Colorado Trails Dude Ranch
Deputy Claire takes us to Colorado Trails Dude Ranch in the San Juan National Forest with her family… “One of the best family vacations we’ve ever had!”
430 acres. Southwest Colorado. 80+ horse herd. Horse-back riding. Fishing. Hiking. Rodeos. Tubing on the Vallecito Lake. Western dancing. Archery. Swimming. White-water rafting. Fireside guitar. Kids camp. Petting zoo. Fly-fishing. Trap-shooting. Hay-rides. Gracious hosts Jeanie and Don. Homemade grub that I’d go back for alone. Old fashioned ice cream shoppe. Cafe and shops. This is a must for families.
Let’s break it down…
We flew into Durango, Colorado. Just a quick 1/2 hour to the ranch. TRC is an all-inclusive package for a week - 7 days. For a family of 5 we could literally wake up and pick any activity we’d like. The ‘staff to guest’ ratio is bonkers. There is someone there to assist you at all times.
TRC typically will only take a total of 40-50 people for each week. Our family went over 4th of July weekend and I think that was a good move as there were only 30-35 people total on the ranch… 5 families. You may want to check out their reduced rates weeks that they promote on their site (see below).
The 2-3-4 bedroom cabins are rustic, clean, spacious and individually designed. They’re scattered along a long gravel road offering families plenty of personal space and privacy.
Now lets talk about that grub! The food was amazing. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and homemade desserts and cookies were varied each day and it was exciting to see what was on the menu for the next meal. The chefs prepared home-cooking that wet everyones’ whistle: chocolate chip cookies, cheddar biscuits, ice cream, a killer salad bar, scrumptious beef tenderloin… the list goes on and on. One night the ranch coordinates a hayride with a campfire dinner… and like everything else here, it did not disappoint. We slept like real cowboys!
On the last day everyone mounts their favorite horse and partake in barrel races, relays and the opportunity for both kids and adults to show off their newfound riding skills. This was the best way to end such a fun week!
This was one of the most memorable trips ever for our family. I know my kids will look back and say the same thing because they are still talking about it.
Dude… gitty up and book your week now!
