Rainbow Trout Ranch Colorado : Dude Ranch Review

Our family vacation at the Rainbow Trout Dude Ranch in Colorado was an incredible week. Wide open vistas, long horseback rides into the hills, hiking, fishing and s’mores. The Rainbow Trout Ranch has an amazing kids program and activities for every taste and skill level. We are definitely fans after this all inclusive dude ranch experience.

Disclaimer: We were guests of the Rainbow Trout Ranch, however as always, all opinions are my own.

The Resort Buildings

The Lodge

The majestic Grand Lodge is at the center of Rainbow Trout Ranch. This historic building was built in the 1920s; and was the largest log structure of its day. The 18,000 square foot structure, rising 40 feet tall, is said to have been built without using a single nail – only wooden pegs. The lodge is jaw dropping beautiful. It includes an expansive dining room and sitting room separated by a massive double-sided stone fireplace that reaches the ceiling. There is also a library, a general post store, and the most inviting front porch you can imagine providing vast Colorado views. Upon arrival you immediately feel at home in the cozy atmosphere provided by the lodge.

Cabins

Each family visiting Rainbow Trout Ranch is provided their own private cabin located within steps of the Grand Lodge. These cabins are either two or three bedrooms and have fireplaces, living areas, scenic front porches, private bathrooms, and daily housekeeping. Each cabin is decorated in the western theme, immediately setting the stage for an amazing Colorado dude ranch experience.

Family Operated Dude Ranch

Doug and Linda Van Berkum have owned and operated Rainbow Trout Ranch for nearly 30 years. Even to this day they are active in every way. They are usually the first ones up each morning and the last ones to bed each night. Their son David and his wife Jane reside full time on the ranch and run the horse program. All 6 of the Van Berkum grandchildren have been raised on the ranch; and currently enjoy their summers working here. I inquired on the second day as to which 6 of the staff were grandkids. Up until that point I was not aware as Doug and Linda genuinely treat all of their staff and guests as family.

Dude Ranch Activities

Horseback Riding

The first thing that comes to mind when people think of a dude ranch experience is horseback riding. With 135 horses and more than 15 wranglers on staff there is no shortage of riding opportunities at Rainbow Trout Ranch. You will inform the ranch of experience levels and size before arriving. The staff then determines which horse will be best for each person. Each guest then keeps the same horse throughout the week for greater comfort and familiarity.

Before anyone rides on the first full day at the ranch all guests, returning and new, must attend a safety horse orientation. This was very helpful to our family and assured many of our worries as newbies to horseback riding. Following orientation, the first day includes a gentle morning and afternoon ride for all guests where families ride together and become acquainted with their horses.

Longer treks

Throughout the week, the children and teens normally ride with the counselors and other kids their age. Adults have the options of riding once a day, twice a day, or not at all.

Our favourite day was Thursday, when we took an all-day ride. Our wrangler led the two of us over the mountain out of the Conejos River Valley. We rode among the forests of Aspen trees, through the river, past beautiful lakes with emerald water, over green meadows and more until we reached Duck Lake. We rested there, enjoyed a picnic lunch under the warm sunshine and even took a nap. It was the most relaxing day. We greatly appreciated our wrangler Reid for being patient and taking it easy on us so that we could truly enjoy the ride.

White Water Rafting

Every Wednesday Rainbow Trout Ranch offers guests the opportunity to whitewater raft down the legendary Rio Grande River south of Taos, New Mexico. This excursion is included with your stay. However, is not located on the ranch and transportation is required. The three of us chose to take part in the excursion and made the 1.5 hour drive to the pickup location.

As an added bonus the route takes you across the famous Rio Grande Gorge Bridge that has been featured in countless movies and videos. Age requirements for white water rafting depend on the water level at the time of your visit. It was a wonderful day on the water and we were back to the ranch in time for dinner.

Hiking

Hiking is another activity included at Rainbow Trout Ranch. Hikes can be taken as part of a group activity or on your own. Our first hike was a guided afternoon waterfall hike. The hike is about 1 mile each way with some relatively steep climbing. However, the views of the waterfall make it worth every step. This is a great hike to help you acclimate to the 9,000+ foot altitude of the ranch.

