Thinking about Colorado Dude Ranches?

March 11th, 2010

There is something very special about Colorado. Along with the rich history and stunning landscape, Colorado holds a balance between the wild west and the new west.

We love our horses, and wide open spaces, but we also practice sustainable land practice, and natural horsemanship.

We have a delicious steak ride every week. Steak ride is when we jump on horseback and ride up the valley to a delicious cook-out dinner with our chef Wray Warner. But steak ride also means fine wine and cocktails, a delectable array of cheeses and snacks, along with big, juicy steak.

Our Rocky Mountain Vacations also include fly fishing in some of the most pristine waters you could hope for. In what is called “private tailwaters“, we have only catch and release fishing. So we give every angler the excitement of the catch.

Come and experience a more than a horseback riding vacation -  4UR ranch will bring you back in time while caring for the land so that it will be pristine for your grandchildren and ours.

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What makes us a Colorado Luxury Dude Ranch?

March 4th, 2010

There are dude ranches, and then there are luxury dude ranches. That’s 4UR. We are way beyond your basic BBQ & beds setup. Here are some of the small details and big amenities that make 4UR ranch more than your average guest ranch.

Dining: We recruited our chef, Wray Warner, from the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole. Some of his specialties include unique home-made ice creams, and ambitious pasta, beef and fish dinner entrees. One of my favorites is a mushroom pasta that has been prepared to allow the delicate flavors of the fungi to come out.

It’s not just about dinner, breakfast and lunch are stunning as well. I love to start breakfast with the home-made granola and yogurt, along with hot, strong coffee. We also serve unique cook-to-order breakfast dishes. Breakfast is a very personalized meal, and we want you to feel right at home.

Even lunch is a special affair, esp. on Wednesdays when we hold our Mexican luncheon poolside. We have fajitas, chips, guacamole, cold Coronas and margaritas. Box lunches are also available to take out for your fly fishing trip.

Bathing: We have great “watering holes” – literally! Our pool is large and refreshing; there is plenty of deck space for lounging or playing games with family. We have tables if you want to sit in the shade umbrellas and have a cold drink or a snack. The pool is the place to be, if you ask me!
The hot springs are what Wagon Wheel Gap was originally famous for. In the early 1900s, General William Palmer founded the Wagon Wheel Gap Hot Springs Resort. The Hot Springs were thought to have medicinal qualities; we still have the historic bath house on property. You can still enjoy the Hot Springs, they are just adjacent to the pool and may still have the power to cure what ails you.
The sauna is here for you to enjoy as well – it is also in the pool area, and next to it is our massage parlor. This is relaxation central, and something that makes 4UR quite luxurious.

colorado fly fishing

Catch a beauty in our "Private Tailwaters"

Fly Fishing Vacation: Our fly fishing is renowned as spectacular. We divide our pristine Goose Creek into 15 “stations”, each a 1/3 mile, which are assigned by lottery in the evening. This system keeps everything fair, and assures each fisher-person prime waters at a prime time nearly every day.

Along with Goose Creek, there are four stations on the Rio Grande and one in the Weminuche Wilderness. You may also take a guided fishing trip above timberline to Lost Lakes for rare Rio Grande cutts, or fish Station 21, a trophy pond in the ranch valley. All waters are catch and release fly fishing only, except for Walton Pond, which is a great place to start practicing with your little angler.

Goose Creek’s drainage is quite unique. Flowing from the Weminuche Wilderness, it passes through only two private properties before reaching the Rio Grande; the 4UR Ranch and our neighbors upstream. Our neighbor’s reservoir feeds the creek from its cool waters via an 80-foot dam, making this creek one of only a handful of private tailwaters in America. Andy Lee and Aaron Christenson have spent their years with us managing the stream rigorously. This, along with our catch and release practices make for some surprisingly big, well-colored trout. Look forward to seeing rainbows, browns, snake river cutts, cutt-bow hybrids and even brookies.

As you can see, 4UR Ranch is more than boots and dusty arenas – come here for something completely unique.

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Shopping in Creede – the Creede Beadery

February 22nd, 2010

Our wonderful Damon Gibbons is usually donning some pretty neat jewelry. I know what you’re thinking, “Cowboys wear jewelry?”. Welcome to the 21st century people. Yes, cowboys wear jewelry and Dude Ranches serve 3 gourmet meals a day. At least that’s how things go around here! Part of the motivation for his adornments is that his lovely wife Kiera is the owner of the Creede Beadery. She has some very elegant designs; families have a great time in the summer taking a break from riding and swimming to create some lovely bracelets, necklaces and even earrings to commemorate their rocky mountain vacation.

