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Lowdown

  • Established

    1960

  • Manager

    Keith Johnston

  • Tel

    1.970.247.5055

  • Open

    All year

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $430 - $454
    Winter: $150

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    Summer: $377 - $400
    Winter: $100

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Maximum Guests

    55

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Solitude, Diverse scenery, Large family reunions, Corporate Retreats, Weddings

  • Memberships

    Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association, DRA, Colorado Agritourism Association, Colorado Leave No Trace and America Outdoors
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

A guest ranch nestled in mountains of Durango, Colorado. For the past 60 years, Colorado Trails Ranch has provided an exceptional horse program, fly-fishing expeditions, chef prepared local cuisine & all-inclusive dude ranch vacations.

Other experiences to enjoy include shooting sports, unlimited hiking, pool & hot tub use, rafting and even the Durango rodeo. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, a large family or hosting a corporate retreat- there is something that will pique everyone's interest at Colorado Trails Ranch.

The mission of Colorado Trails Ranch is to provide an exceptional experience for all who step onto the property. From guests to staff members to vendors, our goal is to create positive interactions that each individual will find enriching and inspiring. Utilizing our animals and the natural world around us, every person should leave feeling more refreshed, more educated and more confident in themselves and the direction of their lives.

Good time to go

Summer Season: June - August

-Traditional 6 night, all-inclusive dude ranch vacation ; Family Reunions ; Corporate Retreats

Fall Season: August - October (3 night minimum stay)

-Bed & Breakfast Package ; All-inclusive Pacakge ; Corporate retreats, Weddings (Actitivites available for booking at your leisure)

Winter & Spring Season:

-Cabin Rentals

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 5 and over

None of the youngsters in your family will be bored on this vacation. Your vacation activities aren’t just centered on your kids, while neglecting your own need to relax and have fun. Here, kids and adults can enjoy their own level of adventure. Competent counselors see to the kids’ needs while the parents are off hiking, horseback riding or fishing.

On this trip, all kids have a grand time exploring the great outdoors and connecting with nature. Once they arrive and begin their own adventure with other kids their age, they’ll be busy having fun and spending time with the family.

The kids’ and teens’ programs are geared to small groups per counselor and ages are divided into similar maturity and skill levels, much as are used at school. This allows youngsters to really enjoy making new friends and all their group’s activities.

Minimum age children can ride

5 and over

Arts & Crafts

coloring

Activities

hiking, picnics, outdoor play area, cookouts, campouts, petting zoo, whitewater rafting, supervised swimming, Petting zoo, hayrides, power tubing, fishing, riflery, archery, arts and crafts, rafting

Games

scavenger/treasure hunts, horseshoes, volleyball, ping pong, pool table, Basketball, dancing

Baby Sitting

From age 0 to 5. Hourly cost $9.

Baby Sitting Provided By

Advance notice required

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

Colorado Trails Ranch strives to provide locally sourced, garden fresh cuisine to our guests and our staff. Water conservation, recycling and conscious efforts to reduce waste.

Conservation

Water conservation and food waste elimination.

Ranch History

Built to be a dude ranch from its very beginning in 1960, prior to any original construction, there were only two buildings; a tiny old barn and the anteroom portion of what was once Coney Cove dance hall, built around 1912. This log structure is still in use today as wrangler staff housing. The ranch has expanded from a dude ranch program to also include shorter stays, a bed and breakfast package, fly fishing excursions, corporate retreats, family reunions and weddings.

Your Manager, Keith Johnston

Keith Johnston has been in the ranching world for 15+ years. He is dedicated to his team, guests, the land and livestock.

Your manager

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Ranch-style

  • Meals served

    family style, buffet style, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    BYOB

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, dining room (casual attire)

  • 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

Executive Chef, Davis Hood has all of the experience combined with the creative mind to produce high quality meals that often include locally sourced meats and produce as well as fresh baked breads. The goal of our culinary team is to offer a variety of foods that appeal to every appetite. Making everything from scratch, we believe our guests dining experience should be superb leaving each person feeling satisfied and fueled for a day of adventure or relaxation on the ranch.

