Who says ranch life is all work? My wife and I know a thing or two about beating the blistering summer sun—especially when July hits. This year, over an extended July 4th weekend, we traded the scorching ranch days (think triple-digit feels-like temps) for the crisp, invigorating mountains of New Mexico. Our mission? Conquering Mt. Wheeler, the state’s highest peak at 13,161 feet, and boy, did it deliver a refreshing reset!
Arriving just in time for the holiday fireworks (which we caught from a cozy spot at elevation 9400 feet), we set up chairs in the cool alpine air. Nights dipped to a chilly 37 degrees—yes, you read that right! We bundled up in layers, drank some wine and hung out with friends. It was a far cry from the sweltering evenings back home, where the air hung thick with humidity and the sun seemed reluctant to set.
The highlight was summiting Mt. Wheeler. Starting from the Taos parking area, we hiked through meadows and then the switchbacks that tested our endurance—it was only 12.5 miles round trip. The views from the top? Jaw-dropping—panoramas of everything around for miles, sparkling lakes, and endless blue skies that made the Texas heat feel like a distant memory. My wife and I high-fived at the peak, feeling like we’d conquered more than just a mountain; it was a recharge for our souls, away from the daily grind of work back home.
Back at the Ranch now, with the July sun still blazing, we’re grateful for that cool escape. It reminded us why we love this life—balancing hard work with adventures that refresh and inspire. If you’re feeling the heat, why not plan your own getaway?