johnvig

I am considering a future visit to a dude ranch in the San Juan range of SW CO.
Any input would be appreciated.

ACyr

I recently did a week at Wilderness Trails Ranch in Bayfield, just outside of Durango. Had lots of fun and would do it again in a heartbeat.

I went the last week of September, the weather was beautiful and the aspens were gold. The staff was friendly and the food was awesome.

Miramar

A few years ago I went to Colorado Trails in Durango and really loved it. The staff were great- very accomodating. The riding was excellent-- they did a really nice job of matching people to their horse for the week. They offer other activities as well and the fly fishing seemed very popular with those who tried it. I went in mid June-- before a lot of kids are out of school, so there were only 28 guests there my week.
If you haven't already, try www.ranchweb.com which has listings for many ranches throughout the country.

johnvig

Thank you both. I have already looked at both those ranches and they are candidates for a future visit.

enzian

I visited both of these ranches while in Durango for mountain biking a few years back; I wanted to see if either would be nice for a dude ranch vacation for our family. I thought Wilderness Trails was in a lovely setting, far more scenic than Colorado Trails. I haven't had a chance to go, but if I do, I would choose Wilderness Trails. I loved the broad open meadow setting, and the horses grazing---I believe they have their own breeding program, and the quality of the horses is very high.

johnvig

Great input. Thank you.

DebitNM

Here are a few for you that are in the Durango area plus a directory:

http://www.ckranch.com/

http://www.echobasin.com/

http://www.coloradotrails.com/index.php

http://www.lakemancosranch.com/

and the directory --

http://www.coloradoranch.com/index.cfm

Hope this helps...
Debi

johnvig

Great stuff. Thanks.

DebitNM

topping for johnvig

johnvig

We just booked this trip for next summer. We will be staying at Wilderness Trails Ranch near Durango. Will also visit Canyon de Chelly, Monument Vally and Mesa Verde.

Yes I know I have 2 threads going but just wanted to close this out. I will post a trip report when we return.

johnvig

Brief Trip Report:
Arrive in Albuquerque. Drive to Chinle, AZ to visit Canyon De Chelly. Very worthwhile for historic and cultural interests. Next stop Monument Valley. Well worth seeing but aside from a tour there is not much to do. Stop at Gooseneck State Park, UT. Excellent and quick side trip. Then to Mesa Verde. My expectations were greatly exceeded – this is a great National Park. Then to Wilderness Trails Ranch near Durango, CO. WTR is an outstanding ranch. Extremely scenic location. Excellent staff. Great horses. Great activities for kids. Great accommodations and food. We had a wonderful time and made many new friends.

http://www.wildernesstrails.com/index.php?pageid=16

Then to Santa Fe; too much of a shopping mall for my tastes and we did not have time to assess the outdoors activities. Then back to Albuquerque, dinner at Range Café – truly outstanding.

DebitNM

Wow John, this is an old thread!

I am so glad that you enjoyed our corner of the country.

Mesa Verde is unlike any other NP, we were just there today for our weekly hike. We tramped alongside scrub oak and passed the tree skeletons from a fire in 2000.

Santa Fe has great things, you just have to leave the plaza. Sorry you didn't have a chance to do more.

Range Cafe - we have been there three times in the past 2 months, really good food with matching prices.

I am glad the ranch worked out for you.

Thanks for posting back here. This might be a record for topping an old thread with a trip report!
Deb

johnvig

Hi Deb - yes we really enjoyed your neck of the woods. There is long lead time between planning the trip and doing the trip; hence the old thread. I am jelous of your access to Mesa Verde - what a fascinating and beautiful place. Glad you too enjoy the Range Cafe, it is exceptional food at reasonable prices. One thing I had failed to mention, we also stopped in Pagosa Springs and if we had more time we'd have enjoyed staying longer. Re Santa Fe I am more than willing to give it another shot but will take more time to explore beyond the shops and galleries. We did eat at the famous Tomasito's (sp?) which was good and really enjoyed our stay at La Fonda. Thanks for all your help and input.