
Nearest Regional Airport
Durango-La Plata County Airport, 30 miles
Nearest International Airport
Albuquerque International Sunport, 218 miles
Elevation
7800 Feet
Open
June - October
Guest Capacity
50
Family fun abounds at Colorado Trails Ranch located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains just outside of historic Durango, Colorado. With its comprehensive Western riding and children’s programs plus some of the best fly-fishing in Colorado, the ranch offers and array of activities for the entire family. The vacation is perfect for singles and couples as well.
You’ll find that we tailor our riding program to accommodate all ability levels. If you’re a new rider, we’ll teach you the basics; if you’re an experienced rider, you will appreciate the quality of our horses and the opportunity to do more than just “nose-to-tail” trail rides. We offer morning, afternoon, lunch rides, and an all-day ride with no more than six guests to a wrangler. We group our rides by ability (and desire). The rides range from scenic walk rides to loping through trees and meadows. Instruction is an integral part of our program. we also offer team penning and steer soccer for a small additional charge. Please note that we do have a weight limit of 240 pounds for riders.
We offer a full-service fly-fishing program with over two miles of private water on the Florida River, special guided trips on the San Juan River, and stocked fishing on ranch ponds. Our guides provide professional services for novice and expert fishermen, and we provide all of the essential supplies and equipment our guests will need. We can set up a fishing excursion into the high country with small mountain streams and a little more challenging fishing experience as well.
In addition to horses and fishing, guests can enjoy our heated pool and hot tub, exciting river rafting in the Animas River, guided hikes, trap shooting and riflery, archery, horseshoes, volleyball and basketball. We offer an optional guided trip to Mesa Verde National Park (at an additional charge). You can also enjoy an evening at a professional rodeo most weeks (small additional charge), western dancing, a hayride, and an ice cream social.
Our children’s program divides kids aged 5 through 17 into three groups, each with their own counselor and plenty of activities. The program is geared around what the children want to do and their abilities, keeping it age specific. You can be assured that your children will experience new, fun and safe activities and, more importantly, form lasting friendships with the other kids they meet at the ranch. Childcare is available upon request at an additional charge.
Of course, you can also enjoy the peacefulness of our beautiful Colorado mountain scenery and just relax. Or, if all the activity we offer isn’t quite enough, we have a well-equipped exercise room available any time day or night.
At the ranch, dining is a gourmet experience rooted in freshness and authenticity. Every meal features locally sourced ingredients—many handpicked from our own garden—and freshly baked artisan bread. Guests enjoy three chef-prepared, gourmet meals daily during all-inclusive stays, blending refined culinary techniques with hearty ranch flavors. Mornings begin with lavish breakfasts, followed by creative lunches and elegant dinners served buffet or family style. Outdoor cookouts, plated adult dinners, and campfire feasts add variety and charm. In the off-season, à la carte menus and chef-crafted grab-and-go options shine. With advance notice, our culinary team accommodates dietary needs, ensuring every guest enjoys a truly exceptional dining experience.
Our cozy cabins feature comfortable beds and beautiful decor. Since 2013, we have replaced nearly all our cabins with new, larger cabins with living rooms, larger bedrooms and bathrooms as well as great covered porches. We have finished the replacements in 2016. Every room has its own private bath. Our cabins will easily accommodate families, couples, and singles with an array of options available with peaceful views and total comfort.
The best part about vacationing at our dude ranch is the camaraderie and the lasting friendships formed with the other guests for both children and adults. This is priceless. And the time spent with your own family creates memories to last a lifetime.
Our horseback riding caters to all levels. We offer instruction for beginning to advanced riders. Rides are grouped by ability and type of ride desired with 6 or less riders to a guide. Our fly-fishing program is also for everyone with over two miles of private river nearby plus several stocked ponds. We offer riflery, archery, trap shooting, full children/teen’s programs for three separate age groups, each with their own counselor, plus hiking, swimming, rafting, relaxing and evening programs.
Activities
Riding
Special Events
Indulge in exceptional dining at Colorado Trails Ranch. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our magnificent dining room or a relaxed cookout under Colorado’s wide open skies, every meal is crafted to impress. Our chef blends the heartiness of classic ranch fare with the creativity and quality of fine dining featuring garden-fresh vegetables and salads, house-baked breads, decadent desserts, and expertly prepared meats, fish, and poultry, grilled over an open flame or artfully plated in the dining room. With advance notice, we’re happy to accommodate most special dietary needs, ensuring every guest enjoys a truly memorable culinary experience.
Food Options
Settle into your own private mountain retreat. Our beautiful guest cabins, ranging from one to four bedrooms, are thoughtfully designed to suit families and groups of all sizes. Each cabin offers en-suite bathrooms, a cozy living room, and a covered porch—perfect for relaxing and taking in the fresh mountain air after a day full of adventure. With a mix of king, double, and bunk beds, you’ll find comfort and space for everyone to unwind and feel right at home.
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 10:00 am
6 nights (June - August)
3 nights (August - September)
Cancellation notification at least 45 days prior to arrival date will forfeit the 25% non-refundable deposit. Cancellation notification within 45 days of arrival date will forfeit the total amount of the reservation paid. Reservation adjustments such as group size or duration made within 45 days of arrival date will not receive rate adjustments.
Colorado Trails Ranch
Durango, Colorado
Nearest Regional Airport
Durango-La Plata County Airport, 30 miles