Three days in the ranch house
We always wanted to try this place out but didn’t like the reviews we read prior, so this is our account of events. We rented the ranch house, and yes it is primitive. If you are more comfortable in the Hilton with 24hr room service and maids then don’t bother enjoying what this place has to offer, you probably won’t, and your reviews won’t help.
The ranch house is as clean as you would expect in this remote setting, the stove doesn’t work well, the dishes are haphazardly organized, the cookware is frustrating and all that said it is expensive at 250 a night. There is compost inside the cabin under the sink to the right which is a huge rodent no no, kind of gross. The back door doesn’t lock and is hard to open but there isn’t a reason to feel unsafe. The residents on the property as well as guests make for a secure setting.
The reason you rent this place is for the simplicity. It is simple, no tv, no internet, limited cell service. The ranch house has its own private grotto and soaking pools. While the main pool and side pools are clothing optional after 9pm, your private pool is only you and you may enjoy soaking at your pleasure. The privacy of the ranch pools isn’t stated in most reviews but it is private and the staff leaves you alone to enjoy. you are secluded from everyone and still have a great view. Some are annoyed that they have to fill up their own pool, the water is piped from the spring, by shutting down a gate valve and plugging the cool plunge pool (that’s what we did) with a churne plug. I liked this knowing our water was fresh and clean. We attached some pics. The pool closer to the pond and dry lake is a small one Pearson soak if you want to fill a pool fast, we used this as a cold plunge. The pool to the south is very well seated and comfortably intimate for four. Perfect for two and not too cool or hot,101-102 degrees. I hear it can be hotter but in Oct it was perfect.
Sunday night we dined at the cowboy dinner tree. This was an unexpected surprise even though they have a great word of mouth reputation we were really surprised at how well everything tasted, this is not for city minded people and you should probably not enjoy what they have to offer. It was a country experience and well received. Bring cash, no atm or cards and no alcohol. BYOB, in the parking lot if you care to indulge. We had the steak and ate on our leftovers until Tuesday. A lot of food and really good people at a great price. It is out of the way which to me makes it that much more of an experience. What a great idea, and thank you for it.
Nearby we hiked crack in the ground (nearby meaning an hours drive); then checked out the dunes in Christmas valley and finished off with fort rock state park.
I’d recommend summer lake hot springs but you have to understand what you are getting into. Im a big fan of the vibe, few people and a lot of country to explore! The people were good and we thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing time together. The private soaking pools, grotto, view of pond and dry lake in the background is what sold me. We watched a coyote walk through at 2 AM with full moonlight while hunting, he didn’t even look in our direction. Happy Travels......and don’t stop traveling.