We also chose to participate in the sunrise hike to the top of Charity, one of the largest outcropping behind the ranch. This strenuous hike begins at 5:45am. It is about 1 1/4 miles each way and the vertical climb is about 800 feet. The three of us were successful in making it to the top. However, it was very challenging for us that live close to sea level. The sunrise views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. Thanks to our wonderful guide Hannah we enjoyed coffee and cake along with the spectacular views.

If you need to stay connected out in this wilderness, for whatever reason (no judgement), then the Skyroam mobile wifi system is for you!

Fishing

Rainbow Trout Ranch is located on the exceptional Conejos River and provides more than a mile and a half of spectacular private fishing. The guides at the ranch provide all of the supplies needed along with their expertise.

John enjoyed fishing with his guide Harrison and caught four rainbow trout on his first attempt at fly fishing. Two days later he returned to the river on his own and caught five more. The scenery is the most relaxing setting that can be imagined. Catch and release is encouraged. However, if you choose to keep one, the ranch chef will prepare the fish for you to enjoy at mealtime.

John enjoyed fishing in Helen Georgia too. If you’re a keen fisherman / woman, then keep a note of John’s favourite spots!

Dude Ranch Specialities

Rainbow Trout Ranch offers an amazing horse program. The riding options are varied enough to accommodate everyone from beginners to experts. In addition to gentle “mosey” rides there are also intermediate level rides that include loping and trotting. In addition to the levels of riding and the destination rides, the ranch also offers team-sorting. This activity takes place inside the arena as guests attempt to sort and herd cattle while on horseback. Payton fell in love with this activity.

Saturday afternoons are time for rodeo fun on the ranch. Children (and adults) are given the opportunity to show off the skills learned during the week. There is barrel racing, poles, team penning and more. We were astonished at the progress Payton had made during the week on the ranch. It was absolutely incredible.

Kids Activities

Cowpokes

During our stay Payton took part in the Cowpoke group for kids ages 6-11. This program includes arena and trail riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, sports, games, and crafts. Children ride with the program each morning and often enjoy non-horseback activities in the afternoon. Each day the children return to enjoy lunch with their parents unless the parents on taking part in an all day activity. In that case the children remain with their counselor for lunch. Payton enjoyed making new friends, building forts in the pasture, swimming in the pool, and everything else that came along with being a cowpoke. Rainbow Trout Ranch provides an opportunity for kids of all ages to get outdoors and be kids.

Other age groups include the Buckaroos (children ages 3-5) and Teenagers (12 and up). In addition to the traditional ranch activities, the teenage group also enjoys mountain frisbee golf, hikes, day trips, basketball, cornhole, pizza parties, and the famous capture the flag on Friday night.

Hayrides

During the week on the ranch, Doug becomes somewhat of a grandfather to all the kids. He sits on the front porch and tells stories of the first school he attended. He tells of how he taught math and encourages them in school. Doug also joins them around the campfire at night and demonstrates how to roast the perfect marshmallow for s’mores. He even teaches them songs during the week that they perform on Saturday night in the lodge.

Doug and his prized draft horses also load up the kids at least twice during the week for the famous hayrides through the pastures of Rainbow Trout Ranch. I have no doubt that he remembers as much about each child that visits as they do about him.

Additional activities for kids

In addition to the traditional ranch activities, Rainbow Trout Ranch offers a multitude of other entertainment options as well. There is an in ground pool complete with a slide, an outdoor dining area and hot tub. Nearby there is also a basketball court and an area for corn hole. Downstairs below the main lodge is a recreational room complete with air hockey, ping pong, pool tables and more.

Food at the Rainbow Trout Ranch

Head Chef Sean has been preparing masterpiece meals at Rainbow Trout Ranch for 11 years in a row and it definitely shows. Our welcome dinner included steak, potatoes, green bean casserole, fresh baked bread and a dessert buffet complete with every topping imaginable for the perfect ice cream sundae. During the week we feasted upon chicken and steak fajitas, pork loin, chicken soppas, lasagna, bbq pork and ribs, burgers, sandwiches, soups and more. Thursday night we were served an entire Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

Every meal was served with a dessert. Thanksgiving dinner included two. From an elaborate breakfast each morning to the final coffee and dessert of the evening the food was plentiful and delicious.

