Eat, Play, Write!

Spend a week with New Mexico Poet Laureate, Lauren Camp and instructor Laurie Bower at the historic NBar Ranch in the beautiful Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness!

Writing workshops, fun improv games, mindfulness, delicious food, equine encounters and plenty of free time for relaxing, hiking or writing in this beautiful, remote setting.

Unplug from the stresses of the modern world and find new inspiration at this vintage off-grid and unique ranch, where historic figures like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Geronimo and Aldo Leopold come to life.

Like going back in time, you will stay in simple double occupancy bunkhouses, nestled among tall ponderosas and looking out on rolling meadows, where horses, cattle, and often large elk herds graze.

$1750 includes lodging, workshops plus all activities and meals from Sunday evening, June 15th 2025 through Saturday morning, June 21st, 2025.

This is a first time offering of a highly unique experience, open to adults of all writing abilities. Spouses are welcome too, with miles of hiking and fishing also available in the nearby Snow Lake and the Gila Wilderness.  

Registration is limited to only 12 participants and will fill up fast.

To register and for more information, contact trip organizer Laurie Bower directly at (970) 390-5597 or [email protected].

* note, the NBar ranch is approximately 90 minutes south of Reserve NM.  Cell phone service is not available at the ranch, and as an off-grid retreat, there are very nice communal bath houses with showers, and as the ranch boasts, "some of the nicest outhouses you've ever seen".  Bunk houses each contain two single beds and heaters if needed.  Single registrants will be asked to share a bunkhouse with another registrant.