Hey howdy hey! I brought my grandson with me this year. We had a life altering event in January and I knew the hospitality and genuine care I have experienced here would be just the thing to help our healing process. I was not wrong. Between the excellence of care by every single person there and the healing presence of the horses, our experience was everything we could have asked for and more. The genuine family atmosphere pulls you right in and cocoons you with very intentional inclusion. The 'Cowboy Way' is alive and well. The food was so well prepared and delicious! The scenery is breathtaking...and we loved our cabin with the front porch to witness all of God's Glory! We will be back again next year (maybe sooner!). We have made good friends with a few of the other visitors and staff. We look forward to seeing everyone again. Sandy Maxwell read more

This is truly an incredible place. My wife and I have 5 kids and we first visited Rainbow Trout Ranch (RTR) back in 2019. We were worried that our kids would not like this type of vacation, as we are not "Horse People" and had never been to a Dude Ranch before. After the 2nd day at RTR all five of our kids told us we needed to sign up for the next year as they were having such a great time. We have now been to RTR five times and have already signed up for the summer of 2024. RTR is set in the beautiful San Juan Mountains right next to the Conejos River. The ranch backs up to the Rio Grand National Forest which provides endless opportunities for horseback riding or hiking in a gorgeous environment with no crowds. You can go the whole week without seeing anyone besides the RTR staff and guests. There is so much to do at RTR: Horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, skeet shooting, archery, swimming, poker night, Western Dance Night, etc. What really makes this so special is the incredible staff. Everyone from the management team to the wranglers, fisherman, wait staff, maintenance staff - they are all wonderful people and have always provided an awesome environment for our family. And a week away from screens and devices makes RTR even better. The one drawback is the food is too awesome and it's easy to gain a pound or two as the meals are plentiful and delicious! The big surprise for our family after our first visit: We asked all 5 of our kids what was their favorite part of the week. They all said "Western Dance Night". They had the best time doing something they had never done before. We are not Horse People or Cowboys but one week out of the year we put on our western wear and we fit right in. Honestly I can see our family continuing with this annual weekly vacation for years to come. We love Rainbow Trout Ranch! read more

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I recently spent a week at the ranch with my family and we had a fantastic experience. From the moment we stepped out of our rental we were greeted by name and welcomed in. The whole staff knew us and spent the rest of the week making us feel like family. The ranch is beautiful and the accomodations were fantastic. From horseback riding to hiking, fishing, and various other activities the whole week went by too fast. The staff is absolutely wonderful and we made several new friends along the way. Everything is well planned and the freedom to do most whatever you want is amazing. We had wonderful rides and hikes and got to really learn about riding. The scenery is out of this world beautiful and I hope to return again. I would highly recommend this ranch to anyone interested. read more

Quick look rating: 5/5 Quality To note: Dude ranch that is hidden back in the woods of southern Colorado. Be warned to have a vehicle that can handle very rough roads! The scenery is breath taking! While there you must take a guided horse trail ride. Take your camera, but don't get so caught up in your trail ride, LISTEN to your trail guide! There are bears, cougars, and other wild dangerous animals in the area! The main lodge is huge! It is so fun to check out, there are a great deal of fly fishing items to check out, from historic bamboo fly rods to ancient fly fishing pics! Outside on the covered porch is a great place to sit and rock with a good book! The fresh breeze and view is just unbelievable, in the summer! Outstanding fly fishing, they have some great private waters on the Coñejos River. You do want when your first there to get a local guide! They will know what hatches are happening and where to take you! Not only are there the private water, but a whole valley to go fly fishing! The roads are very rough, drive slow and safe. Make sure your spare tire is ok as well! The fly rods for this area go from a 6 weight on down to a 3 weight. In the evenings throwing a heavy streamer / or mouse for a big brown. During the days, go for a lighter rod! **To note: If the water changes color fast or rises, get out and head for high ground, fast! Most likely, water from the dam up above has been released and may just get higher. Do note where your fly fishing buddies are and get them out as well! Do not be stupid, there is always another day to catch those trout! Bottom line: Great place to take the family! read more