Some history about the shop (as described on the Creede Beadery website):

One of Keira's creations, the Rosaline

One of Kiera's designs, the Rosaline

Creede Beadery was originally Lovering’s Bead Loft, which opened above J. Thompson’s Gallery in 2001. It was owned by Jan & John Thompson, and has a great following of bead lovers who come every summer to create great new designs. Jan and John felt the bead business was growing too big for their loft, and Jan wanted to focus more on her passion for pastel drawing, using the loft to teach classes and expand into her own personal studio. On April 23, 2008, the Thompsons sold their beads to Damon & Kiera Gibbons, who in turn have moved the Location up the street to Pappy’s Place; a great historic building offering a wonderful studio space for patrons to use, and continue to create their fine pieces.

She also sells pre-made pieces, and you can even reserve the beadery for a party! Can you imagine how fun that would be? All the new friends you child has made the Colorado Dude Ranch getting together at the end of the week for a fun craft event? I know it can be hard to pull yourself away from the ranch, but historic Creede is worth a visit, as is the fabulous beadery here in town.

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Kids Stay Free during your Fly Fishing Vacation

February 17th, 2010

4UR Ranch has always been family-oriented, and we are trying to encourage more family time during Kids Stay Free weeks during June 5 -12 and Aug. 14-21.

Enjoy a discounted stay with your kids at 4UR Ranch

Can you believe that it is more than half way through February? Spring is going to arrive at the guest ranch before we know it. It is still plenty snowy and cold up here, but we are hoping the worst of it is behind us now.

As we start to think about spring and guest arrival, we think you should be also. Have you made plans with your family for some time away, together? Take advantage of an amazing deal for a horseback riding vacation with your kids – for free! Our head wrangler Damon takes good care of all our riders old and young. He selects other qualified wranglers to help him work with the kids riding program. We have all different types of horses at 4UR for our different levels of riders. Our kids get real loving rides – horses that can help with the learning process of becoming a horseman or woman.

We try to provide a balanced amount of time between the kids program and family time. You, the parent, will have large chunks of the afternoon and morning to do what you want on your rocky mountain vacation – whether it be fly fishing, laying by the pool, visiting our hot springs or just taking in the stunning beauty of Wagon Wheel Gap.

Make sure to give us a call (719-658-2202) to check availability during our kids stay free weeks. This is a unique chance to make plans with your family at a highly discounted rate.

Adult Only Dude Ranch Weeks

January 27th, 2010

What can you look forward to when you plan a dude ranch vacation during one of 4UR’s adult only weeks? Well, if it were my vacation, this is what the day would go like:

Sleep in. No kids jumping on the bed, leisurely drinking coffee and wandering up to breakfast. Most difficult decision of the day so far: eggs or granola and yogurt?
Finish breakfast almost in time for lunch. Head to the pool for a swim and some sunning. Read a book, drink a Corona, and catch a nap even.

Catch a big one during Adult only weeks at 4UR

Get ready for steak ride. One of my favorite rides at 4UR guest ranch, this would be even more of a hoot as an adults-only affair, I can imagine! A nice ride up the valley to a perfect spot for a cook-out dinner with cold beers, tasty wine and fine cocktails. I remember this night as being a very special one during a horseback riding vacation for families – songs around the campfire after dinner, all that jazz. But I can imagine how it would turn into a party during adults only weekend!

4UR ranch is always a peaceful place, but it takes on a whole new level of serene when it’s just us grownups. If you happen to have a grandparent or friend available for babysitting the weeks of Aug. 21 or Aug. 28, come out and relax with us in style.

4UR Guest Ranch History

January 19th, 2010

The 4UR Ranch has a long history. The property which we now care for has been attracting people for over 100 years. Ranching and tourism are not new to the Upper Rio Grande Valley. Settlers began farming at Wagon Wheel Gap as early as 1840. One of the earliest ranches, the Wason Ranch, was homesteaded in 1871.
By the mid–1870s, tourist activities also began to thrive along the Rio Grande. Guide books talking about the wild and unsettled beauty of the American West. Nearly 15 years before there was a town called Creede, a hotel opened at Wagon Wheel Gap.

The Old Silver Mine on 4UR Ranch

The Old Silver Mine here at 4UR Ranch

The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad began transporting eager tourists into the area as early as 1883 with the opening of the depot at Wagon Wheel Gap. Fishermen would ride the train to a favorite “hole,” disembark to fish for the day, and then catch a ride on a returning train. The Utes’ favored hot springs soon became a popular spa with tourists coming in droves to “take the waters.” Praise for the curative and restorative benefits, both by drinking from the bubbling hot springs as well as bathing in the soothing flow, spread through publications promoted by the railroad. A lavish bathhouse sheltered guests as they luxuriated in the therapeutic springs. (source)

The historic bathhouse still stands at 4UR Dude Ranch as a poignant reminder of those early tourism heydays. We invite you to continue this tradition of enjoying and exploring the beauty of Wagon Wheel Gap, during a true Western Vacation at 4UR Ranch.

