Once upon a time there lived a boy mom outnumbered by three sons and her dear
husband. Instead of a beach getaway, the family took a trip to a secluded spot in
northern New Mexico: The Costilla Lodge located at Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve
flaunting over 550,000 stunning acres of picturesque land.
The family spent four days doing all things boy- a guy’s getaway with a gal in tow. And
boy, was it amazing.
Here’s what they did, and why you should add this crown jewel to your bucket list.
Background
In the eyes of a child, there are not seven wonders of the world. To a child, there are
seven million.
When you travel with kids, you are giving them things that can never be taken away;
experience, exposure, and a way of life. It’s a lesson to instill, that not all classrooms
have four walls.
And so begins the story of experiencing Costilla Lodge, a private 12,000 square foot
logged humble abode located far from the main lodge at 10,000 feet elevation. The
atmosphere is warm, wonderful, and grandiose with a fireplace taking centerstage in the
main room. Dressed in luxe ranch-like décor, there’s a bar, full kitchen (with a personal
chef), plenty of private rooms, and a vast patio overlooking pristine terrain where you’ll
likely spot elk. There’s a TV, but you won’t turn it on. Instead, you’ll opt for game night
or the sound of silence.
It’s a little boy’s paradise, and admittedly paradise for adult “kids” as well. You’ll feel far-
removed and safe from the world- it’s your house for a moment in time and the staff will
fast become friends. After waking to fresh-cooked breakfast – incredible culinary
ensembles made with immense TLC – you’ll start your day. The activities will wow you.
Depending on weather and season, opt for a snow-shoe hunt for antlers. “Shed Hunting
Season” is the ultimate scavenger hunt, and if you’re surrounded by boys, it becomes
quite the competition. There are few things as thrilling as finding a freshly shed antler
from the male elk on property and searching for sheds through snow is invigorating.
Here’s a fascinating fact: some antlers can grow up to one inch per day and they drop
annually (this process does not hurt the buck). But if you find one, it’ll look great on your
mantle, and guests may keep up to four antler sheds found during their visit.
Next, get the guys out for bow hunting.
Steps from your home at Costilla Lodge are an assortment of lifelike targets- elk, bear,
fox, and sheep. The boys can show mama they can morph into archers… but mama
might impress them with her skills as well.
Vermejo activities are built for adventurous nature lovers; the Costilla backyard will
become your playground. Plus, you’ll get overly accommodating, knowledgeable guides
that’ll walk you through every activity, like handling the bow and aiming. In turn, your
male posse will learn persistence and the satisfying fulfillment and feeling of a perfect
shot.
Notably one of the coolest property expeditions will be ice fishing at the Costilla
Reservoir.
Upon arriving at the reservoir, you’ll aim to catch Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, once
nearing extinction before the conservationists at Vermejo stepped in. In fact, Vermejo
partnered with the state of New Mexico to bring back the species- an extremely
successful initiative.
Guides will pitch an ice fishing tent in the middle of the frozen reservoir – surreal and
insanely awesome. After setting up and drilling holes, you’ll park with patience swirling
your rod. With some skill and a ton of luck, you’ll score some fresh catch, and the
feeling of reeling in trout is indescribable. Vermejo is the largest Rio Grande Cutthroat
Trout fishery in the world and standing on frozen water is a rush.
You can also fill your time with horseback riding and shooting- give your guys a lesson
in safe gun-use and watch them go for the targets. Or, you can fill your time doing
nothing at all, like sitting peacefully spotting wildlife.
To conclude the story of Costilla Lodge: the most important mark us boy moms will
leave on this world are our sons.
That is why, as moms, we hope our sons are good to this world.
And thanks to Vermejo, boys have a place to be wild and free among the wild and free.
Give me a little log cabin, and I’ll be happy.
Give me a private log lodge solely for me and my boys, and I’ll be happily ever after.