Saddle up for Grand Canyon adventure

Apr 5 2009 by Gordon Barr, Sunday Sun

CALLING the Apache the People of the Woods might sound out of kilter with their bloodthirsty warrior image.

The tribe fought fiercely to retain their hunting grounds, crushing the bones of their captives for amusement.

However, centuries later, there is a stillness and serenity that pervades, and this feeling of escapism draws travellers from across the globe to the Grapevine Canyon Working Ranch in Arizona.

Unspoilt and isolated at 85 miles from Tucson, the setting conjures up images of warriors at battle. Legendary Apache chieftains, including Cochise and Geronimo, once inhabited the surrounding valley and the slopes of the Chiricahua Mountains. Centuries before they arrived, primitive settlers from the Dragoons culture laid claim to the land.

Offering more than a simple riding holiday, a rich tapestry of Native American history is contained within the area, including remnants of at least two primitive Indian villages only a mile away from the ranch.

If you stand still and close your eyes, you can almost hear the subdued shuffle of the Indian ponies’ hooves as they trail over Grapevine Pass to their camp, deep in the rugged mountains.

The well-trodden trails lead travellers upwards for tremendous views of the Colorado River Valley. Three seasonal waterfalls line the same path and a gigantic patch of wild grapevines run for over 100ft, stretching from canyon wall to canyon wall.

Blending seamlessly into the wilderness, the Grapevine Canyon Ranch has an ethos that stays true to the romance and intimacy of its surroundings.

The owners only accept children aged over 12 years and they limit guest numbers to 30. Both are appealing factors, which add a retreat-like quality to the stay.

For some, the idea of recharging their batteries might mean lying horizontal on a secluded island, but wilderness ranching offers a different kind of R&R that leaves you feeling invigorated and refreshed.

Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished rider, there’s also a sense of being challenged, the rocky ground testing your mettle at every turn.