There is solar electric lighting in the Lodge, bathhouse and in accommodations.
There are electrical outlets in the Lodge to plug in A/V equipment, laptop presentations, etc., which is permitted on certain retreats. However, we do not have outlets to plug in electrical appliances including computers, hairdryers, etc. in housing or the bath house.
The Lodge, bathhouse and accommodations (except cabin tents) are heated in cold weather.
Meals
Meals at the ranch are healthy, hearty, ovo-lacto vegetarian (incorporating eggs and dairy). Ingredients are mostly organic and locally sourced. Fruit and snacks are available throughout the day in the dining room.
Special diet requests automatically incur a $5.00 per day fee. No exceptions. Please let us know if you have special needs, and we will try to accommodate them. If you do not inform us of special dietary needs in advance, we will not be able to accommodate them during the retreat.
Packing list
Warm sleeping bag (rated down to +10 assures comfort) or warm bedding
Rain coat or poncho
Warm winter jacket, hat and gloves (spring and fall only)
Swimsuit (summer only)
Bottom sheet and pillow case
Flashlight and batteries
Warm clothes that can be layered
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
Towel and wash cloth
Travel alarm clock
Water bottle
Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes (waterproof if possible)
Toiletries
Medications
Day-pack
Camera
The Ultimate Comfort Package
To help you pack lightly, we offer the Ultimate Comfort Package – a warm sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sheet and pillowcase, towel and wash cloth – for you to rent during your stay at the ranch. Supplies are limited, so if you plan to rent the Ultimate Comfort Package, please note this on your registration form so that we may reserve your items. You will have the option to pay for the Ultimate Comfort Package when you register online or if you are mailing in your registration, you may pay by check.
The cost to rent the Ultimate Comfort Package is $50. This fee is for your entire stay and includes a cleaning fee.
Rent your Ultimate Comfort Package when you register online, or click here to pay now:
Forgot something?
We have various items available for purchase at the ranch, including flashlights, batteries, sunscreen, shampoo, toothbrushes, disposable cameras, etc.
Luggage
Please only bring luggage that you can carry a short distance yourself.
CPAP machines
We can accommodate CPAP machines at the ranch. Please bring an adapter that can connect your machine to a cigarette-lighter type connection. Please be sure you adapter works with your CPAP machine. You must notify us in advance if you intend to use a CPAP machine on your retreat.
Phone and Internet
At Vallecitos, we encourage you to unplug from the outside world. However, if you require it, we have satellite phone service and satellite internet available for limited guest use. The cost of the satellite phone is $5.00 per minute. Satellite internet access costs $15.00 for 15 minutes (minimum 15 minutes). Vallecitos accepts cash or personal check for phone and internet at the time of use.
There is no cell phone service at the ranch.
Meditation
We have meditation cushions (zafus and zabutons), meditation benches and chairs at the ranch.
Yogi jobs
There is a short work period each day helping in the daily tasks of running the retreat, including food preparation, washing dishes, and cleaning. You will be able to sign up for your yogi job upon arrival. Guests have yogi jobs on all retreats and rentals.
Health and Safety
We are a remote wilderness ranch and are prepared for minor injuries and illness only. The nearest hospital is approximately 1 ½ hours drive. It is your responsibility to notify us of any medical, physical or mental conditions and of any medications or treatments you are currently taking, which may affect your participation in the retreat. Please note that the high elevation of the ranch may exacerbate certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Please consult your physician before traveling to the ranch. Vallecitos Mountain Ranch is not responsible for injury or loss arising in connection with program participation.
Elevation
The elevation of the ranch is 8,800 feet. Visitors to the ranch may experience mild elevation-related symptoms including fatigue, headache, dizziness and nausea. Usually, these symptoms disappear after a few days. The use of chlorophyll, a gentle herbal elevation adjustment remedy taken before the retreat, can help prevent symptoms of elevation sickness. Please contact your local herb or health food store for more information about chlorophyll. We recommend Taos Herb Company’s Altitutude Adjustment Remedy.
Lost and Found
If you leave an item(s) behind at the ranch when you leave, we will do our best to locate your item, transport it to our office in Taos and ship the item to you. The cost to return left item(s) to you is $25 plus the cost of shipping materials and postage. Please contact our Taos office for more information.
At the end of each season, unclaimed items left at the ranch will be used either for ranch programs or, if the item cannot be used by Vallecitos, it will be donated to the Community Against Violence thrift store in Taos, New Mexico. Donated items go to CAV clients or are sold providing much needed funding to continue services for victims of domestic/sexual violence.
