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RAINBOW TROUT RANCH

Dude & Guest Ranches
Antonito, Colorado - United States

 Rainbow Trout Ranch - Colorado Dude Ranch & Guest Ranch Vacation
http://dude-ranches.GordonsGuide.com/rainbowtroutranch

Overview

Revisit the Old West
For over 75 years vacationers have enjoyed visiting the historic Rainbow Trout Ranch located in the south San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The unique area combines Colorado Rockies splendor with the enchantment of northern New Mexico. Situated at 9,000 feet, Rainbow Trout Ranch is surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest and the San Juan Wilderness. The scenic Conejos River, the inspiration for the Ute Trail, flows right through the ranch.

The ranch is located a few miles off the beautiful drive between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM, the two towns between which the Cumbres and Toltec narrow gauge steam train runs daily. Within an hour and a half of the ranch you can be at Sand Dunes National Park or in historic Taos, NM (Kit Carson’s home). But you’ll find that there is plenty to do right on the ranch…

The People
The folks at Rainbow Trout Ranch believe in the Western lifestyle and enjoy sharing it with others. The Van Berkum family has operated the ranch since 1993 and they love sharing their cowboy home with guests from all over the United States and overseas. Guests are greeted by Linda and you will find Doug pouring coffee and taking you on horse-drawn hayrides. Everyone gets to know their son David and his wife Jane and the rest of the wranglers at the barn. The excellent staff is a vital part of the ranch - dynamic people whose main goal is to make your week the best vacation ever for you and your family.

Riding Program
David and Jane do a wonderful job of matching horses with your riding experience. Following instruction and introductory rides, the rides are divided according to experience and interests. The ranch borders the national forest and within minutes you will be riding in even more spectacular country. The wranglers provide excellent instruction as you enjoy the scenery from the back of a good horse. Half-day rides are offered every morning and afternoon and there are also opportunities for all-day rides and an overnight camping trip. Saturday afternoon is the ranch rodeo where guests and wranglers participate in various events in the arena.

Children’s Program
Over the years, many children have moved up through the children’s and teen programs and have wonderful memories of adventures and fun with the counselors. Indeed, many families return year after year because of, among other things, the experiences of their children. The Buckaroos (three to five year olds) have their own counselor who leads them around on horseback each morning and oversees games, crafts and swimming. The Cowpokes (six to eleven year olds) each get their own horse for the week and they ride every morning. With the help of their counselor they can build their own wikiup, play on the unique wagon-train gym, swim and hike. They also have a lunch ride and a kids’ night of roasted hot dogs, s’mores and their own hayride to look forward to. The teen counselor organizes special teen rides, rafting on the Conejos River, hiking and a variety of other games and day trips.

Fly Fishing
With the Conejos River flowing through the ranch, you will have over a mile and a half of private river to enjoy. In addition, there are numerous tributaries of the Conejos River that are within hiking or short driving distance. The ranch has a full-time fishing guide on staff to teach you fly fishing techniques and show you great spots to fish. The main lodge has a small fly shop as well as spin casting equipment available. Catch and release is encouraged although the kitchen will prepare your fish for any meal you wish - there is nothing like fresh Rocky Mountain trout! The fishing at Rainbow Trout is truly second to none. You can enjoy superb fishing AND riding only a short walk from your cabin.

Summary
The smell of fresh bread baking daily beckons you to the lodge and everyone enjoys the delicious home cooked meals. The great cooking and daily housekeeping ensure that moms get a vacation too! Each night there is something to do including hayrides, country and square dancing, great western entertainers, and a sing-a-long, not to mention a game of horseshoes, or shuffleboard on the giant lodge porch, or perhaps a stroll under the brightest stars you can imagine. As you head back to your log cabin at the end of the day you will smell the pine, feel the cool mountain air and hear the coyotes in the valley. The hustle and bustle of everyday life will seem far away as you look forward to another fun-filled day in this perfect slice of the Old West.

Seasonal Rates

  Weekly Rates Daily Rates
Summer $1,300.00 - $1,800.00 per person $186.00 - $258.00 per person
* Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.

Affiliations

  • Dude Ranchers' Association
  • Colorado Dude Ranchers' Association
  • America Outdoors

Payments Accepted

  • Cash
  • Personal Checks

    Reservation Policy

    Deposit of $300 per person due within two weeks of reservation. Balance due upon checkout. Rates do not include the 3% CO sales tax, the optional gratuity or any off-ranch extras. Rates do include all meals, accommodation and on-ranch activities. Come live the west with us!

    Cancellation Policy

    Deposit refunded less 10% if cancellation is more than sixty days prior to arrival date. If cancellation is less than sixty days, we will refund the deposit less 10% provided we can rebook the space. Groups of ten or more: payment due in full thirty days prior to arrival. We highly recommend travel insurance for any trip you may be planning. We can refer you or you may want to ask your local travel agent.