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| Straddling the Smith Fork River valley, midway between
Aspen and Telluride as the eagle flies, sits Smith Fork Ranch, one of the most
secluded private mountain retreats in North America. |
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| Experience firsthand what wonders the West Elk Mountains
have to offer at Smith Fork Ranch. With grand peaks, deep canyons, lush basins
and clear waters, the several hundred thousand acres of wilderness surrounding
the Ranch beckon visitors out with vibrant beauty, making their own appeal to
our guests' sense of adventure. |
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| The guest house at Smith Fork Ranch was originally built in
the 1940's to house the ranch owners' large family. It has recently been
restored with a gracious rustic character, and renovated for guest
accommodations. |
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| The chef prepares fine cuisine that features local
ingredients such as game meats, lamb, poultry, trout and Western Colorado's
excellent fresh produce and fruits. The wonderfully prepared natural and
organically grown foods, the selection of truly special wines and beverages,
the friendly gracious service, all come together in a splendid atmosphere,
indoors and out. |
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| Smith Fork Ranch is a paradise for children who want to
expereince the West and learn or hone skills in such activities as horseback
riding, fly fishing and hiking in the backcountry. There are SFR staff members
on hand who specialize in organizing activities for children and can customize
special programs suited for your child's age, interests and needs. Clinics and
arena games on horseback, fishing, archery, frog hunting, Frisbee golf, roping,
western style treature hunt, arts and crafts are among the many activities
offered. |
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| Sunsets at the Ranch, with Needle Rock towering in the
foreground, are almost always spectacular and an evening trail ride is an
excellent way to enjoy them. |
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| For those who prefer the human powered mode of travel, the
Smith Fork Ranch is a perfect base camp for the casual walker and avid hiker
alike. The adjacent Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness provide
hundreds of miles of trails for anything from a leisurely half hour jaunt to a
full day backcountry experience. We have perfect trails for wildlife viewing
and photography, wildflower meadows or aspen forests in their fall colors.
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| Ride into the backcountry to spend the evening relaxing in
the solitude of your campsite, and have a gourmet dinner by the campfire. Enjoy
a wonderful night's rest in one of our comfortable and roomy outfitter's tents,
and awake to enjoy the aromas of fresh coffee and hot breakfast, along with the
early-morning sights and sounds of the awakening forest. |
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North Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada
U.S.
Reservations: 904-288-0036
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| Luxurious guest quarters in the rustic tradition
-breathtaking views in every direction -highly acclaimed cuisine using local
organically grown vegetables, fruits, poultry and regional game -a superb wine
cellar -outstanding fly fishing on miles of private waters -a stable of
well-trained riding horses -expert guides for fishing, riding, hiking and
endless other outdoor activities. |
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| All of the original buildings on Smith Fork Ranch were
built by hand between 1890 and 1950. Four private cabins, the guesthouse, the
Dinner Bell Cook House and the Old Elk lodge have been built or restored and
refurbished with modern comforts hidden within their original, historic
character. Whether you want to go fishing, riding or hiking, Smith Fork Ranch
is a great gateway to adventure. |
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| The guest house is an expansive, two-story log house with
two river-rock fireplaces, and a beautiful porch that wraps around its northern
and western sides. The front door opens into a first floor that holds an
intimate sitting room with stone fireplace, a living room/library with
fireplace, a small kitchenette, and an enclosed sun porch. There is also a
guest suite with separate entrance and bath on the first floor. |
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| The second floor of the house is made up of four guest
bedrooms, each with its own unique character, and all with incredible views of
the surrounding West Elk mountains. Two of the rooms are furnished with
queen-size beds, and the other two with twin beds that can be converted to king
beds. Each guest room has its own private bath. |
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| Located in the heart of Colorado's beautiful Gunnison
National Forest, the Smith Fork Ranch offers first rate flyfishing in a
breathtaking mountain setting. With several trout ponds and nearly three miles
of private water on the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River, the Ranch offers an
exceptional and diverse watershed in which to enjoy the excitement of Rocky
Mountain flyfishing. Wild brown, brookie, cutthroat and rainbow trout populate
its waters. You can meet your private guide in the Fly Shop after breakfast,
fish all morning, enjoy a streamside picnic, fish all afternoon and still not
see another soul all day long without leaving the ranch property. |
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| The vast Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness
Areas are crisscrossed by hundred of miles of old indian and trappers trails,
and most are places where motorized vehicles either can't go or are not
allowed. |
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| The Smith Fork Ranch is located just minutes away from the
famous gold medal waters of the Gunnison River. The "Gunny" as it is known to
the locals, winds through the breathtaking Black Canyon National Park and the
Gunnison Gorge. The Gunnison receives very little fishing pressure compared to
many of the other rivers in Colorado and its large and healthy trout population
is an anglers paradise. |
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| For the more adventurous, several majestic 12,000 foot
peaks are within reach, boasting views of several of Colorado's fourteeners and
peaks as distant as Utah's LaSal Mountains. In addition, the Black Canyon of
the Gunnison National Park with its 3,000 foot deep gorge and awe-inspiring
cliffs is only minutes away, and is strongly recommended side trip for all of
our guests. |
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2004 Rates: 7-night Package (Sunday to Sunday) May 26 –
October 15...Guest House Rooms (2 persons, each with private bath): Sleeping
Indian $5600. Saddle Mountain $5600. Needle Rock $5600. Mendicant Ridge $5600.
West Elk Suite $5600. Extra person $1900. Spruce Cabin (2 persons) $5600. Extra
person $1900. 1 bedroom, bath & sitting room with gas log stove. Aspen
Cabin (4 persons): $8400. 2 small bedrooms (one with bunk beds), bath &
sitting room with gas log stove. Oak Cabin (4 persons): $11,200. Extra person
$1900. 2 bedrooms, bath & sitting room with gas log stove. River Cabin (6
persons): $18,000. Extra persons $2,100. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room with
river rock fireplace, screened porch, hot tub on deck accommodates 6-10 guests.
Deduct $500 per Nanny. Babysitting available for $10.00 per hour. Shoulder
Season Rates 2005: May 26-June 19 / September 5-October 15. (3 Night Minimum
Stay) Guest House Rooms (2 persons, each with private bath): Sleeping Indian
$850 per night. Saddle Mountain $850 per night. Needle Rock $850 per night.
Mendicant Ridge $850 per night. West Elk Suite $850 per night; Extra person
$290. Spruce Cabin: $850 per night; Extra person $290. Aspen Cabin (4 persons):
$1300 per night. Oak Cabin (4 persons): $1700 per night; Extra person $290.
River Cabin (6 persons): Accommodates 6-10 persons $1300 per night. Deduct $60
per night per Nanny in room with children. Babysitting available for $10.00 per
hour. Weekly Rate: 7 day stay Sunday to Sunday May 27 - October, 2004: $2600
per adult, double occupancy. $1990 children 12 & under; No charge for
children 2 and under. 50% deposit is required to confirm reservations.
Cancellation of a confirmed reservation must be received in writing. Deposit
less 10% of total cost of the reservation, is refundable if cancellation is
made 60 days or more prior to arrival. Due to the small capacity of our ranch,
we will be unable to refund your deposit if your cancellation is received less
than 60 days prior to arrival. Guests are obliged to make full payment of
confirmed reservations. No credit will be allowed for absences during reserved
time or early departure. We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation
insurance in case of emergency. We accept cash, personal checks, travelers
checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express.
Reservation
Information
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