special she-vents planned just for you!  Activities for just the ladies will be available throughout the week including Yoga morning and evening, equine Yoga each afternoon, grooming and ground training the horses, private trail rides or hikes complete with pink bandanas as a gift from the staff, cooking lessons with the chef, a complimentary massage.  Our culinary team will present a fabulous brunch on Mother’s Day Sunday, complete with a gift from us just for her. 

Page Springs Cellars Winemaker Weekend:  May 17-18

Enjoy wines from Arizona’s premiere winery.   Start with a tasting on Friday night at the meet & greet reception with Vintner Eric Glomski and our Chef.  Then settle in for the most amazing five-course dinner on Saturday night paired with Eric’s hand-selected wines. 

Memorial Weekend:  May 24-27

Celebrate this fun weekend at HMR with loads of outdoor activities like a fishing derby, canoe races, orienteering, BBQs and S’mores, roping lessons, and horseback riding.  It’s the perfect place to kick off the perfect summer season! 

Birding/Nature Walk Weekend: May 31 - June 2

Friday night we’ll have cocktails in the loft before dinner and get a little preview of what birds you’ll be likely to see.  Birding hikes led by Audubon Society experts will give you a chance to see the real thing in our mixed conifer forest of Ponderosa pines, aspens, spruce and fir.  All the while, you can enjoy the luxury and fabulous cuisine of our Lodge set amidst the beauty of Arizona’s White Mountains scenery.

June

Trail Blazin’ Week:  June 3-9

If you’re serious about horsin’ around, this is your week.  Start by selecting your horse for your stay and grooming and getting ‘em ready for blazing a trail on horseback through the National Forest.  Our wranglers have found new places to take you where you can test your skills and enjoy the amazing scenery. We’ll pack you a lunch and make a half day of it.  The cows are back, so we’ll be offering team penning to bring the fun up a notch! 

Guest Chef Dinner with Michael DeMaria of M Culinary:  June 7-8 

He’s won “Best of Valley” by Phoenix Magazine two years in a row and catered some of the biggest events in the Western U.S., including Barrett-Jackson and the Phoenix Open. Guests will have a chance to meet Chef Michael at a wine reception Friday, June 7, where he promises to give us some insight into his extraordinary cuisine.  Then, on Saturday, June 8, come prepared to feast on Chef Michael’s four-course meal including Bacon Seared Arctic Char, Braised Veal Cheek, Sage Roast Buffalo Ribeye “Mignon” and  Chocolate Speckle Cake.   During this special guest chef weekend you might even catch Chef Michael fly fishing on our trout pond or nearby stream; after all, fly fishing is his favorite activity next to creating beautiful food.

The He-vent:  June 10-16

This week is all about the boys.  Bring your father, son or just a group of guys for a dude-centric getaway.  We’ll have grilling lessons with the chef, do some woodworking and leatherworking, learn fly casting and fly tying, catch some fish, do some roping, team penning, mend some fences and toss some hay.  It will all culminate on Father’s Day with a wonderful BBQ at the Trout Pond complete with a fishing derby and special brews! 

Rodney Strong Winemaker Weekend: June 21-22

Through the years, Rodney Strong Vineyards has earned its stellar reputation for critically acclaimed Single Vineyard and Reserve wines, stand-out Estate releases and best-in-class Sonoma County varietal wines.  Meet & greet wine reception on Friday night and five-course paired dinner on Saturday night.

Orvis Week:  June 23-28

This week spend several days with HMR’s FFF certified Fly Fishing Director and his team as they provide a series of clinics and classes starting with Introduction to Fly Fishing, and progressing to the Trout Pond for levels 1-3 and ultimately out into select White Mountain fisheries to test your skills.  You’ll receive a certificate that shows that you’ve mastered each level.  Casting lessons, fly fishing instruction, and fly tying will open up centuries-old traditions that can lead to experiences anywhere in the world!  Arrive on Sunday 6/23 or Wednesday 6/26 for three nights minimum on the Rancher’s Package to enjoy this experience, and we’ll add on the full day off-site fishing adventure for only $150.00 per person (about half the usual price).  With the six-night package starting on Sunday 6/23, you get two full days of off-site guided fly fishing, the second day on one of our beautiful alpine lakes using float tubes.

Lake in the Pines Dinner: Saturday, June 29

Enjoy a leisurely late-afternoon horseback ride through the national forest to an amazing lakeside location for a dinner cookout with the Chef.  It’s a truly unique experience, complete with lanterns in the trees, several delicious courses, tables set lakeside, and, of course, a few bottles of wine.  Don’t worry, we’ll drive you and the horses back to the comfort of the Ranch at the end of this very special evening.

