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Lowdown

  • Established

    1886. Guest ranch since 1946
  • Owner

    Pete and Lindsey Leavell, and Mary Lee Pinkerton and families
  • Manager

    Aaron and Robin Christensen
  • Tel

    719-658-2202
  • Open

    Jun-Sep
  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $558 - $860
  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $491 - $570
  • Minimum Stay

    3 days
  • Maximum Guests

    55
  • Works with travel agents?

    No
  • Great For

    Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Diverse scenery
  • Memberships

    Forest Service UAS Dept. of Agriculture, DRA, DRA Horse Safety Program
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Home to the historic Wagon Wheel Gap Hot Springs, The 4UR Ranch is a 3,000 acre luxury guest ranch in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Offering gracious amenities and gourmet cuisine, the 4UR is the 'softer side of roughing it'.

Included with your stay is a personalized Natural Horsemanship program, exceptional daily children’s program, private fly-fishing on over six miles of tailwater, natural hot springs, geo-thermal heated swimming pool, fitness center, sporting clays and trap shooting, and complementary wifi.

We have experienced wranglers, excellent fishing guides, enthusiastic childrens counselors and a highly-trained staff to make sure your vacation is one of the finest available.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you!

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 0 and over

We’ve been welcoming families for over 140 years and even today are welcoming the grandchildren and great grandchildren of those young ones who first arrived so many years ago. With our history has come a wealth of experience in putting together our weekly children’s program which is designed to provide your kids with hours of fun while encouraging new skills, self confidence, and new friendships.

Toddlers to Age 4: Midge Program; Ages 5-12: The Wooley Buggers Kid’s Program supervised program; Teens: the ranch is theirs to explore.

The Wooley Buggers Kid’s Program is a supervised program for children ages five to twelve with activities scheduled mornings from 9am to 12 noon, and from 2pm to 5pm in the afternoon.

There’s nothing like seeing your children saddle up on a horse and watch them gain confidence in the arena before heading out onto the trails. They’ll be expertly paired with a horse that they ride every day of the program. Our experienced Wranglers work hands-on with kids of all skill levels to advance their riding, whether they’ve never been on a horse or are experienced riders. For those kids wanting deeper knowledge and instruction, we have our Junior Wrangler program providing one on one time with wranglers. And all of their hard work pays off Thursday mornings when the “Kids Rodeo” takes center stage in the arena complete with barrel racing, pull the ribbon off the goats tail, pie eating, Junior Wrangler graduation, and even a few rodeo clowns.

Another highlight of the program is the Wooly Bugger Fly Fishing School with our highly skilled 4UR Ranch Fly Fishing Guides. Casting lessons take place on the center lawn, then the new anglers head down to trout filled Walton Pond to try their new skills. Don’t be surprised if your kids are hooked on fly fishing after their lessons.

The Kid’s Program also offers a one of a kind archery course, hiking, fun in the pool, and fort building! Monday and Wednesday evenings the Wooly Buggers and Midges take a hayride down pasture for campfire dinner, hotdogs, s’mores, capture the flag, and tons of fun!

Teens: For the teenagers in your family we invite them to take a break from the stress of schedules, school, homework, sports, or summer jobs, and just relax….the ranch is theirs to explore. With access to ranch bikes, hiking trails, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, or a soak in hot springs, they’ll have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, and recharge their brainwaves. Whether they spend their time on a guided hike, learning about horses with the wranglers, or unwinding by the pool, their days will be filled with memorable adventures.

Minimum age children can ride

5 and over

Arts & Crafts

coloring

Activities

hiking, biking, picnics, outdoor play area, cookouts, supervised swimming

Games

scavenger/treasure hunts, board games, horseshoes, ping pong, pool table

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet
  • Meals served

    meals roll with days activities, scheduled meals
  • Alcohol

    available for purchase
  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, dining room (casual attire), private dinners
  • You'll definitely love

    ranch garden, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts
  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

We love food! One of our highest considerations at the 4UR Ranch is the quality and creativity of the food prepared for our guests and our staff. We want it to be delicious and beautiful, as well as home grown or locally sourced whenever possible. And we want it prepared by someone like Chef Blake Bond whose love of cooking and laid back style is the perfect ingredient for cuisine at the ranch. Most meals at the 4UR take place in the Lodge dining room at liberally scheduled times. While some ranch resorts serve meals family style, we prefer to reserve a table for you and your family for the entire week of your stay. Enjoy your time on the stream, or a soak in the hot springs, and your table will be waiting for you in the dining room during meal time hours.

Guest Favourites

  • Apple and Arugula Salad with spiced walnuts, blue cheese, apple cider vinaigrette
  • Espresso Rubbed Tenderloin of Beef with buttermilk potato puree, roasted broccolini, espresso demi.
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding with date cake, toffee sauce, vanilla gelato.

Your Chef, Chef Blake Bond

A few years ago Chef Blake came to us to fill the position of Sous Chef and we quickly came to appreciate his skills and his Le Cordon Bleu-perfected talents. Chef Blake’s love for Colorado, his culinary history working with fine dining and his previous experience at a luxury ranch resort, made him the perfect addition to the 4UR team. As Executive Chef, Blake puts his amazing culinary skills to work in magical ways to make sure your dining experience, whether dinner in the lodge or luncheon picnic next to the stream, is exceptional in every way.

