Prepare For your stay
The Marshall House Program
We are delighted that you are planning a visit to the Fort Union Ranch. Ranch stays are a wonderful way for family members and friends to experience the Fort Union Ranch and to build personal connections with the long history of this extraordinary property. Visitors take care of themselves and are responsible for meals and general care of the house. Wranglers will be your ranch liaisons and look forward to guiding you on horseback rides Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Below you should find answers to most of your immediate questions, but should you require any further assistance, please contact Kezia Toth at 646-361-4579 or at kezia@fortunionranch.com
Getting Here
The Fort Union Ranch, which surrounds the Fort Union National Monument, is on Interstate 25 in northeastern New Mexico, about 300 miles south of Denver, Colorado, and 150 miles northeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Las Vegas, New Mexico, is about 30 miles from the Marshall House and is the closest community with groceries, gasoline, hospital, and other services. Santa Fe is 60 miles west of Las Vegas. Taos is 80 miles northwest of the ranch. Folders on the bookshelves contain more information.
Directions to the Marshall House
Take exit 366 off of I-25. If coming from the south, take a left off the exit. From the north, take a right off the exit. Continue on state highway 161 for 6 miles until you see a sign on the right for “The Fort Union Ranch, Marshall House and Marshall House Pens”. Take a left at the sign, going over the cattle guard and stay straight on the dirt road for 3.5 miles until you dead end into the Marshall house driveway. Please drive slowly and with care on the ranch roads. They can be rough depending on weather and road conditions.
Arrival
If you arrive close to 5:00 pm, wranglers will be there to meet you. If you arrive after dark, a porch light will be left on and you will be greeted by our wranglers on Sunday morning for corral orientation at 7:30 am.
Weather & What to Bring
The days are usually warm, the evenings cool. The elevation is 6,800 feet at the Marshall House and 8,500 feet at the top of the Turkey Mountains. The sun can be severe; it is advisable to use sunscreen, to wear a hat and to pack a water bottle and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Ideal riding wear includes a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and smooth soled boots with a heel. The ranch also has many riding boots to choose from, once you get here. Helmets are provided and are mandatory for all riders.
Amenities
Ranch Truck
Ranch Truck
Pond
Riding Boots & Helmets
Washer & Dryer
Outdoor Propane Grill & Eating Area
Starlink WiFi
Fireplace
Arrival, Departure & Horseback Riding Schedule
Sat
Arrival
Anytime After 5pm
Sun
Corral Orientation
7:30am
Mon
Trail Ride
7:30am
Tues
Trail Ride
7:30 am
*Wranglers 1/2 Day
Wed
No Ride
Wranglers Day Off
Thurs
Trail Ride
7:30am
Fri
Trail Ride
7:30am
Sat
Departure
Anytime Before 10am
Merchandise & Meat
Meat
Ranch Truck
You can purchase Fort Union Ranch meat and pork at the ranch. Please contact Kezia Toth for a price list and cut list in advance of your visit. Bulk beef orders can also be arranged for pickup. Please contact Kezia for those inquiries. Bulk orders must be coordinated by spring for mid summer availability.
Merchandise
A changing selection of ranch merchandise; usually hats and shirts , can also be purchased on the ranch. If you do not have a visit planned, please reach out to Kezia to get a price list. We accept cash and check. All items for purchase can be found in the Marshall House studio where you will find a form to be filled out and a place to leave payment.
Departure
Please be sure to depart no later than 10:00 am as we have only a few hours to get ready for the next family! Don’t worry about making beds but do please gather laundry and leave the house as you found it! Trash cans are located in the carport and all trash bags can be put in the cans.