Stay at the Luxurious Hidden Meadow Ranch in Greer, Arizona

by Leigh Cort

If the ultimate luxurious mountain lodge is something you've only dreamed about, Hidden Meadow Ranch in Greer, AZ (settled by Mormons in 1879) must go to the top of your list. It's worth the journey to an elite locale like this. High into the Apache National Forest, the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine surrounds numerous small towns nestled in the highland valleys while Elk Crossing signs kept me company on the drive. Descendants of Hispanic settlers, European pioneers and the Apaches joined together in a rare experience, where a simpler less hectic America now embraces four breathtaking seasons: cool summers with wildflower meadows, autumns framed by the glow of golden aspen trees, snowy sunshine-filled winters and springs full of budding trees.

Strawberry Cactus Cabin

My warm welcome to the ranch was Alan on horseback, guiding me to a luxurious log cabin/lodge that was custom designed for discriminating guests…a distinctive retreat including gourmet dining for a select few, personal horsemanship instruction, fly fishing on a spring fed trout pond, tranquil canoe rides, Apache-guided nature hikes and beckoning hammocks.

Strawberry Cactus, one of 12 cabins, was spacious... 2-bedrooms, stone fireplace, premier rustic furnishings, fine linens and authentic western artifacts. The old-fashioned porches had limitless views of pine forests and meadows, welcoming throughout the day. As the sun tiptoed through my lodge windows each morning, I awoke to a crackling fire and the cool mountain air.

Hidden Meadow has created a luxury lodging experience that perfectly complements the stunning seclusion with fabulous service! They anticipate every need, from towels at my cabin door to wipe off boots, unobtrusive turndown service and neatly stacked firewood. I treasured nightly hand written notes on my pillow and the subdued lighting.

Planning for this vacation means packing light; recommended attire is blissfully casual. Even if you've forgotten your boots, they offer a vast collection for you to borrow for horseback and hiking! The Mercantile cabin is more than a sundry shop: hats, boots, country clothing - blending an old-fashioned general store feeling with comforts of the 21st century.

In an era of generational vacationing, Hidden Meadow Ranch is a great destination for sharing; Parents, grandparents or couples in love cherish the pleasures of each other's company whether fly-fishing, currying horses, making a leather belt or dreaming by the campfire. Don't even think about TV as you open your daily list of things to do that arrives on your doorstep before breakfast.

With pride in its rustic heritage and wilderness location, Hidden Meadow's sophisticated dining includes meals graciously served in the Ranch House, a cavernous thick-beamed lodge with wildlife trophies and plush leather sofas for relaxing by the huge stone fireplace. The heartiest appetites (or most selective) can indulge in Chef Robert Murphy's Mountain Cuisine for breakfast, lunch and romantic candlelit dinner. He knows how to wow his guests with regional creative cooking. "Cooking for my guests is a personal experience for me and only the best matters". The first evening we dined on Elk, tender and flawlessly presented with roasted fingerling potatoes and Vidalia onion. We shared Cornmeal Crusted Golden Trout, dressed with crispy threads of magenta spinach, followed by a warm, dark chocolate soufflé and Port.

A few favorite dishes were Pan-seared Lump Crab Cake with Avocado Corn Salad, Roasted Poblano & Tomatillo Soup - with lime crème fraiche & manchego cheese and Chili-Rubbed Pork loin Sandwich with cinnamon spiced apple and melted brie.

Roughing it in style means taking care of little wranglers too. The 5:30 seating is for small children and activities to keep them busy throughout Mom & Dad's quiet dinner. Menus change seasonally with Southwest specialties prepared daily; from weekend campfires to their famous 'S'mores and Snifters' - yummy for the kids and 'warming' for the adults!

Horseback Riding

If you're fond of riding the best horses either for novice or expert rider, you're in for a treat. We spent an unforgettable morning with Erin, whose professional horseback introduction to the Apache National Forest was a highlight! She discussed aspen groves, elk signs, the remnants of bear claws on Arizona White & Ponderosa Pine. Canero Lake was worthy of the 3-hour ride on 'Freckles' and 'Cowboy'. Surefooted enough so that we didn't have a care in the world, our mounts took us through steep rocks and forests.

As a midday storm approached, risky for two city slickers, Erin's guidance and horses from their stable of Appaloosas, Quarter and Arabians, made us feel that we were in capable hands. Guests choose from blazing untamed mountain trails, riding The Knoll and Strawberry Canyon or simply riding through the meadows looking for bald eagles, coyotes, elk.

As I bid Hidden Meadow Ranch goodbye, I knew I would always recall a feeling of forever....the grand mountains and spirit of adventure that made the pioneers our heroes. Settling back into the plane trip home, the quietude was comforting and all I needed to remember was how it captured a part of my spirit and passion for America like no other love before it.

Crab Cake with Avocado Corn Salsa
1 lb. Cleaned fresh Blue Crab Meat
2 T. Celery, minced
1 Shallot, minced
1 Lemon, zest
½ Lemon, juice
½ t. salt
4 T. olive oil
4 C. Panko breadcrumbs
(reserve 1 C.)
4 ½ T. Mayonnaise

Gently mix all ingredients (except 1 C. breadcrumbs). Mix into 8 small round portions and roll in breadcrumbs. Heat a Teflon pan over medium heat for 1 minute, add olive oil and crab cake. Sear for 1 ½ minutes and turn over, cook for 2 minutes until nicely browned. Serve on top of avocado corn salsa.

Avocado Corn Salsa
1 Ripe Avocado, peeled, pitted and diced medium
1 Ear of Fresh Corn, roasted (remove kernels)
½ Shallot, minced
1 Lime, juiced
¼ Red Bell Pepper, small diced
1 T. Cilantro, chopped
1 Garlic Clove, minced
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients well. Make into a 'round' on the plate and place crab cake on top. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves.