Escape to The Painted Pony Resort, a 750-acre high desert estate in southwest New Mexico. Enjoy luxurious accommodations with spacious bedrooms, two fully equipped kitchens, and private hot tubs. Explore the beautiful night sky with basic telescopes or relax by the outdoor fire pit.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
10 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 307000 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Add dates for prices
About this property
Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations
Welcome to Painted Pony Resort—your exclusive, private retreat in the heart of New Mexico’s breathtaking high desert.
Set on a 750-acre estate in the scenic boot heel of Hidalgo County, just outside Rodeo, the Painted Pony Resort offers a rare blend of luxury, adventure, and tranquility. Surrounded by panoramic views of the Chiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains, and bordered by state and federal lands, this unique property provides open space, quiet solitude, and some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the country—perfect for stargazing or simply unwinding in nature.
Exclusivity and Comfort At Painted Pony Resort, you and your guests have the entire estate to yourselves—no shared spaces, no interruptions. The property features 10 spacious bedrooms, 18 beds, and 6.5 bathrooms across three beautifully appointed buildings, accommodating up to 30 guests. Whether you’re gathering for celebration or relaxation, there’s space for everyone to unwind and connect.
Transparent and Flexible Rate Structure The base rate covers up to 16 guests, including children, with full access to the Main House, Guest House, and Bungalow.
Additional guests (up to 24 total) are just $25 per person, per night.
For groups larger than 24, you may add up to 6 children under 12 at no extra charge, for a maximum of 30 guests—perfect for large family reunions.
RV pads are available for $50 per night each, and the airplane hangar can be rented for $150 per night for events or meetings. Pet fee: $100.
Ask about our generous weekly and deep monthly discounts—making long-term stays more affordable and inviting for extended retreats, workshops, or group adventures.
Exceptional Amenities Heated 20’x40’ swimming pool and two hot tubs, open year-round Expansive courtyard with cabana and outdoor fireplace Game room with billiards, ping pong, and foosball Basketball hoop, outdoor fire pit, and two BBQ grills (including a restaurant-quality 8-burner grill) Fully equipped kitchens, commercial ice machine, and laundry facilities High-speed 300 Mbps internet throughout the property Four 4K TVs with soundbars and Blu-ray players for movie nights Six full-service RV pads and an optional airplane hangar for events One-level, wheelchair-accessible buildings with grab bars in main bathrooms
Nature and Adventure Wake to the call of desert birds, hike or bike the open spaces (please bring your own biking equipment), and marvel at the clearest night skies you’ve ever seen—astronomers and stargazers will be in paradise here. Two basic telescopes are provided for your celestial explorations. Explore world-class hiking in Cave Creek Canyon, birdwatching in Portal, and the historic wonders of Bisbee, Tombstone, and the Chiricahua National Monument—all just a short drive away.
A Hub for Groups and Events Painted Pony Resort is a favorite destination for birder groups, astronomer groups, art groups, biking groups, and more—many of whom stay for weeks or even months. Some events are hosted by vendors who rent the property, re-rent rooms, and provide full services for their guests. If you’re a vendor specializing in travel adventures and want to offer your audience an exceptional experience, this is an opportunity worth investigating. One such group, The Cycling House from Montana, regularly hosts cycling camps and adventure retreats here, showcasing the resort’s versatility and appeal.
Local Dining and Attractions Sky Island Grill & Grocery: Just five miles from the resort, this local favorite has earned wonderful reviews for its delicious food, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere. The menu is diverse—burgers, pizza, gyros, salads, and daily specials—alongside a well-stocked grocery selection. Guests rave about the green chile cheeseburgers, sweet potato fries, and fresh vegetables, as well as the accommodating staff and bright, open dining space. Sky Island provides catering, meal delivery, and even in-house chef services for Painted Pony Resort guests. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and their takeout makes meal planning easy.
Portal Cafe: About 15 minutes away, Portal Cafe is another gem with glowing reviews for its fresh, flavorful food, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere. The menu features everything from burgers and sandwiches to trout, burritos, and gluten-free options. Guests love the excellent service, great beer selection, and the chance to enjoy a meal on the patio with mountain views. For a remote area, Portal Cafe consistently impresses with quality and hospitality.
Chiricahua Desert Museum: Just minutes from Painted Pony Resort, this unique museum features over 50 species of local reptiles, the world’s largest snake bite kit collection, an art gallery, botanical gardens, and exhibits on Chiricahua Apache history. It’s a must-visit for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the wonders of the desert.
We may be remote, but you are never isolated from great food and drink—our local restaurants are beloved by guests and locals alike, ensuring your stay is as delicious as it is memorable.
Fully Stocked Kitchens for Self-Catering For guests who prefer to prepare their own meals—especially families or groups on a budget—Painted Pony Resort offers fully equipped kitchens in both the Main House and Guest House, plus extra refrigeration and freezer space in the garage. You’ll find everything you need to cook and serve meals for a crowd, from cookware and utensils to a commercial ice machine and two BBQ grills, including a restaurant-quality 8-burner grill. Just bring your own ingredients: we recommend stocking up at Walmart or Safeway on your way to the resort, or making a supply run to the large Walmart in Douglas, AZ, about 50 miles away. This flexibility makes it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals and stretch your budget during your stay.
Personalized Experiences Our local partners can arrange everything from catering and grocery shopping to in-house chefs, guided tours, museum visits, and housekeeping. Whether you want a gourmet meal delivered, a group retreat organized, or a museum excursion planned, we’ll help you create an unforgettable stay.
Guest Praise Guests rave about the peaceful setting, spacious accommodations, and endless activities for all ages. Painted Pony Resort is a place where families reconnect, friends celebrate, and everyone finds inspiration in the desert’s beauty.
Ready to Experience the Extraordinary? Escape the ordinary and discover Painted Pony Resort—a luxurious, private retreat where the high desert’s magic is yours to enjoy. Book your stay and let your adventure begin!
Painted Pony Resort: Where luxury meets the tranquil, and every gathering becomes unforgettable.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Heated pool
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Limo/town car service
Car required
Wheelchair-accessible parking available
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Freezer
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Chef service
Dining table
Bedrooms
10 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
6.5 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Telescope
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Accessible parking space
In-room accessibility
No lift (single-level property)
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Outside area can be used for smoking.
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Meal delivery service
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Foosball table
Heated pool
Table tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
By booking you agree to our Terms and Conditions
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Pet in garage only.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Outside area can be used for smoking.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 75
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Animas, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Granite Peak and Heart of Rocks, while Chiricahua Desert Museum and Chiricahua Gallery are cultural highlights. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing, mountain biking and horse riding nearby. Visit our Animas travel guide
Does Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations located?
This family-friendly Animas holiday home is located in the mountains, 6 mi (9.7 km) from Chiricahua Desert Museum, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Chiricahua Gallery and Myrtle Kraft Library. Granite Peak and Geronimo Surrender Monument are also within 25 miles (40 km).
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Private Estate for Family Reunion, Weddings, Business Retreat, and Vacations Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This was our 10th year at The Painted Pony Resort, our home away from home! Upon our arrival, the cleanliness of the house stood out! It was so clean. Someone had taken great care in getting it ready for us. It was our first time coming in November. We really enjoyed it and the lack of insects/spiders was nice! The house is so comfortable and just feels like home. We love walking the property as well as hiking in the mountains. Sky Islands is the perfect place for a family dinner and we often pop in after hiking for ice cream or a treat! We are already looking forward to next year’s trip. The beautiful and solitude is like no other place!
Property does 90% of the work, add in a great group of friends and this trip will be incredible. Beautiful Mountain views, hikes nearby, delicious catering options from Cave Creek Sandwich shop.
Glen is a great host and the whole property was ready for our stay. This is the second bachelor weekend we have done here, and it does not disappoint.
What a fantastic jewel in the desert! I hosted a Monsoon Photography Workshop at the Painted Pony. It had everything we needed and more that we didn't need. Everything is well laid out when it comes to the living, dining, and food preparation areas. Plenty of room inside and outside the facilities. Glen was a pleasure to work with and was able to assist with some minor problems we encountered during the booking process. We will be back! Thank You Glen!
This was our second visit to the Painted Pony and it was again a delight for everyone from the four-year old, through the tweens and teens, my grown and married children, and for Grandma and Grandpa. Lots of space, lots of fun things to do (swimming, sauna, basketball, pool, ping pong, etc. It is in the middle of nowhere, which we LOVED! Close to the Chiricahua Mts with great easy and hard hikes. The hosts were very responsive also.
Overall great time! Glen was super responsive and Jarrod was available to help with making our stay amazing!!! The homes were very comfortable and had all the amenities to cook for our group. Two hot tubes was great for evening soaks and the kids loved the pool. One suggestion would be to request outside furniture to be cleaned up prior to your arrival. This place has beautiful scenery and was the perfect location for our family getaway!! From adults to small children, the homes are very accommodating. The gates gave everyone peace of mind to keep the small children in one area.
Having all our kids and grandkids together, away from all the chaos of the world, for a few days, really was a piece of heaven. The wide open space was perfect for the kids who love to run and play outdoors. There was plenty of space in the 3 houses to meet everyone's needs. The 2 kitchens helped us to easily keep everyone fed!
This is a beautiful property for a large group of people.
