Nov 19, 2009 13:05 - By: Donna Hull
Hanagan Meadow Lodge. Photo by Donna L. Hull
A chill is in the November air. Can you feel winter coming? It’s time to think about fun in Arizona’s snow. What’s that? You thought Arizona was all desert? An escape to Hannagan Meadow Lodge on the Arizona/New Mexico border will fulfill your craving for winter fun.
Located 22 miles south of Alpine on the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 191), the lodge catches snow from winter storms that roll across the White Mountains. With an elevation of 9,100 feet, the area frequently sees winter’s first and last flakes.
Choices galore for winter fun
For Arizona snow lovers, Hannagan Meadow Lodge has all the bases covered. Slide down a frozen tubing hill, glide across new powder on cross-country skis, or relax by the fire watching snow swirl across the meadow on the winds of a winter storm.
Kids of all ages hurdle down the lodge’s sledding hill on over-sized inner tubes then scramble back uphill for another thrilling ride. When it is time to take a break, build a snowman in the woods or rest by the fire in your cabin with a cup of hot chocolate.
Cross-country skiing at Hannagan Meadow. Photo by Alan Hull Photography
With 26 km of cross-country skiing trails starting from the lodge, walk outside your cabin to strap on skis then glide into the meadow beside Douglas firs and Engelmann Spruce. Beginners and intermediates travel the 10 km groomed Acre Lake trail through the aspens and over the frozen meadow of Butterfly Cinega. For more advanced skiers, one of many choices is the marked but ungroomed route, the KP Rim-Willow Springs Trail that loops through the Blue Range Primitive Area offering the ultimate in back country seclusion. Equipment rental is available from Alpine Sports and Recreation Center in the General Store next to the lodge or bring your own.
Snowshoers and hikers slush through the white stuff on walks in the woods. A stroll down the Coronado Trail leads to several turn-offs where hiking and cross-country routes begin. With the abundant wildlife that populates the area, searching for animal tracks in the snow provides a quiet diversion. Listen. Is that the wind moaning in the trees or the howl of the Mexican Gray Wolf, currently restored to the area after 30 years of decimation?
If sitting by the fire is your idea of winter fun, grab a hot cup of coffee or tea from the table in the lobby and relax by the wood burning stove. Browse through the scrapbooks that chronicle Hannagan Meadow’s history which dates back to 1926.
Hannagan Meadow Lodge Rustic Cabin. Photo by Donna L. Hull
Rustic accommodations in nature’s five-star setting
The staff at Hannagan Meadow Lodge will tell you, “If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, you’ve come to the wrong place.” Due to the isolated location, help is hard to find, which means no daily maid service. But the lodge rooms, located on the second and third floors of the historic building are pleasantly furnished with antiques, and each room has its own bath.
For those interested in a longer stay, rustic housekeeping cabins are located behind the lodge. The fire in the wood burning stove will seem extra warm since you are the one who will split the logs from the pile of wood on the cabin’s front porch. Bring plenty of supplies because you’ll have to do your own cooking from Monday to Thursday. Please note that the cabins are simply decorated and extremely rustic.
In the winter, a restaurant on the lodge’s first floor serves Friday night dinner, breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Guests dine in a log-paneled room warmed by a crackling fireplace. From the large windows, look out onto the meadow as the scene fades from the golden glow of a late afternoon sun to the purple shades of twilight. A collection of antique glass bottles in deep-hued colors sits on the windowsills, glowing like semi-precious jewels in the waning light.
Hannagan Meadow Lodge is located within 5-6 hours driving distance from the major metropolitan areas of Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque or El Paso.
If you go:
Hannagan Meadow Lodge
928.339.4370
www.hannaganmeadow.com
Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet
Photos courtesy Donna L. Hull and Alan Hull Photography
