Smith Fork Ranch, for an end of year vacation to remember (Photos)

Part 1: Great ways to use up those last vacations days of 2012 with a fall getaway.

Even though summer is long gone, dont put the suitcase away just yet. If you havent used up the last of your 2012 vacation days, now is the time to get some great deals on fabulous destinations in Colorado. The ski season tourists have yet to arrive, so you can have the place to yourself and take advantage of some fabulous travel bargains. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on three Colorado resorts for fall travel.

Smith Fork Ranch

Colorado is plush with all types of dude ranches, some are affordable pork and beans resorts, others can be as crowded as a cattle drive. If you are looking for something more intimate, more refined, Smith Fork Ranch is the place. Its a perfect place to spark a little romance in your life, unwind after a long year of hard work and perfect your fly-fishing casting arm.

Smith Fork Ranch is tucked in along the Smith Fork River and behind an impressive stone monument called Needle Rock, near Crawford Colo. This time of year the surrounding valley is a blanket of amber, crimson and saffron from the scrub oak, cottonwood and aspen trees. Its a perfect backdrop to saddle up a horse and or lace up your hiking boots to explore. And, more than likely, one of the ranch dogs will be happy to tag along to keep you and your guide company, as Bodie (a chocolate lab) obliged during my hike through the woods.

Activities include horseback riding, archery, hiking, fishing, and off-site hikes at the rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and float trips on the Gunnison River (a rare opportunity). Or for doing nothing at all, there are a few well-place hammocks on the property for napping. Martha Stewart Living magazine called Smith Fork Ranch the best place to land a trout, and with five ponds and the Smith Fork River within casting distance, you are bound to catch something worth bragging about.

Smith Fork Ranch is not a bunkhouse and outhouse kind of ranch. Its no doubt Western, but it's more sterling-silver spurs, soft leather and feather down. The ranch accommodations include three private one-bedroom cabins, each with a living room, private bath and queen-size bed. For larger groups there is the River Cabin, with a private deck that faces the Smith Fork River, a large living room and three King-size bedrooms (each room can be converted to single beds for large groups).

The Guest House has four single bedrooms with an expansive shared living room, kitchen and bright sun porch for dining. On the ground floor is the Elk suite with one bedroom and a living room, which was my home for a few enjoyable days of Western luxury living.

While staying in the Guest House, it was easy to see how the owners from the Hodgson family used their business experience in the fashion industry to fulfill their vision. Each room is carefully appointed with Western details and creature comforts that could easily turn a city mouse into a country cowgirl without any regretsplush bathrobes, modern bathrooms, thick towels and hefty comforters.

Each evening when I returned to my room after dinner, the fire was set and the lights turned on to give the house a welcome glow. A chalkboard in each room or cabin greets guests by name with a basket of strawberries, gooseberries, cherry tomatoes and ranch-made granola bars. Wool blankets, sturdy furnishings and cowboy and Native American artifacts give Smith Fork Ranch an authentic aura.

That level of detail also shows up on the table for every meal. Breakfast is hearty with fresh fruit, scones and muffins, dark cowboy coffee and a selection of hot entrees, including buttermilk waffles with lemon curd, peaches and strawberries; cici beans with duck confit, squash and poached eggs; frittata of tiny tomatoes, corn and potatoes and tomatillo braised chicken with tortillas and eggs. Lunch is served buffet style or can be boxed up to enjoy on the trail, while fishing or floating on the Gunnison River.

Remember when I said this is not a pork and beans dude ranch, dinner is no exception. The wine list is recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for its breadth and character. General Manager Jim Neilson and his wife Audra are well versed in wine and can offer suggestions of their favorite finds. "The key to budget travel is to plan ahead. When it occurs to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the truth of cost and budgeting is generally in the back of our mind. Considering and expending our travel budget carefully is a consideration for most families. Curbing spending and prices, while still experiencing your vacation to its fullest, is the key to confirmed achievement and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking behind protecting money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal funds is extremely limited, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also recalling that while traveling, regardless of whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a huge vacation or travel expenses!..". Both Jim and Audra have years of experience in the hospitality industry and it reflects in the attention they and their staff give to the guests likes, needs and desires during their stay.

Our evening menus, designed by Chef Seth Bateman, came straight from the local area and the Smith Fork Ranch garden, tended to by horticulturist Alma Roberts. Appetizers included ranch-smoked sausages and salamis, corn fritters and freshly made salsas. Menus included: charred Romano beans garden potatoes with salsa verde and Smith Fork Bresaola; roasted duck breast and braised leg, with broccoli, baby onions and pear sauce, followed by a butterscotch budino with chocolate caramel. Another night included a pepperonata tagliatelle, with a ribcap steak with Brussels sports and parsnip puree and a honey and pine nut tart with lemon sabayon.

Smith Fork Ranch is a perfect blend of luxury and Colorado-ranch living that will make even the most citified folks feel comfortable and inspired. This fall Smith Fork Ranch is offering some end of season specials, including a Rocky Mountain Romantic Getaway for 3 or 4 nights. It includes a half-day activity for each guest, all meals and one private dinner in your cabin. The rate is more than 20% off the regular rates as an end of season special. Smith Fork is also has end of season fly-fishing packages and nightly rates for Coloradans who want to get away for a short trip. Call for details.

Smith Fork Ranch

Crawford, CO

970-921-3454

www.smithforkranch.com

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