Guest Favourites

  • Buttermilk Pancakes with fresh fruit, homemade whip cream and hot coffee from local roasting company, Durango Coffee Company. Biscuits & gravy, eggs, local sausage and fresh fruit always.
  • Lunch items may include: Hand crafted burger bar, garden fresh salads, Southwestern culinary delights.
  • Dinner items may include: bison ribeyes, rosemary roasted chicken, sauteed vegetables, decadent desserts and more.

About our Wines

BYOB

Sample Menu

  • Appetizers

  • Homemade soups
  • Salad bar

  • Entrées

  • Homemade pizza
  • Burgers and veggie burgers with delicious fixings
  • Grilled beef tenderloin along with homemade breads
  • Salmon, prime rib, chicken dishes

  • Desserts

  • Cheesecake
  • Napoleon puff pastries
  • Ice cream pie

Lowdown

  • Address

    12161 County Road 240
    Durango
    Colorado
    81301
    USA

  • Remote Location

    No

  • Elevation

    7500 ft

  • Private Land

    250-1000 acres

  • Public Land

    1000-5000 acres

Nearest Town - Durango

Durango is situated 12 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Ranch shuttle

Yes, free if landing in Durango

Nearest Airports

Durango, Durango

Distance

12 miles / 15 mins

Airlines

United Express, American Airlines

Ranch shuttle

Yes, free if landing in Durango

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Most riders are

    Beginner

  • Rides are grouped by

    Age, Ability, Rides tailored to guest requests

  • Max riders per ride

    6

  • Wranglers per ride

    1

  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot, Lope

  • Guest Horses

    84

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Morgan, Appaloosas, Draft, Draft Cross, Paints, Other, Geldings, Mares

  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 2 hours
    Afternoon - 2 hours

The Setting

Private Land (250-1000 acres)

We have mountain trails as well as open meadows. We meander through the forest or climb to views.

Public Land (1000-5000 acres)

We border the San Juan National Forest. We have mountain trails, forest trails, meadow riding.

Our Riding

Scheduled rides

 You’ll be able to enjoy short scenic trail jaunts, half day rides, all day rides and even take part in competitive games in our ‘Corral Capers’ guest rodeo.

Riding Freedom

Some trails require riding in a line. We do have some one at a time riding on some trails.

Weight limit for riding

225-250 lbs

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

You’ll have choices of morning and afternoon rides, or both. The lengths of these adventures can range from half day, chuck wagon lunch, and all day rides. The length ranges from one hour to three hours each ride.

Why our riding stands out

  • You’ll have choices of morning and afternoon rides, or both. The lengths of these adventures can range from half day, chuck wagon lunch, and all day rides.
  • Those looking for an exciting horseback riding vacation can also take part in team penning for a small additional charge.
  • We have easy trails for beginners, and more challenging trails for guests with advanced riding skills.

Sample Riding Itinerary

We start out with a riding orientation (so you can learn how to ride our horses), then a short ride on Monday morning. You have the opportunity to ride morning and afternoon every day with lunch rides on Friday. We have games on horseback as well as a great breakfast ride..

Riding Lessons

Details

lessons come with package

Given by

wrangler

Location

on the trail, in the arena

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Activities

penning, gymkhana

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $430 - $454
    Winter: $150

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    Summer: $377 - $400
    Winter: $100

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Summer: Sun
    Winter: Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Summer: Sat
    Winter: Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic

  • Packages available

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

Colorado Trails Ranch can cater for up to 55 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Bird House, Lake, Mountain, Durango, Storm Shelter, Fish Pond, The Den, Pueblo, Remuda, The Woodlands

Rates (Per Person)*

Summer: $150 - $454
Winter: $150
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Rates (Additional Info)

www.coloradotrails.com/rates

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

All cabins were replaced during 2013 to 2016 with new, larger cabins. Every cabin has a living room and great covered porches. There is a bathroom for every bedroom. The rooms have a variety of bedding from king beds to doubles and bunk beds (some are twin over double bunks). Some cabins are set up with four bedrooms for extended families.