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Kids Stay Free Dude Ranch Vacations

January 7th, 2010

Do you have a blossoming equestrian at home? Bring your kids for free this summer!I was in love with horses as a young girl (a continuing love affair!), and not much would have made me happier than hearing my parents say, “We’re all going to a guest ranch this summer for a week!” Let us help you make dreams come true and create great memories during 4UR Ranch’s Kids Stay Free weeks. This is new special from us. During the weeks of June 5-12 and Aug. 14-21 bring your kids to 4UR for all the fun at no additional cost to you.

A stay at 4UR is more than a horseback riding vacation, we have an  outstanding kids program where your tots will be hiking, playing and swimming. We even have a big sleepover night in the lodge! At the end of the week, the kids have a rodeo to show off all their new cowboy and cowgirl skills. It’s a great time for all.

Parents will also have plenty to entertain them during the vacation in the Rocky Mountains. We have delicious meals and fine dining every day, a tasteful selection of wines and spirits, and of course the hot springs are here. Ride, shoot trap and most important relax. Enjoy time with the ones you love the most, and do it at a great lowered price.

Make sure to call us for all the details on our kids stay free weeks at 719-658-2202.

Adults Only Guest Ranch Weeks

December 29th, 2009

4UR isn’t holding any family ranch vacations right now, but we do have special times allotted this summer for those with kids and those that are looking for a bit of solace from the hustle and bustle of children. Look forward to the last two weeks in August being adult only weeks for Rocky mountain vacations at 4UR. The ranch is always a place where peace and quiet can be found, but sometimes it is good to have a little grown-up time, where you can let your hair down and enjoy the hot springs and swimming pool without any floaty toys in the water with you.

Interior of the Lodge

Interior of the Lodge

Dining has always been an important aspect of our Western vacations. We actually open up our dining room to non-4UR guests from Creede, so that if they want to have some fine dining they don’t have to drive all the way to Denver! This can be a wonderful time during adult only week to share some fine wine and food with your travel companions and the new friends you will meet at the ranch. Swap fishing stories, hiking favorites, and enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs before you retire to your comfortable cabin.

Take the time to find your peace of mind through the variety of great activities we have at the ranch. Fly fishing might be your tonic: the cool gurgle of Goose Creek is sure to soothe. For me personally, there is little more relaxing than getting on horseback and taking to the trails. The rhythm of the animal’s movements always allows me to think, and get outside myself for a while.

Whatever it may be, come to 4UR for an adults only dude ranch vacation and find a little peace of mind.

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4UR Guest Ranch plays a part in the Slow Food Movement

December 15th, 2009

Just after Thanksgiving Damon helped our neighbor Gil Motta to transport 10 grass-fed steers to a natural grass-fed beef market near Carbondale, Colorado. Gils’ steers were 100% grass-fed and grass-finished – no antibiotics, no hormones, etc. In creating this all-natural product, Gil was also using a high-density, low-duration grazing rotation. We discussed this style of Holistic Resource Management in an earlier post. The 4UR does not raise any cattle here independently, but we did have some of Gil’s heads on our land this fall. The grazing style he is using also holds benefits for the soil and nitrogen cycle, so we were pleased to be supporting these practices.  Our Colorado dude ranch is getting the benefit of this grazing technique, and also sending our grass to a niche market.

Every person is responsible for caring for this earth

Every person is responsible for caring for this earth

Damon and Gil delivered the steers to Felix Tornare of the Milagro Ranch, an all grass-fed beef ranch on the bluffs above the Roaring Fork Valley.  Felix told us about his network of Aspen area restaurants which have slowly adapted to using and promoting local, natural, and slow-food sources.  He and his wife got started with a bakery that sold to the restaurants of the area.  Aspen magazine did and article on them in their Best of Aspen issue 2007.  They have been very successful and it was encouraging to share their story.  It is also neat to think of how our family dude ranch has now had a small role in the slow-foods movement.
Damon and the other ranch owners and managers will be having a meeting with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) next month during which they will be developing a plan for the 2010 growing season and beyond. As stewards of this precious valley, we want to provide family ranch vacations for our grandchildren and beyond.

Guest Ranch Fishing Guide in Local News

December 11th, 2009
Drew Silvernail may help you catch the big one this summer!

Drew Silvernail may help you catch the big one this summer!

Our very own Drew Silvernail was featured in an article in AL.com, a web site covering local Alabama news. This is his home state and they were interested to hear how he had fallen in love with fly fishing in the Rockies.
He came to us to assist as a fly fishing guide for our Rocky Mountain Vacations over the summer, and was a great asset. He has stayed on to help out a little on the ranch and assist Aaron with the boys basketball team.  He is also coaching the pee wee basketball team. The story covers his experience and education in Alabama, and his first experience fly fishing in Alaska. It is quite an exciting story, and we don’t blame him for falling in love with the art of the fly rod! We try to share these same kind of exciting and unforgettable experiences during our summer Western Vacations, both on the stream and elsewhere on the ranch.

We are happy that Drew is still with us, and look forward to another summer with him during family ranch vacation season. He is great with the kids. You can see the article on Drew here.