“I was part of a bicycling group that stayed here and it was the highlight of accommodations for our entire 2 month trip. Catherine was so warm and welcoming and the meal that Wendy made was incredible. All 11 of us had comfortable beds/rooms and it was just enjoyable hanging out in the common areas, chatting with all there. Will make this a destination anytime I'm in NM.”
— Glen Graham
“I stayed here with my sister as one stop on our cross-country bicycle ride. The lodge was very inviting, with the wood stove by the door and the historic feel of the house. The room we stayed in was clean and very comfortable right down to the heated floors in the bathroom. The hosts were also very gracious, and the bread in the morning was to die for! I would highly recommend this spot to anyone.”
— Andy Cleary
“Spent a night at the Black Range Lodge on a touring trip across NM. Was very pleasantly surprised by the quiet beauty of the area, the comfortable and down to earth atmosphere of the lodge, and it's very friendly owner and staff. I struck up fun and entertaining conversations with others who live in the valley, as well as with the other guests at the inn. I had the best night sleep I've had in many months. It's just that peaceful and relaxing. Very highly recommended.”
— Len R
“I have stayed at the Black Range Lodge over ten times the last four years and I have thoroughly enjoyed every visit. I often just want a chance to get away and relax, though that is often a challenge because there are always a number of fascinating guests who tempt me to talk. And then there is Catherine Wanek herself, owner and head wrangler of the lodge and an old friend. Whether it is conversations about her latest book on alternative housing or a recent film shoot(2 years ago I was there during the shoot of "Becoming Eduardo" and found out the lovely Latina that looked so familiar at breakfast was an actress I've seen in over a dozen films.
The area is just visually striking,with the rock face of the canyon and Percha creek as you drive in from the east, or the view from Emory peak(a 20 minute drive up from the lodge with a wonderful hiking trail) where you can see down into the Rio Grande river valley for 70 some miles. The history is fascinating(ask about Mark Twain's visit or the "Poet Scout" which Mark, the owner and resident of the original bank building a couple doors down will be glad to tell you about as he shows off an old working printing press. ) and it is hard to imagine the over 8,000 miners, ladies of "ill repute" led by the Madam who was a civic leader who provided for orphans and once rode naked through the in a town that now boasts 20 some residents.
I love the rustic comfort of the lodge rooms(each room has its own charm and "personality) and sometimes luxuriate by staying in the beautiful guest house up the hill.(strawbale construction with stunning light in the early morning).
The easy-going, healthy and delicious breakfasts provided by Tom with plenty of jokes and sharing with other guests is a great way to start the day.
I try to stop down every 3-4 four months. Often there is a musician or two, or an artist, or some guest with a passion for history to share the stay with. I highly recommend The Black Range Lodge and will be returning again in March.It is an experience of warmth, beauty and discovery that keeps drawing me back, with much in the area still to explore. Tom Heady Albuquerque, NM”
— Thomas Heady
“I have to say that my two-night stay at the Black Range Lodge was one of the most restful and rewarding stays I have ever had while on vacation. We were very warmly greeted by Katherine at check-in, and made to feel like part of the family. Breakfast included everything but the kitchen sink (all homemade) and everyone made the stay a truly memorable, one-of-a-kind experience. Many, many thanks!!”
— Kelly Flanders
“Every time we come here I feel we have stepped back into the days of leisurely auto tours, exploration mixed with relaxation, and a sense of belonging even though we are visitors.
The building was originally constructed in the late 1800's, and has served as a casino and saloon -- among other things -- for the previously booming mine town. Now the rooms have modern conveniences (Indoor plumbing! Hot running water! Wifi!) but are furnished in a style reminiscent of the 1940's tourist lodges.
The hosts cook with foods from their own garden, and with eggs from their free-range chickens. The breakfast food is savory and plentiful, and there is refrigerator space for guests to have their own items for lunch and dinner, if they do not wish to sally forth for meals in the local restaurants. Catherine was graciously accommodating to my husband's special diet needs.
While we were there we watched a surprise visit from a pair of javelinas that came to eat the fallen mulberries.
If you tire of wandering the grounds, there is a hiking trail to lead you into the hills.
We look forward to returning when the planned hot tub is established.”
— Linda Buchser
“We have been holding an annual retreat at the lodge for over 20 years. We have seen the Lodge evolve and grow. It now has a separate meeting room, has added a hot tub, but still has the same charm and environmentally friendly attitutde that brought us here in the early 1990's. It is a place we get to go, escape the routinue in El Paso and share and learn together. Thanks Catherine!”
— Robbie Paul
“We had a thoroughly wonderful time during our first visit to the Black Range Lodge. The lodge's owner, Catherine Wanek, and her staff - Tom, Bonnie, and director of spa services Gary - were terrific in every way. If you value a real experience - the patina of age; somewhat rustic surroundings; proximity to the beautiful countryside of the Black Range, the Gila, and many more interesting places; and good conversation with people who are interesting and interested - then this is the place for you. We hiked and looked for minerals in the old mine areas during the day, aided by Catherine and Tom, who went out of their way to provide information about the geology and mineralogy of the area. In the late afternoon, we rested, had terrific massages provided by Gary, a talented massage therapist who has the ability to find problem areas quickly and works hard to address them with a variety of massage thechniques, and in the evening, gazed at starry skies (that city dwellers forget exist) from a grand outdoor hot tub. Later one night, as we sat on our balcony, we were treated to a visit by a Javelina, who was busy checking out the beautiful grounds of the lodge. We were gently awakened by the morning sun in our light-filled room, and by Elvis, the proudest rooster in the world (he had just fathered a brood of chicks). It is difficult to convey the timeless, centering quality of this place: the lodge's denizens - including great dogs Charlie and Buddy - and the other flora and fauna; the surroundings - inside and outside - that are a feast for the senses; the all-too-rare experience of a lack of artifice in people and place......so give yourself the gift of a stay at the Black Range Lodge. We intend to do so often.”
— jana cooke
“Great place for kids! They enjoyed feeding the chickens and jumping on the trampoline…Oh! and PacMan, of course.”
— Pat S
“Good works, good people, good time. It’s all good.”
— Glen B
“…This was the perfect space for our retreat. We leave feeling inspired, rested, and motivated to change the world! With gratitude, Sara, Las Cruces, NM”
— Sara L
“It was but one night for us at the Black Range Lodge, yet it will be remembered as the “summit” of our 11-day wanderlust in the Southwest…. Dave and Judy, Spring Green, Wisconsin”
— Dave & Judy S
“Thanks for a great stay. We witnessed the best dark sky ever! After watching the crescent moon setting with Venus overhead, the stars came out in all their glory! Hope to make a trip back for a meteor shower! Sharon, Lubbock, TX.”
— Sharon L