Upsides/Downside We have been here twice now so I feel pretty comfortable writing Upsides: Amazing getaway for almost everyone Your day starts with a greeting from Jane " Good morning beautiful people". You certainly begin to believe she means you very quickly. In fact the entire Van Berkum family is so genuinely warm and engaging you feel so very welcome Families with kids, couples, seniors will all find something wonderful here. The Lodge- wonderful fires in huge fireplaces; beautiful long wrap around porch to enjoy fantastic views and meet new and possibly lifelong friends or a place to quietly reflect in stunning beauty- your choice. Food- Gourmet meets Comfort Presentation is amazing, servers are friendly and well trained and so very attentive. You will never have a meal that isn't beautiful, satisfying and delicious. Picnics are frequent and sack lunches always available should you want an all day hike or ride. Cabins-rustic feel but very well appointed. Beautiful wood burning fireplaces. Super comfy beds, nice bathrooms. All amazingly maintained and fantastically clean. Outdoor stuff- fly fishing with or without guides. RTR provides all the gear at no extra $. Great and uncrowded fishing spots; hiking opps everywhere for all levels with phenomenal views. There are river rafting opps- which we did not have time to do but they are there. There is a nice pool. It was being updated while we were there but the hot-tub was awesome- very clean and so well maintained. We used this often. Horseback riding- This is the most amazing part. We own and ride our own horses and we are livestock people. We are really critical when it comes to animal care and training- really critical. The horses are so wonderfully taken care of and in such amazingly fantastic condition. Jane and David are world class horse people with their training skills, riding skills and ability to match the horse to rider. All you have to do is be honest and open about your skill and comfort level with horses. They actually let you really ride horses from playdays to incredible mountain rides. You will love this even if you are the most beginner of beginners to an avid experienced rider. Here is the hard part- The Downside You have to leave eventually Note: We are making reservations for trip three this week. read more

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It is difficult to explain our week long experience at Rainbow Trout Ranch without actually experiencing it yourself. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone to experience what Doug and Linda and their beautiful hard-working family and staff have arranged for each one of their guests. It was tough for the adults and kids to say goodbye on our last morning, but we hope to return again to visit our new friends. Thank you for your genuine efforts in in providing each one of us truly memorable experiences riding, hiking, fly fishing, dancing, eating, and getting to know many of you. read more

I can't imagine a better dude ranch than the Rainbow Trout. We went with 3 couples and all three of our wives where scared to ride when we showed up. Boy did that change. We all had an incredible time. The family that runs the ranch are so fun and accommodating that it's hard to imagine a better ranch. And the valley is just spectacular. Thanks to Doug, Linda, Dave and Jane for making great memories for us. We will be back will a bigger group next time. Signed the Michigan Six read more

Well, we've been there five years in adults week and really love the place. We've tried several other ranches in CO. MT and WY, but keep coming back here because it is just the best combination of scenery, horseback riding, seclusion, dining, lodging, and above all, the great hospitality of the owners. Yahoo! read more

There is no better dude ranch in all of the United States... and I have been to many of them over the years. Rainbow Trout Ranch is far and beyond the best. The historic charm of the property, the hospitality, excellent ranch fare, scenery, and the treatment of the animals is unmatched. Families, singles, sister weeks, whatever your vacation needs are, this is the ranch for you. Whether you are a newbie or experienced rider, all levels are welcomed. Not a rider? No worries! There is fishing, white water rafting, skeet shooting, archery, hiking, historic train rides, or just holding the rocking chair in place on the deck while watching the day go by.... it's all here! Memories are awaiting you. I keep coming back and you will, too! read more

tell you all when they show an old piece of iron and it's left over from a septic tank that should tell you how your experience will be I mean really they show you photos they're proud of of the property enjoy your Outhouse septic tank fishing read more

Wanted to spend some money here but after calling and talking to one person, then leaving a few messages and even an email ,no one had the time to take my reservation. I guess they don't really need any business .... I went elsewhere , lots of places around. read more

This place lives up to it's reputation as a first class Dude Ranch! The owners Doug and Linda are salt of the earth, very hard working, friendly, accommodating---really the perfect hosts. My daughters and I recently visited this ranch for the first time and loved every minute of our stay! This ranch is set in a part of Colorado that few people think to visit which makes it the perfect get-away from the crowded tourist destinations. The ranch is on 600 acres of the most gorgeous scenery you could ever imagine. The ranch also butts up agains the Rio Grande National Forest so your horse back adventure is truely epic.The staff is very knowledgable, professional, and will treat you as one of their own family. Look no further, you can't go wrong booking your next vacation with this outfit. read more