Instead of waiting to see what treats the Easter bunny left for you out in the garden, why not treat yourself with a quick hop down to a Southwest dude ranch for a well-deserved break?

At Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch, you’ll find both sunshine and serene solitude. Take a walk through their tall Ponderosa pines, in the cool higher elevations of the Black Range Mountains of southwest New Mexico, and “the quiet is such that you can hear the approach of an eagle from the beat of the air beneath his wings” say the folks at Geronimo Trail.

Says the ranch’s Diana Esterly, “Spring (and fall) are our best seasons here – warm, sunny days, cloudless blue skies. Perfect!” The ranch is full Easter week (Ap. 12 – 18) but they have availability for the last two weeks of April (Ap. 19 – 24 and 26 – May 1 and later in May also).

It’s an intimate, family-run ranch west of the Continental Divide, and here, the countryside is plenty wild. Herds of elk roam the ranchlands and there are gorgeous meadows, streams, and forests. Sit on the porch, relax in your cabin, take a ride through rocky gorges (pictured above) or take the natural geothermal waters at a nearby spa (partnered with the ranch and offering discounts to ranch guests).

What do folks love best about the ranch? “Absolutely breathtaking scenery.” says Diana, “and amazing history (the area is Geronimo’s birthplace, and home of the ancient Mimbres people).” The ranch is on the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway in New Mexico; it’s a four hour drive (on good roads) from either Albuquerque or El Paso airports.

And right now, they’re having a ranch special: 10% off for the month of April (subject to availability).

More New Mexico ranches: Above Taos, the Lodge at Chama is both historic and world-class; you’ll find hunting and fishing (trophy lake trout) and an elegant lodge. Just outside Raton, the Vermejo Park Ranch (owned by Ted Turner) is the country’s largest privately owned ranch; wildlife viewing (and hunting) is unparalled, from pronghorn and bison to elk. Vermejo Park opens for the season just after Easter, on April 15.