July

4^th of July: July 2-7

Come join us for red, white, and blue.  We will have our own parade on July 4th starring our miniature donkeys Thistle and Iris, our horses all dressed up and you!  BBQ lunch at the pond is a highlight with a myriad of activities, including canoe races, horseshoes, archery and a fishing derby.  And have you ever watched fireworks from the top of a mountain?  Well, join us as we make our annual trek up the hill to watch the show, complete with blankets, brandy and hot chocolate!

HMR Turtle Races: July 13

A new, sure-to-be family favorite at the Ranch.  On Saturday, July 13, bring your turtle or use one of ours.  Kids and adults can get into the action, or lack thereof, when we put all the turtles in a circle and they race to the center.  See whose turtle moves slowest or maybe you have one that recently came out of its shell.  HMR will provide an assortment of turtle treats for after the race. Meet HMR's turtle friend, Speedy, who will give all of the turtles a run for the prizes and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition!

Turnbull Wine Cellars Winemaker Weekend:  July 19-20

Known for 100% Estate grown single-vineyard designate Cabernets, Turnbull Wine Cellars is located in the heart of the famed Napa Valley AVA of Oakville, California.  In the past several years, Wine Spectator has rated many of these wines from 91-94 points! Meet & greet wine reception on Friday night and five-course paired dinner on Saturday night.

HMR Championship Canoe Meet: July 27

HMR is proud to host its inaugural Championship Canoe Meet for kids and adults alike.  Teams will have the chance to compete in three fun races Saturday, July 27, on our Trout Pond.  Get ready to get wet!  Races will include the speed race straight across the pond; the kid and parent relay race; and our favorite – the “In and Out” race where, yes, you and your partner have to jump out of your canoe and climb back in when the whistle blows during the race.  This one promises to make you double over with laughter!  Form your team today and join us for what is sure to be a new tradition every summer at Hidden Meadow Ranch.

August

Cook-ucation Month

Educate yourself while on vacation by brushing up on your culinary skills or, if you don’t cook, start from scratch!  Our Chef Kurt is willing to take on the best or least cook.  Book three nights and enjoy a private cooking lesson in the kitchen with the Chef.  Choose your favorite dish from our amazing menu and he will teach you how to make it from start to finish, including a wine pairing.  Chef will also hold cooking demo classes regularly throughout the month in the dining room and will hand out some of his very favorite recipes!

Guest Chef Dinner:  August 3

Cowboy Ciao-Down: August 3

Cowboy Ciao gets out of the heat and visits the pines! Join Hidden Meadow Ranch and Cowboy Ciao Restaurant for a weekend of great food and wine. Friday night enjoy a meet and greet reception on the deck with a wine tasting and get introduced to HMR's Chef Ben and Cowboy Ciao's Chef Lester. Saturday night there will be a reception at 6pm followed by dinner at 6:30pm. Five courses cooked by HMR’s and Cowboy Ciaos’s culinary teams, paired with two wines per course. It’s a food and wine friendly cowboy competition! You be the judge and determine a winner!

Long Table Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Lee Hillson:  August 10

Luxury travels nicely.  Join us for the best of the renowned Phoenician Resort at Hidden Meadow Ranch when Lee Hillson, Executive Sous Chef at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, will work side-by-side with Hidden Meadow Ranch’s own Chef Ben Mulé. Guests will dine alfresco at a table alongside the Meadow Pond and can expect a scrumptious and entertaining evening. Starting at 6pm on Saturday, August 10, Chef Hillson will prepare three courses of his elegant and rustic interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Hillson has appeared on Iron Chef America and for twelve years was Executive Chef at T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale.

Huneeus Vintners Winemaker Weekend:  August 16-17

Agustin and wife Valeria founded the Quintessa estate in the renowned Rutherford District of Napa Valley in 1990 and, after years of running global wine companies, established a family portfolio of wines that represent the finest vineyard estates, appellations and wines in both North and South America. In addition to the Quintessa estate, Augustin's current vineyard and winery projects include Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Illumination Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Chile’s Veramonte and Neyen wineries, Washington’s Longshadows Vintners, FlowersVineyards & Winery, and Orin Swift Cellars’ The Prisoner.  Meet & greet wine reception on Friday night and five-course paired dinner on Saturday night.