Our stay at the Painted Pony was everything we hoped for. The property may be secluded, but was anything but boring. Watching the sunrise on the large porch was the adult highlight of the day. The pool was enjoyed by everyone and was definitely refreshing during the heat. Even the teens enjoyed their stay as there was many activities for them as well.
We had minor issues that we needed to call the host for and he was easily reached and very responsive.
We will definitely be looking into staying at the Pained Pony again next year.
"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Our group of 9 family and friends came to PPR to celebrate a loved one's birthday, but came away from the experience with so much more. The stars are beautiful, the mountains are breathtaking, and the combination of nature (stunning views and wildlife) and luxury (heated pool and two hot tubs) created a wonderful getaway for all of us. The courtyard and residences are clean and spacious. The PPR team is great to work with and we all had a phenomenal time. Make sure to visit the Chiricahua Mountains and the Museum when you come here - just phenomenal!
This was our 8th year staying at The Painted Pony. It is heaven on earth being out there. Upon our arrival we couldn’t help but notice the house was sparkling, looked and smelled so clean! We loved the new oven, the nightlights throughout the house, the gate in the courtyard by the jacuzzi had been fixed and swung wide open easily! It feels like home every time we come. It’s always sad when we leave and we can’t wait till the next year when we come back! This was also our first year coming in October rather than June and we loved it!!
This was our 8th year staying at The Painted Pony with my wife, children, parents, uncle and family friends. We look forward to this week all year and it never disappoints. My wife was especially excited to see the new refrigerator Glen had in the main house! We were treated to some delicious desserts, delivered to us by Bryce. While there, Bryce changed a kitchen lightbulb for us with a smile on his face. Everyone we’ve ever come into contact with regarding the property has never been anything but wonderful. Glen does a great job choosing these folks. Each year we arrive and immediately feel like we are home. There is no place like The Painted Pony. We have already booked our dates for next year and can’t wait!
The Painted Pony is definitely the place you need when you want to get away and enjoy peace and quiet. The beautiful porch’s offer shade at all times of the day where you can sit and enjoy the quiet and nature sounds of the desert. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped, and the pool is the best place at any time of day. Even my teenagers had a great time between the pool, the hot tubs, and the garage filled with activities. The Painted Pony truly offers something for everyone. This was our second time staying and we are already planning for next year.
Perfect for a long weekend. Easily accommodated multiple families. Outdoor area was awesome and allowed for many fun an easy gatherings. Definitely recommend.
Our group stayed three nights at the
Painted Pony to take advantage of the area’s amazing dark skies for an astronomy-focused adventure. We couldn’t believe how lucky we were to find such a beautiful compound in Rodeo. The property is every bit as nice as advertised on VRBO and the process could not have been smoother. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to returning.
This property was huge for our party of 20+ people. All 3 houses were large and more than enough for all of us. The host responded promptly for our queries and was very helpful.
Aldrin F.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Virginia F.
12 Jul 2016
This place ROCKED!!!!!!!!
We loved this property!!! Bruce did a fantastic job making us feel comfortable. The place was clean and had everything we needed. The ice maker rocked, along with Bruce and everything else!!!! Great place for a family reunion, even with little kids!!!!
Just returned from our second stay at the Painted Pony. We come to Rodeo for the dark skies and the Painted Pony is the perfect place from which to base our astronomy-oriented trip. The property is clean, well-cared for and comfortable. Highly recommended!
We went to the Painted Pony six years in a row from 2010-15, so we were excited about doing a reunion tour with some of the old crew, plus some newbies. The place was more or less as we remembered it, and everyone had a fantastic time doing day trips to the Chiricahuas and Peloncillos, or just hanging out at the compound. Definitely one of the most interesting and relaxing places to visit in the SW U.S.!
Certainly lived up to our expectations! Beautiful desert mountain views, quiet seclusion. Easy drive over to some great hikes in the Chiricahua wilderness area. Beautiful pines and aspens, crystal clear creek natural pool all seen on the South Fork hike. Estate was perfect for our 6 adults and 8 kids. So glad we pulled the trigger on this trip!
This has become an annual event for our family over the last seven years. A true desert hideaway that offers resort living. So close to the Chiricahua mountains and a variety of historic sites. Nothing like a swim in the large pool or relaxing in the jacuzzi after a day of hiking and bird watching. We give it our highest rating!
I booked this property for my very small elopement style wedding and all I have to say is WOW. I fell in love with it the minute we arrived. It was exactly what I was looking for for my elopement and it had plenty of room for our families. I will be thinking about my stay here for years to come and I hope that we can come back one day! Thank you so much Glen and Paula for being so helpful and accommodating during my stay!
Glen was most helpful in booking the property on very short notice. Glen responded to questions and was forthcoming with any information requested. The 15 guests found their week enjoyable and a bonding experience, creating a community spirit. Geronimo would not hesitate to book the Resort for our guests (programs) in the future.