Sample Menu

  • Appetizers

  • Sweet Corn Soup with cilantro, feta, pickled corn
  • 4UR Salad with local greens ,candied pecans, tomatoes, cucumbers, blue cheese, honey-balsamic
  • Entrées

  • Pan Seared Duck Breast with foie gras dirty rice, sautéed greens, cherry mostarda
  • Espresso Rubbed Tenderloin of Beef with buttermilk potato puree, roasted broccolini, espresso demi
  • Roasted Chicken with farro, castelvetrano olives, capers, zucchini, pan jus
  • Fettuccine Pasta with swiss chard, bacon, mushrooms
  • Desserts

  • Sticky Toffee Pudding with date cake, toffee sauce, vanilla gelato
  • Cheese Plate with local cheese, baguette, cherry chutney
  • Daily Selection of House-made Sorbets and Ice Cream

Lowdown

  • Address

    1 GOOSE CREEK ROAD
    CREEDE
    Colorado
    81130
    USA
  • Remote Location

    Yes
  • Elevation

    8520 ft
  • Private Land

    1000-5000
  • Public Land

    more than 50k acres

Nearest Town - Creede

Creede has a population of 350 (approx), and is situated 12 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Creede include: grocery store, church, school, post office, medical clinic, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping Creede offers: small hometown necessity shops, boutique shops, western wear.

Nearest Airports

San Luis Valley Regional Airport , Alamoas

Distance

70 miles / 1 hour 15 mins


Denver International Airport , Denver

Distance

279 miles / 4 hours

Airlines

Delta, United, Allegiant, United Express, American Airlines

Ranch shuttle

No


Colorado Springs , Colorado Springs

Distance

226 miles / 4 hours

Ranch shuttle

No

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding
  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced
  • Rides are grouped by

    Ability, Pace of Ride, Rides tailored to guest requests, Families ride together
  • Max riders per ride

    6
  • Wranglers per ride

    1
  • Guest Horses

    52

The Setting

Private Land (1000-5000

The ranch owns 3500 acres for guests to enjoy. There's a vast array of terrain, from rolling hills to high peaks, all along the pastures in the lush Goose Creek valley. A great way to experience the terrain and beauty is Thursday's steak ride; wranglers take guests up the valley, along the Goose Creek.  Guests will hitch in a small opening on the moutain side, enjoy drinks, steak, salmon and locally souced side dishes.  From there they will enjoy live entertainment as the sun sets in the valley and surrounding high peaks.

Public Land (more than 50k acres)

The 4UR Ranch is bordered by national forest on three sides and by the Rio Grande on the fourth side.  There's no shortage of access to the lush national forest; most rides will utilize this land and the surrouding views it offers. 


Our Riding

Weight limit for riding

225-250 lbs

Hours in the saddle

Rides are coordinated every evening for the next day.  Length, level and intensity can vary based on what guests are looking to accomplish that day. Rides can range from 1 hour to an all day excusrion to Ute Peak for example.  It all depends on what our guests are looking to do for that day.  We do all we can to accomodate and reach any goals that riders are looking to accomplish.   


Why our riding stands out

  • Between our outdoor arena, obstacle course, and extensive trail system, you’ll find ways to improve your riding skills or simply become comfortable in the saddle.
  • An extensive network of mountain trails which traverse deep into the Rio Grande National Forest and offer stunning views overlooking the Rio Grande Rift, the Goose Creek Valley, and beyond. With so many trail options available, we can ensure that you’re able to take a ride best fitted to your interests.
  • Excellent kids and Junior Wrangler programs

Sample Riding Itinerary

Sunday: Guests who wish to ride are asked to attend our 'Meet your Horse' gathering in the arena on Sunday mornings at 9am. Meet our wranglers, learn about our natural horsemanship program and be paired with your horse for the week. 

Monday: Learn our program and some of the trails on the property.

Tuesday: 'Breakfast Ride', a guest favorite! Ride over the Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande Palisades and enjoy the Chuckwagon Breakfast. Continue up Pierce Creek and into the Aspen forest, or take the shorter route back to the compound for a day of fishing or relaxing by the pool.

Wednesday: More enthusiastic riders can stay in the saddle a bit longer, sign up for our all day Wednesday Lunch Ride.

Thursday: Head to the arena to watch theKids Rodeo. Late afternoon 'Steak Ride' leaves the barn around 4:30pm and moves at a fast pace up river to arrive at our outdoor tented Steak Dinner. Enjoy dinner, campfire, smores, and a cowboy singalong.

Friday: Choose from two stunning trail rides.

