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Activities
Tuesday
evening dancing
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Spectacular all-day rides with waterfalls and views of the Continental Divide are offered later in the week. In the high summer months, folks twelve and older can take the overnight trip that climbs to 11,000’ in the backcountry. We also have an arena where you can work cattle and compete in team-penning, as well as practice for our weekly ranch rodeo.
Each day we offer up to nine rides twice
a day, plus children’s and teen rides. We divide by ability
level or destination choice into small groups that scatter out into
the nearby national forest and wilderness. All of the rides are wonderful,
but over the years some rides have become favorites with return and
new guests alike. These include Charity, First Meadows, Beaver
Lakes, the Notch, Elk Creek and the Backcountry, just to name a few.
Charity is a rocky outcrop that rises about 800 ft. behind the ranch. It is part of three such outcroppings, Faith, Hope and Charity, which were named in the 1920’s. The path to Charity is steep but the horses are surefooted and soon you reach a meadow (often we see elk here, and bighorn sheep nearer the edge) where you leave the horses and hike a short way to stand looking out over the lodge and ranch buildings, the river and pastures, and the beautiful valley below. Another of our all-day rides is The Notch. Much steeper than Beaver Lakes, this ride climbs the mountain ridge west of the ranch in a series of switchbacks, eventually topping out on top of the world. All around are the peaks of the San Juans and a view of the Continental Divide; views down the valley are breathtaking. The return incorporates First Meadows, with its waterfall and serene enchantment. Elk Creek is a short ride from the ranch, and a source of endless riding possibilities. Whether crossing back and forth, loping up the nearby trails, finding viewpoints and meadows, or riding along through the aspens and pines of the surrounding national forest, you will fall in love with this mountain creek.
The
riding here at Rainbow Trout is truly magic.
Since this is a less traveled part of Colorado, the fly-fishing remains exceptional and many creeks, lakes and streams are within easy reach of the ranch. For example, nearby Elk Creek is easily reached and you can fish upstream to First Meadows and beyond. We stock basic supplies for use and for rent at the ranch Trading Post. In most of the waters around the ranch, you may use flies (recommended), spin cast or bait.
In order to preserve our superb fishing we encourage catch and release. However, should you wish, our ranch cooks will prepare your fish at any meal. Or you may prefer to have that trophy trout mounted. It is a great way to remember glorious hours spent on the river. We are proud to say that according to one of our local professional fly-fisherman, Randy Keyes, our stretch of river is the best fishing on the Conejos River. Come and share it with us.
HIKING - The ranch also offers an endless number of wonderful hiking trails both on or near the ranch, or within a short drive. Behind the ranch there are the three peaks, Faith, Hope and Charity, which are wonderful to hike. You can ride to Charity, but not the other two. Faith has a “hiker’s log book” where you can sign your name—it is a lot of fun for children and gives them a great sense of accomplishment as it is a relatively tough hike. There are many other hikes you can take from the ranch, or you can drive to some amazing trail heads.
One of our popular hikes is the Sunrise Charity Hike. Hikers gather before 6am in the main lodge before taking the fifty minute hike up to the top of Charity. They enjoy coffee, juice and muffins as they watch the sun rise over the mountains. Below them the ranch wakes up with wranglers gathering horses and the day starting. Before them lie the lodge and the Conejos River valley with the San Juan Mountains stretching away. A great way to start the day and to work off some of that great ranch food! You can hike independently or you can set up a guided hike during the week. We will provide sack lunches anytime you wish.
EVENINGS and MORE - Your week at the ranch will be filled with many fun activities and you can be as active or as restful as you wish. Of course there is the excellent riding and fishing, but there is also hiking, swimming, day trips, bird-watching, playing horseshoes, trapshooting, volleyball/basketball or games in the Rec Room. Evenings are horse drawn hayrides, dancing in the main lodge, listening to live western music and poetry, a Candlelight dinner and a sing-along. All are wonderful fun and you are welcome to join in, although you are just as welcome to relax and take it easy on one of the porches or by the fire. Or perhaps the outdoor hot tub is just what you need after an exciting Rocky Mountain day…
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