Fishing and other Outdoor Recreation, Gourmet Dining and “Edutaining” Activities for Kids
Shawnee, Colo. (Nov. 19, 2013) – Colorado’s dude & guest ranches provide the perfect getaway for a multi-generational family vacation. There’s something for everyone in the family — from kids and teens to parents and grandparents with this mini-destination experience. All of the 27 certified ranches including Cherokee Park Ranch, Tarryall River Ranch, Lost Valley Ranch, Rainbow Trout Ranch, Sylvandale Ranch and Latigo Ranch offer everything from horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking to crafts and photo workshops, swimming, hay rides and much more. These activities are included in the quoted daily rate and you get to pick how you want to spend the week.
Your Week at the Ranch
Some of the things you’re likely to experience include:
- A welcome campfire or dinner with staff introductions
- Horse orientation and training – ride as much or as little as you like. Experienced wranglers match guests to the perfect horse and make sure they ride trails equal to their ability and desire.
- Decide how you want to spend each day – some guests like to ride in the morning, fish in the afternoon, and read by the fire or play board games in the evening.
- The week culminates with a send off dinner, barn dance or cookout, and other activities.
Kids Programs
Nearly all the ranches offer extensive and “edutaining” children’s programs. Educational and entertaining, the programs feature Old West activities from horseback riding and gold panning, to campfire building and archery. The kids can enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and more. Family rides allow everyone to saddle up together, while Kids’ game night gives parents some pampered time alone at a candle light adults-only dinner in the dining room. All children are matched up with others their own age and are led by trained, qualified counselors.
Activities
Guided horseback rides, llama pack trips, overnight pack trips, chuck wagon cookouts and campfire cuisine are among the various Western experiences available at the ranches. Plenty of delicious (and often gourmet) hot food is served and dry and comfy tents with warm bedding is provided. Other outdoor activities at the ranch include archery, volleyball, tennis and fishing.
Fishing: Wet a line along stretches of private or leased Gold Medal rivers and explore secluded ponds with your family. Everyone can fish, regardless of age or experience. In fact fly-fishing is a specialty at some of the member ranches such as 4UR Ranch, North Fork Ranch, The High Lonesome Ranch, Colorado Trails Ranch, and Bar Lazy J Ranch.
Most ranches stock their own ponds or are near local streams and lakes where the ranch staff can advise guests on best spots to find fish, and many can outfit them with the latest gear or put them in touch with a seasoned outfitter for instruction and guided trips.
The Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association (CDGRA) is comprised of 27 certified ranches located throughout the mountains and mesas of Colorado. For more information and/or request your free Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch vacation guide and DVD, visit www.coloradoranch.com.