 

Riding Lessons

Details

lessons come with package

Given by

wrangler

Location

on the trail, in the arena

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $558 - $860
  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $491 - $570
  • Minimum Stay

    3 days
  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Sun
  • Preferred Departure Day

    Sat
  • Style of accommodation

    Western rustic chic
  • Packages available

    3 night, 1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

4UR Ranch can cater for up to 55 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Four Adirondack-style cottages

Rates (Per Person)*

$550 - $695
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

With wide graceful porches and stunning views. Rooms can be arranged to accommodate families, couples, or singles in a comfortable and luxurious manner.  Moreover, all of our cabins are centrally located around the lodge so everything from the barn to the hot springs spa is just a short walk away.

Rooms

22

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, hair dryer, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer, Disabled Accessible


Booking Policy

50% depost required upon booking

Please check-in anytime after 3:00 PM and check-out before 10:00 AM.

Additional tips are welcomed to be left at the front desk for distribution to the staff.

Personal Check, American Express, Discover, Mastercard & Visa all accepted

All guests will be required to follow the ranch safety policies and procedures, and to sign a standard Participant Assumption of Risks, Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks, and Indemnity agreements upon their arrival.

We appreciate and prefer payment by check, however MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted.

The 4UR is an equal opportunity service provider and employer, and operates under a special use permit from The Rio Grande National Forest.

Sorry, we are not able to accommodate your pets.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, Riding, Fly-fishing, personalized horsemanship program, guided hiking, yoga, children's program, traps/sporting clays, swimming pool/hot springs, complimentary transportation from & to Alamosa Airport

Extras

Tax

State and local taxes are 6.8% and are added to the rates above.

Gratuity

An 18% service charge will be added to your statement of charges.

Massage

Massage not included, please book before arrival

Yoga

Included, please book before arrival

Guided Fly Fishing

Fishing guides services not included, please book before arrival

Other

Alcoholic beverages

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy hats, Cowboy boots, Riding helmets, Rain coats
  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone.

Onsite

Shopping

The Ranch Store: With brands such as Patagonia, Sage, and Fish Pond the ranch store has a good selection of fishing gear, fishing accessories, UV clothing, T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleece, caps, clothing, and water bottles. We also keep items, such as toothbrushes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and toiletries at the front desk….just in case.

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, Yoga, sporting clays, Shooting - trap / clays, Hiking, hot springs

Water based Activities

outdoor pool, hot springs

Spa

relaxation massage


Fishing & Wildlife

The historic 4UR Ranch offers some of the finest private fly fishing in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and is the ideal place for you and your family’s Colorado fly fishing vacation. This Colorado fly fishing ranch features six and a half miles of private tailwater flowing through the heart of the ranch, the first cast of the day is right out your front door. While many guest ranches offer fly fishing, the 4UR Ranch is exceptional in that we offer a truly private fly fishing experience. The 6 mile long Goose Creek is one of the only entirely private trout streams in the American West and has been managed on the English “Beat” system throughout it’s long history.  The private fly fishing on the ranch provides the angler with an intimacy among the waters, the fish and the Colorado mountains.

The 4UR’s creative stream management in the use of the Beat system as well as conscientious catch and release practices ensures that the streams and ponds at the ranch remain some of the best fly fishing in not only Colorado, but the West.

Fishing on offer

fly, river, stocked pond, stream

Wildlife

Wildlife seen around the ranch commonly includes mule deer, elk, hawks, and bald eagles. Occasionally there have been sightings of elk, black bear, and coyotes. 


Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 40-50.

Call to find out about August and September availability. Rates for conferences, seminars and special group meetings available on request.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 50-75.

Ask about our special fall wedding opportunities. Very private. Elegant or casual among the yellowing aspens of the mountains. A truly spectacular setting. Indoor or outdoor service and/or reception. 50-60 guests. Additional accommodations nearby.


Local Attractions

Creede Town, Colorado

A re-awakened mining 'ghost town' that is home to various artisan shops, art galleries, restaurants and the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre. Creede was the site of the west’s last great silver strike in the late 1800s and its colorful history includes some of the most famous names of the frontier west, such as Bat Masterson and Soapy Smith, the slick and tricky raconteur from Denver. 

Distance

11 miles / 15 mins

Highs

  • The staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and happy, committed and passionate about what they do, you'll arrive as guest and leave as family.
  • There is a 'therapeutic' natural hot spring that has been turned into a geothermal heated outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool
  • It's a golf-lovers delight; 4UR Ranch guests have golf privileges at the nearby Rio Grande Club, a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course just a 20-minute drive down the road in South Fork, CO
  • All the luxurious cabins are centrally located around the lodge so everything from the barn to the hot springs spa is just a short walk away.
  • Gourmet food, wonderful wine, full bar and food that's just for kids too!

Lows

  • At present, there is no cell service, however telephone landlines for guest use are located in the Lodge at no charge.

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Amazing 4UR Ranch

A beautiful, spiritual vacation ranch nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest. Horseback riding extraordinaire along with fly fishing on the Rio Grande or Goose Creek, Hiking, and skeet shooting. You become part of the ranch family because they are all amazing people from the owners, ranch managers, wranglers, ranch hands, fishing guides, and food servers etc. Amazing food from an amazing Chef. Lounge in a mineral hot spring! Ride through an Aspen Forest. Memories are made and you must return

5 stars

You can find more reviews for 4UR Ranch on TripAdvisor