The majority of the meals are served in the dining room of the main lodge. However, two days we enjoyed lunch by the pool and one evening dinner in the picnic area on the riverbank. We were scheduled for a second dinner on the riverbank but the rain and hail storm had other plans.

Friday nights are a special occasion at Rainbow Trout Ranch. The buckaroos and cowpokes join Doug and the counselors for hayrides, hot dogs and s’mores on an open fire. The teens enjoy a pizza party followed by a game of capture the flag. The adults are then treated to the most spectacular candlelight dinner in the lodge.

Anyone who reads this blog will know how much we love our food and are definitely foodies! From craft beer to cooking fresh salmon and dining in style – we love it all!

Entertainment at the ranch

There is no shortage of entertainment at Rainbow Trout Ranch. The seasonal staff are energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about the ranch and the kids. You never know what will happen next. However, I can guarantee that if you hang around the pool long enough someone will be thrown in, cowboy hat and all. There really is never a dull moment.

On Tuesday after dinner the staff and guests come together under the stars for line dancing. Dances are taught, practiced and enjoyed as the sun sets and the stars come to life. Wednesday night is for trivia as families and teams compete for prizes. On Thursday evening we were treated to a John Denver Tribute performance by Chris Collins in the East Room.

Saturday night is the final evening on the ranch. During this time there were songs performed by the children, a talent show for everyone, and special performances from the staff. Payton commented the next day that it was the first time she had ever laughed so hard that her ribs hurt.

Before visiting remember…

• Altitude sickness is real. The ranch is located 9K feet above sea level. For those of us living closer to sea level, the effects are real. Remember to drink plenty of water during your visit and take your time when hiking and climbing.
  
• Boots with a slip-on heel are required for horseback riding. Do not feel as if you must purchase a pair for the week. The ranch has a massive boot box on the back porch. You are more than welcome to find your size and use them during your visit.
  
• Hats are very important when riding. At that elevation the sun is much closer to your head. Trust me. There is a wall full of cowboy hats in the barn. You are welcome to borrow one when you ride. There is also sunscreen available and I would recommend bringing your own as well.
  
• Water bottles are also necessary when riding and hiking. The weather is cooler but there is much less oxygen. The general store located in the lodge has bottles available for purchase that fit perfectly into the saddle. I would recommend buying one here instead of bringing your own. With the logo included it serves as a souvenir as well. Ask Caroline and she will be happy to engrave your name on it.
  
• Tips are not automatically added to your final bill, as the owners feel the amount is entirely discretionary. Tips are put into a pool and distributed among all of the staff at the end of the contract. Most of these kids are working to save money for college expenses in the coming school year. We recommend a customary tip of 17-20%.
  
• Be ready for some amazing starry skies and possible meteor showers. The sun is closer at this altitude and so are the stars. The sky is absolutely amazing and crystal clear at night.

Dude Ranch Review: Rainbow Trout Ranch Colorado

We have visited a multitude of resorts over the years and have truly enjoyed all of them. However, Rainbow Trout Ranch is different. It is obvious from the moment you walk through the door and are greeted personally by Linda. The ranch is not just a vacation. It is a family that takes you in for a week and treats you like one of their own. You feel safe and secure allowing your kids to be kids. Being free to roam and explore in acres of wilderness. It was as if we stepped back in time for a week. The pace slowed down, the stresses relaxed and the family time skyrocketed.

It really was the little things that I remember the most. The sound of the dinner bell signaling it was time to eat. Seeing the kids throwing a frisbee to the resident dogs on the lawn. The massive front porch that always provided a fabulous breeze and lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds. It was Doug personally building a fire in the lodge at 5:30 every morning and keeping everyone’s coffee cup full during the week. Those are the things that set Rainbow Trout Ranch apart from the others and the reasons that families continue to return year after year.

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