Heading to Cimarron we took the Scenic Byway State Road 21. Taking this route gives you a good idea of the beauty the early travelers of the Santa Fe Trail saw as they traveled southward. The beauty was marked also with dangers such as Indians, harsh weather, outlaws, bears and rattlesnakes to name a few. The Santa Fe Trail consist of two main branches, the Mountain Branch and the Cimarron Cutoff. We are going to be exploring the Mountain Branch which passes through Cimarron and across the Cimarron River to Old Town. The two branches meet up approximately 90 miles south of Cimarron at Fort Union.
The drive along SR 21 is filled with hills, mountain views, Pronghorn and a dry heat. We happen upon what is called Miami Lake, named after the small town we passed through. I would have to say calling it a lake is going a little far but it is breathtaking none the less. Casa del Gavilan, the Bed and Breakfast we are staying at is just off SR 21. It was built in 1912 by J.J. Nairn and overlooks the Santa Fe Trail. From start to finish it took 8 years to complete. Casa del Gavilan means House of the Hawk. The B&B sit’s a mile off of SR 21 and is majestic as you drive up to the Casa on the dirt road. The white traditional adobe house sits strikingly nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain with the Tooth of Time overlooking it. The Tooth of Time was a landmark for the wagon caravans of the SFT. At seeing this they knew their final destination was only 7 days away.
The Casa has six rooms to rent. Inside you will find exquisitely decorated rooms in Southwestern antiques, artwork and handmade furnishings just waiting for you to put your feet up and enjoy them. Southwestern author and illustrator Will James created some of his best works during his stays at the Casa. Surrounding the Casa are trails available for you to hike which range from a quarter of a mile to two miles. You will have exquisite views of the mountains and the Casa. The plains in front of the Casa offer close up views of Pronghorn. No matter which direction you look you will be in awe of the natural landscape surrounding you.
I am excited about our stay at Casa del Gavilan and what Cimarron has in store for us.
Tammy
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