635th MMS Booster Club
Presents
The Haunted Orchard
at Nichols Ranch and Orchards
She came for pie. There wasn't any left. Now the orchard feeds!
OCTOBER 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 · 7PM–11PM
$15 + fees · Tickets online only
📍 Nichols Ranch and Orchards, La Luz, NM
🚶 Half-mile trail · 🌙 8 nights in October
🍎 Food trucks · Hot mulled cider · Scary movies · Tarot readings
Presented by the 635th MMS Booster Club
What Happened Here?
In 2025, an enchantress named Morrigan arrived at our apple festival too late for pie — and tore a hole into something far worse. The trees grew a body. The dead climbed out hungry. The scarecrows came down off their posts with sickles ready. Every October since, Nichols Ranch becomes the Haunted Orchard — and every soul who walks the trail and survives brings the orchard one step closer to being free.
THE STAKES
Every Soul Counts
The spell that opened the tear has one rule Morrigan never wanted anyone to find: enough of the living, walking the trail and facing what came through, can close it for good.
Last October, hundreds tried. It wasn't enough — but the orchard remembers every one of them.
🔥 SOULS CONFIRMED, 2025: 912
🔥 SOULS NEEDED TO BREAK THE SPELL: 10,000
Will this be the year enough of you make it through?
Been here before?
The tear never closed. This year it's wider, and what's come through is hungrier. Morrigan's spirits linger by the fire, and for a price, they'll answer what you ask — though some say they're only trying to scare you off before you finish what you started.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Walk the Trail If You Dare!
The Orchardman — the trees remembered every branch you ever broke. Now they've grown a body to collect the debt.
The Scarecrows — they've been watching from their posts for years. The tear gave them a reason to come down.
The Chainsaw Chasers — loggers lost to the mountains long before the orchard bloomed. The saws never dulled.
The Butcher Tent — something set up shop in the trees, and it stopped asking what's livestock.
The Clown Tent — they laugh at everything. They've never let an audience leave without a finish.
Black House Tarot — spirits still answer questions. Not all of them tell the truth.
Food Trucks & Hot Mulled Cider — for the ones who make it out.
Scary Movies — for the ones who'd rather watch than walk. Or for after if you survive!
Get Your Tickets
$15 + fees · Available online only ·
8 nights only. Some dates sell out.
Tickets are only sold online and are in limited quantity. Be sure to get tickets before they sell out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains or snows?
As the Haunted Orchard is outdoors, inclement weather may cause us to close due to safety reasons but WE WILL MAKE ALL EFFORTS TO STAY OPEN!
If there are light or intermediate showers, we can typically stay open. If it turns into a storm or heavy rain, we will have to close.
If the official decision is made that we must close, whether it is before opening time or at some point during the night, it will be posted on the Nichols Ranch Facebook page (nicholsranch1882). If you bought a ticket for a night that we have to close, we will include on that post when you are able to return with that ticket for entry.
This update/info will also be on our website as soon as we are able to put it up but FB will have the quickest update.
How long does it take to go through the Haunted Orchard?
The half mile trail will take approximately 20 to 25 minutes to navigate.
Are dogs allowed to enter the Haunted Orchard?
Normally dogs are allowed at NRO but in this instance there it too much danger for brave canine companions that may be inclined to protect their people from the evil beings in the orchard.
A service animal is permitted for individuals with a disability. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. All service animals must remain on a leash or harness and may not be left unattended. Service animal behavior is the responsibility of the owner and you will be asked to leave The Haunted Orchard if their behavior becomes a threat to the safety of another guest or employee. We do not have accommodations for pets at the The Haunted Orchard. All other pets will need to stay home where they are safe from our ghouls.
The DOJ/ADA does not qualify “Emotional Support or Companion Animals” as service dogs.
Are the characters/ actors allowed to touch you?
NO. As you walk through, our zombies and ghouls will appear, disappear, and come very close, but they will not intentionally touch you or grab you.
Please do not touch the actors. We reserve the right to prosecute any patrons who strike or harm our actors.
Is the Haunted Orchard wheel chair accessible?
Due to the terrain, it is very difficult for wheelchairs to maneuver through this outdoor event. We can send a staff member to accompany you through in case help is needed, but please be aware the pathways are dirt and mulch and they may be uneven as they wind through the Orchard.
Will there be smoke, strobe lights, or special effects?
YES! This attraction contains high impact scares and strobe lights which may not be suitable for people with heart conditions or prone to seizures. Attraction may include the use of fog juice as well as spraying water.
The most important question…Is it scary???!!
Yes, bring a change of underwear! The Haunted Orchard features live actors, loud noises, flashing lights, and other scary elements designed to scare the “yell” out of you!
We do not recommend for children under 10, pregnant women, or those sensitive to strobe lights, artificial fog, loud noise, dripping natural elements, uneven terrain, high elevations, or physical exertion.