Last issue, I told you about our stay near the Christmas Mountains in Texas. From there, Kathy and I traveled on to Diamond Arrow Ranch in Deming, New Mexico. This time, we spent more time in the saddle than our previous visits. It’s one of those places where you feel at home the minute you drive in.

Diamond Arrow Ranch is located 15 miles east of Deming, off Interstate 10. From the west, take the last Deming exit to NM549, and go east to mile marker 13, turn right (south) and go 2.6 miles to 5590 Franklin Rd. From the east, take Exit 102 (Akela) and cross over to the south service road, NM549. Go to the 13 mile marker, and turn left onto Franklin Rd.

This ranch is mostly self-service, so make yourself at home. It’s a very good layover location and has direct access to hundreds of thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management land with excellent high desert riding. There are 10 outdoor stalls, RV/trailer hookups, and parking. And they’re open all winter.

The ranch used to be owned by The Trail Rider’s veterinary columnist Barney Fleming, DVM, and his wife, Linda, who’ve since moved to South Dakota full-time. The ranch is now owned by Greg and Sandy Scarpella (505/546-1115 or 480/332-8265; gregsan dy03@hotmail.com). Barney and Linda always welcomed us warmly, and I’m sure the Scarpellas will do the same for you.

Kathy Rumsmoke and Margaret Colvin, aboard their horses, Kit and Indio, enjoy the wildflowers while riding near Diamond Arrow Ranch in Deming, New Mexico.

Desert Wildflowers
Our first morning ride took us on a westerly course from the ranch area. Linda had used the trail for long-distance rides, and it’s easy to follow. You can see for more miles in one direction than you can ride in a day, and I like to ride wherever the lay of the land takes me.

We rode about three miles, then turned toward the Florida Mountains. As we neared the foothill area, the trail started getting rockier We had no choice but to stay with it, as it was the clearest path. Fortunately, the wildflowers took our mind off of the rocks.

The trail took us around the base of the hill, and soon we were in a place where we’d ridden during an earlier trip. Being on familiar ground, we knew how to exit the rocky area and were soon back on sandy soil.

Later, back at camp, we visited with Barney and Linda. They told us the story of their new barn — what a nice building. They also mentioned that they expected another camper that day. It turned out to be someone we’d just seen at Katie Porter’s ranch the previous week — Margaret Colvin and her Paint Horse, Indio. 

Marge hails from San Benito, Texas, and is a bird watcher. When she arrived, we helped her set up her rig and get settled. We made plans to ride the next morning in back of the ranch.

The next morning as we saddled up, we told Marge about the rides we’d taken at the ranch over the past few years, and how lucky we were to see the wildflowers in bloom this time. 

Leaving the ranch on the familiar trail, we were surrounded by the smells of the dry land and the crisp views of the distant hills in all directions. Our search for wildflowers wasn’t in vain. Huge areas of blue and yellow contrasted nicely from the dry, sandy land. I thought how lucky we were to see and feel the land from the back of a good horse.  

Hiking the Trails 
The next day, Kathy and I went into town and Marge took in Rock Hound State Park (505/546-6182; jajimenez@statenmus). Lots of folks visit the park just to find treasures. The rocks and minerals are just too many to mention.

Marge made the park sound so great that Kathy and I visited it the next day. We took a nature hike into the backcountry. It sure felt funny walking around all that great horse country.

Soon, Marge was on her way to her next spot, and Kathy and I planned our trip into the Gila Wilderness Area. If I’d only known what was in store for me, I’m sure I wouldn’t have moved one inch in that direction.

Till next issue, keep your cinch tight, and carry a good camera.