Cottonwood Ranch - O'Neil Route

The Smith Family
HC 62, Box 1300, O'Neil Route
Wells, Nevada 89835 USA
Phone: (775) 752-0817 or
(775) 275-0453
info@cottonwoodguestranch.com

Welcome to the Cottonwood Ranch

Cottonwood is a working horse and cattle ranch located in the remote northeastern corner of Nevada. Five generations of the Smith family have owned and operated the Ranch. For over fifty years they have offered a warm, western welcome to the many guests who have shared this beautiful place the Smiths call home.

Located 30 miles from paved highway and 70 miles from the nearest town, Cottonwood Ranch is an unexpected hospitable sanctuary amid a sea of rolling sage covered hills and alpine mountains that seem to go on forever.

The Ranch rests in the historic O'Neil Basin, once home to notorious cattle rustlers. At an elevation of 6,200', the average summer temperatures are in the low 80's. This corner of Nevada boasts the purest air in the lower 48 states. To quote one ranch visitor, "Our days were filled with air so clean you could feel it and country so beautiful, just being there was enough." Cottonwood Creek meanders through the willows and meadows just below Ranch headquarters. To the west, the landscape rises to what we lovingly refer to as 'The Mountain'- the high mountains of the Jarbidge Wilderness, known as one of the least-traveled wilderness areas in the continental U.S. These mountains also form the highest concentration of peaks over 10,000 feet in Nevada. They are a sight to behold and a thrill to explore.

From exciting horse drives to cattle drives, ranch vacations to stunning mountain pack trips, winter recreation to bird and wildlife viewing, corporate retreats to family vacations, we have it all! Join one of our scheduled events or design the trip of your dreams.

Cottonwood offers luxurious lodging, hearty meals and always lots of horseback riding. The lodge's seven bedrooms are each complete with a private bath and offer a wide variety of sleeping accommodations to fit the needs of most groups of 14 to 19 persons. The common space features a spacious dining room and spectacular great room with a variety of seating areas, a bar and a large stone fireplace. There is a cozy area behind the massive fireplace for reading, quiet conversation and computer internet access. Next to the fireplace is a game table for chess, checkers or backgammon. On the south side of the Lodge is a large deck where guests gather to take in the magnificent views of the barn, arena, meadows and mountains, and where meals are served weather permitting. There is also a recreation room that is totally separated from the other living spaces. There you'll find a pool table, large flat screen television and comfortable seating, and the entry to the Cottonwood Trading Post. The hot tub is also a very popular and healthy way to relax and soothe your body after an exhilarating and unforgettable day at Cottonwood.

Here are a handful of testimonials from some past guests:

--"I cannot even begin to say how wonderful this has been. Lovely people, beautiful vistas, amazing horses and such great stewardship of the land. You are all blessed and thereby so are we."

--"We looked forward to our summer trip with great expectations. All were exceeded. I watched my girls grow up so much this week. We love your ranch, the horses, the crew, the food--everything!"

--"How I loved every second! Thank you more than simple words can express. My heart is full."

--"What a spectacular setting combined with magnificent hospitality, a luxurious lodge and superb food! Thank you for sharing this special place!!"

--"Once again, thanks for an awesome week. You're all the best! This horse drive was the stuff that dreams are made of. We'll be back...same time next year."

--"The towels were so fluffy, I could hardly get my suitcase closedJ."

--"Thank you to everyone for the most wonderful experience. We really think the world of every one of you at the Cottonwood. You all took the utmost care of us with your warm and kind hospitality. We will see you next year!"

--"I couldn't have had a nicer holiday. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!"

--"No adjectives can capture this magical place! Thanks for letting a city girl show up and play cowgirl for a week."

--"We're speechless. This was the best holiday ever. You all made our honeymoon amazing!"

--"It is so hard to put this experience into words. We had the time of our lives and will never forget the wonders of Cottonwood Ranch. The people, horses, scenery and the many, great friends that we made. We'll dream of it all until we are able to come back again. Thank you!"