Fall in Love with Smith Fork Ranch
Crawford, Colo. (PRWEB) September 03, 2013 -- A September or October getaway to Smith Fork Ranch (SFR) is an unmatched vacation experience offering an unforgettable time to enjoy autumn in Colorado. An intimate luxury resort nestled in a dramatic mountain valley in the Rockies – midway between Aspen and Telluride – this historic ranch offers guests superb cuisine from SFR’s farmstead garden, an award-winning wine cellar, and an extensive array of activities amid the backdrop of golden aspens and crimson mountain oak.
Smith Fork Ranch offers several luxury packages this fall, with opportunities for vigorous activity or relaxation in the ambience of autumn at the ranch.
Sunny, crisp, fall days are perfect for a whole host of activities on and off the ranch. “It’s a great time for couples or a group of friends to try out our new sporting clays deck, with its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Or bike, hike or horseback ride through the Gunnison National Forest and wilderness that surrounds the ranch, or fly-fish our private waters – five stocked trout ponds and three, private miles of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River that flows through the ranch,” said Marley Hodgson, SFR host and owner.
“We also offer guests unforgettable fly-fishing trips on the nearby ‘Big Gunny,’ the famed Gold Medal fishing waters of the Gunnison River, widely known as one of the top fly-fishing trips in the lower 48 states,” Hodgson added. “Others choose to explore the nearby North Fork Valley for an afternoon of wine tasting at the area’s finest vineyards or touring organic farms and the studios of local craftsmen – from world-class glass blowers to potters and painters.”
At the end of the day, back at the ranch, guests gather for cocktails or a game of snooker or billiards in the Elk Lodge before hors d’oeuvres on the open-air pavilion. On cool evenings, dinner is served in the cozy Fireside Room where wine is poured as the “alpine glow” illuminates the Rocky Mountains to the east. A spectacular sunset follows to the west behind Needle Rock and signals a dramatic ending to a beautiful fall day.
Fall packages include:
Taste of the West
Sept. 3 through Oct. 31, 2013 –$3500 per couple
A foodie’s delight in a largely undiscovered wilderness area of Colorado
On arrival guests are greeted by an attentive staff, a basket of culinary treats and a bottle of wine from the SFR wine cellar, a two-time winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This all-inclusive three-night package in a luxury lodging of your choice includes a five-course, candlelight dinner each evening in the Fireside Room. Renowned Executive Chef Seth Bateman prepares exceptional cuisine from the SFR organic farmstead garden, and meats from local ranches and farms. Thoughtful wines pairings are made each evening from the SFR’s award-winning wine cellar. Guests learn special recipes and cooking techniques during an afternoon session with Chef Bateman, and enjoy an evening wine tasting.
Included is a choice of one, half-day guided adventure for two: horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, archery, sporting clays, or mountain biking. Also included is a spa massage for two as well as use of all ranch facilities from the workout room to games and billiards in the Elk Lodge, horseshoes, self-guided hiking, and more.
Cowgirl Retreat
Oct. 2 -6, 2013 – $1,945 per person
This adventure for gals who love horses includes four nights in luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, ranch amenities, and three full days of western adventure. Limited to 15 women, this special fall sojourn includes instruction on natural horsemanship, trail rides into the backcountry, tacking and taking care of assigned horses for the week. There’s also a special clinic with noted horse trainer Jeff Derby, cattle work and team penning in the SFR arena, a night ride under a full October moon, plus lots of camaraderie with a fun, talented Smith Fork Ranch wranglers and staff.
Custom Luxury Ranch Experience
A la carte activities package for three-to-six-night stays
Sept. 3 through Oct. 31, 2013 – rates start at $495 per night per couple
This flexible package offers couples or groups of friends refined accommodations with a comfortable, rustic ambiance and magnificent views withan excellent opportunity to enjoy spectacular fall weather with as much or as little activity as desired. At the end of the day, relax with a game of billiards and cocktails in the lodge in front of the fire. Superb cuisine is served daily, whether at a trailside picnic or gourmet farm-to-table dinner on the dining pavilion with 360-degree views of the mountains. In addition to meals and lodging, this three-night minimum stay also includes: a horseback riding orientation and trail ride, as well as a fly-casting lesson and fly-fishing experience on ranch ponds or rivers with experienced and friendly ranch wranglers and fly-fishing guides. Top-of-the- line equipment is included. Guests also enjoy hiking, riding and biking trails on their own in the surrounding Gunnison National Forest and wilderness area. Mountain bikes and a biking challenge course are provided as well. Favorite guided activities provided at an extra charge include: SFR sporting clays center nestled in the mountains with panoramic views and a long-bow archery range and six-station course through the woods. Spa services available as well.
SFR Lodging with Breakfast Rates
Sept. 3-31, 2013
Accommodations available for two-person occupancy and small groups of up to 10 people at River House and Mountain House, respectively. Gourmet lunch baskets are available for $40 per person; dinner $120 per couple.
Rates per accommodation Nightly rate
Mountain House (Previously Guest House, 10-person occupancy) $1750
Mountain House individual room (2 pers. Occupancy) $349
West Elk Suite (in Mountain House) $389
Spruce Cabin (Two-person occupancy) $389
Aspen Cabin (Two-person occupancy) $389
Oak Cabin (Two-person occupancy) $389
River House (Six-person occupancy, can accommodate up to 10) $1680
River House individual room (Two-person occupancy) $560
$185 charge per day for extra person in any accommodation over occupancy
For information or reservations, visit http://www.Smithforkranch.com, contact reservations(at)smithforkranch(dot)com or call 855-539-1492; Smith Fork Ranch is located at 45362 Needle Rock Road, Crawford, Colo., 81415.
Media Contact:
Maureen Poschman, Maureen(at)promocommunications(dot)com; +1 970 948 3176
Sarah-Jane Johnson, Promo Communications, http://www.promocommunications.com, 9709019422, [email protected]
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