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

Booking Policy

https://www.coloradotrails.com/rates

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, gratuity, Riding, airport shuttle service to and from the Durango airport.

Extras

Tax

To cover state and local taxes, a 7% tax will be added to your total bill.

Massage

Available upon request

Yoga

Available upon request

Guided Fly Fishing

Available upon request

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy boots, Riding helmets, Rain coats

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance.

  • Cell Networks

    AT&T.

  • Business Services

    Conference center, Meetings and conferences, business retreat groups, team-building programs, performance incentive vacations.

Onsite

Shopping

Our Trading Post is our company store that holds CTR T-shirts, Wrangler shirts with our ranch brand, Pendleton blankets, sweatshirts, jewerly, cowboy hats and more. We also have a great old fashioned soda fountain for a cooling treat in the afternoon after your activities.

Outdoor Activities

Yoga, wagon rides, Shooting - trap / clays, Hiking, horse riding, fishing, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, power tubing, archery

Water based Activities

outdoor pool, hot tub, whitewater rafting-adventure

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, rock treatments

Fishing & Wildlife

Half and full-day fishing available. We have stocked ponds and over two miles of private water on the Florida River nearby. Our fishing is catch and release fly fishing with our guides.

Fishing on offer

spin, fly, river, stocked pond, lake, stream, equipment available, guided inclusive, unguided, instruction available

Wildlife

Deer frequently roam amongst the cabins, birds of many varieties, hummingbirds flitter around the lodge.

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 50-75.

For building great working relationships, there is nothing quite like the unique outdoor adventures at Colorado Trails Ranch. It is excellent for opening up strong communication between professionals, and enriching positive interactions between partners, management and employees.

During May - October, we welcome company and professional groups. 

We take all the work out of these events – Colorado Trails Ranch takes care of all the details for you.

For more details, please don’t hesitate to call. We’ll help you create the experience that every member of your group will love.

Local Attractions

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train ride

If you’re interested in adding the train to your vacation, we recommend you do the train ride before or after your stay with us, as you won’t want to miss a full day of ranch activities. Train reservations need to be made in advance at www.DurangoTrain.com.

Distance

13 miles / 30 mins

Guided trip to Mesa Verde National Park

For a small additional fee, we offer a full day guided trip to Mesa Verde National Park which has an extensive array of Ancient Puebloan dwellings and a great museum.

Distance

46 miles / 1 hour

Ranch shuttle

included with trip

Highs

  • They offer dedicated kids and teens programs
  • The layout of the ranch is like a small Western town from the past. The ‘downtown’ area buildings include the Assay Office, Trading Post, Opera House, Blacksmith Shop, Jail, Saloon, and School House – look out for all the quirky touches!
  • While there is always an event scheduled for the evenings, no-one minds if you wish to spend a little quiet time at your cabin.
  • The healthy, wholesome food is a great mix of high-quality gourmet and home-cooked goodness

Lows

  • If you like a post-adventure drink, bear in mind that during the summer, it's a very family-oriented atmosphere, so they don’t sell any alcoholic beverages. You are however welcome to bring your own, or the ranch will pick up for you on Mondays and add the cost to your bill.

Visitor Reviews

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

Top notch from beginning to end

From the minute you get out of your car and check in at the Assay Office, you will be hooked. You are assigned a group of fellow travelers based on your age. The kids are off riding, shooting arrows, or doing the Corral Capers, buying a phosphate at the snack bar, you all see each other for meal times (which are amazing, by the way) and fall sound asleep with a good exhaustion by the end of the day. The scenery from horseback is absolutely stunning, the wranglers are top notch and never have I ever yearned to return to a place so badly! Enjoy a week at Colorado Trails. YOu will be glad you did.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Colorado Trails Ranch on TripAdvisor