Beyond New England: The Best Fall Foliage Destinations
Temperatures are cooling. Bikinis are being swapped for sweaters. Pumpkin spice lattes are back. That’s right: fall is right around the corner – and...
1 min read
Rustic luxury is waiting for you at
Smith Fork Ranch. The all-inclusive luxury guest ranch in the West Elk Range of the Rocky Mountains near Crawford, Colorado differs from other guest ranches in several ways, but the most obvious is the size of the property. Though Smith Fork spans 300 acres, it is intimate, with
accommodations for only 28 guests. The ranch is out of cell phone range, giving guests the perfect opportunity to disconnect and get in touch with the environment (though it’s not
total disconnection – there is wifi). Open from May through October, the ranch is beautiful inside and out. Located in the Smith Fork Valley with Saddle Mountain looming high above, guests will admire the river running through the property and views of the West Elk range of the Rocky Mountains and Needle Rock. The owners of Smith Fork Ranch founded the legendary
Ghurka (makers of high quality leather goods), and all of the furniture on the ranch is custom made, featuring very high-end leathers and animal hides.
There is
an abundance of adventures available on and off the ranch, and each can be tailored to your own experience level. Guides and wranglers lead
horseback riding,
fly fishing,
skeet shooting and
archery excursions on a daily basis. There’s even a nine-hole Frisbee golf course hidden among the trees. In addition to
miles of hiking trails,
mountain bikes are available for guests to rent as well. All activities are included in the cost of lodging. Signature experiences include a cocktail horseback ride and cookout; an early morning ride ending with breakfast by the river; and youth and teen programs. Smith Fork is also launching a horseback-foraging experience when they reopen in the spring. Looking to relax and rejuvenate? A
wide variety of spa services are also available. Off-ranch activities and excursions include exploring the
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (the newest park in the National Park system), guided white water rafting, glassblowing lessons, winery and vineyard tours, and artist and artisan studio gallery tours. Guests eat well when they’re at Smith Fork. The ranch boasts
a five-star dining experience, with most of the produce coming from
the organic farmstead garden on property or from the local farming community. Guests can even gather, plant, nurture, and harvest organic fruits and vegetables that go into the ranch cuisine. Smith Fork Ranch has won several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and offers
an impressive selection of more than 400 wines. TURNER can’t wait to tell the story of Smith Fork Ranch and the amazing experiences they provide to their guests.
There is
an abundance of adventures available on and off the ranch, and each can be tailored to your own experience level. Guides and wranglers lead
horseback riding,
fly fishing,
skeet shooting and
archery excursions on a daily basis. There’s even a nine-hole Frisbee golf course hidden among the trees. In addition to
miles of hiking trails,
mountain bikes are available for guests to rent as well. All activities are included in the cost of lodging. Signature experiences include a cocktail horseback ride and cookout; an early morning ride ending with breakfast by the river; and youth and teen programs. Smith Fork is also launching a horseback-foraging experience when they reopen in the spring. Looking to relax and rejuvenate? A
wide variety of spa services are also available. Off-ranch activities and excursions include exploring the
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (the newest park in the National Park system), guided white water rafting, glassblowing lessons, winery and vineyard tours, and artist and artisan studio gallery tours. Guests eat well when they’re at Smith Fork. The ranch boasts
a five-star dining experience, with most of the produce coming from
the organic farmstead garden on property or from the local farming community. Guests can even gather, plant, nurture, and harvest organic fruits and vegetables that go into the ranch cuisine. Smith Fork Ranch has won several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and offers
an impressive selection of more than 400 wines. TURNER can’t wait to tell the story of Smith Fork Ranch and the amazing experiences they provide to their guests.
Get Your Cowboy On: A Wild West Round-up
For the ultimate authentic vacation experience, set your sights to the West – where legends come to life and tall tales beckon visitors to create...
How To Help National Parks During The Shutdown
Writer and conservationist Wallace Stegner said that America’s national parks are “the best idea we ever had. They reflect us at our best rather than...