Cowboy College in the Pines:  August 18 – 22

Hey, Cowboys!  Located in Scottsdale, world-famous Cowboy College usually takes a summer break due to the hot desert temperatures but, this year, Arizona Cowboy College will hold its first-ever “summer school” at HMR Sunday, August 18 – Thursday, August 22.  Cowboy College, publicized the world over for its real-life training to be a modern day cowboy, will teach rider and equine safety, grooming, roping, team penning, and much, much more in the cool mountain climate of the White Mountains. Students at Cowboy College in the Pines will be lodged in HMR's private log cabins, double occupancy.  Meals will be ordered off the amazing Ranch House menu, featuring such delicacies as elk tenderloin and venison.  A soak under the starlit mountain skies in the hot tub with warm towels provided will take the aches out after a long day in the saddle. 

Labor Day Weekend:  August 30-September 2 

Our annual anniversary celebration is the biggest event of the year!  It’s a barn dance and carnival with games, prizes and snow cones along with great BBQ food and fun. 

September

Labor Day Weekend:  August 30-September 2 

Our annual anniversary celebration is the biggest event of the year!  It’s a barn dance and carnival with games, prizes and snow cones along with great BBQ food and fun. 

Hike the Hidden Meadows Weekend:  September 13-15

We’ll provide you with trail maps and even do some geocaching.  Your backpacks will include some gourmet lunch goodies to enjoy along the trail.  There are places that will even be showing some early fall color – we’ll show you the way! 

Fall Foliage Photo Package: September 15 - October 15

Bring your camera during the most colorful time of year in the White Mountains and receive a scrapbook, compliments of Hidden Meadow Ranch, to fill with amazing photographs.  Our wranglers will even help you make a wonderful hand-crafted wood picture frame for your favorite photo.  The aspen trees are calling your name – hear them whisper? 

Chateau St. Michelle Winery Winemaker Weekend:  September 20-21

Tradition, innovation, and the highest winemaking standards form the essence of Chateau St. Michelle.  Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery will offer some of their best wines to be paired up with our culinary team’s most delicious dishes.  Meet & greet wine reception on Friday night and five-course paired dinner on Saturday night.

Cycle the Meadow Weekend:  September 27-29

Bring your mountain bike or use one of ours, and we’ll take you on some amazing trails.  You can do long or short; we’ll even drive you uphill and let you cycle back.  Mainly you’ll enjoy the beautiful fall color as you tour through the pines and golden aspen trees with great lunch stops along the way. 

October

Fall Foliage Photo Package: September 15 - October 15

Bring your camera during the most colorful time of year in the White Mountains and receive a scrapbook, compliments of Hidden Meadow Ranch, to fill with amazing photographs.  Our wranglers will even help you make a wonderful hand-crafted wood picture frame for your favorite photo.  The aspen trees are calling your name – hear them whisper? 

Chef’s Selection Winemaker Weekend: October 18-19

Chef Kurt Jacobsen will hand-select his favorite wines and pair them with his favorite dishes.  It’s a weekend of favorites! Meet & greet wine reception on Friday night and five-course paired dinner on Saturday night.

Javelina’s Leap Winery Winemaker Weekend: October 25-26

A resident of Arizona for over 34 years, Rod Snapp is Javelina Leap's founder, owner and Director of Winemaking. Rod is an entrepreneur whose roots go deep in the community. His experience and passion for the culinary arts go hand in hand with wine, and his passion evolved into a dream of owning his own winery. Eventually this dream led Rod to a six-year enology & viticulture apprenticeship and the purchase of 10 acres of sloping volcanic hillsides. Dreams do come true! 2012 marked Rod's 13th year as a Northern Arizona Winemaker. Meet & greet wine reception on Friday night and five-course paired dinner on Saturday night.

November

Thanksgiving:  November 25-30

What a great setting in which to give thanks.   Enjoy, relax with your family and let your Hidden Meadow Ranch family take care of all the details.  Crackling fires and Chef’s amazing holiday feast are on the menu – and don’t forget “Leftovers in the Loft” for that homey feel! 

December

Christmas: December 23-26

Will it be a winter wonderland?  We hope so.  Regardless, Christmas trees, wreaths, thousands of white twinkle lights and even decorations in your cabin will make you feel home for the holidays.  The Ranch House transforms into the most magical room you’ve ever seen with a 20-foot Christmas tree and our Christmas Eve tradition of the staff’s performance of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Santa even brings presents for all of the good little boys and girls!  With crackling fires, hot toddies, and warm beds, HMR is a very special place to be for Christmas, so join our family for a family holiday to remember.

New Year’s Eve Celebration:  December 30-31

On this night Chef really pulls out all the stops!  It is gourmet food and wine with live entertainment complete with party favors and a champagne toast…and no drive home after the festivities!