Crawford, CO (PRWEB) March 14, 2014
Smith Fork Ranch, an intimate resort nestled in the dramatic West Elk Mountains of the Colorado Rockies offers authentic western experience -- luxurious comfort, unparalleled adventure, gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, stunning views and private guided access to miles of hiking and horseback riding trails in the Gunnison National Forest and surrounding wilderness.
“Our SFR guides take guests to places up in the national forest that very few people ever get to experience whether just hiking, riding or fly fishing in the backcountry stream at one of our backcountry camps in the forest”, said Marley Hodgson, Smith Fork Ranch owner. “Guests will probably not see another human or even evidence of another human other than those our group of three or four.” Hodgson notes that the neighboring West Elk Wilderness is the least used wilderness area in Colorado and is also haven for wildlife, including Colorado Trout – rainbows, brook trout and Browns.
The ranch offers a variety of vacation options from three-night to weeklong packages with a maximum of 26 adults or family members. “Our guests tell us that the intimacy of the place contributes significantly to their stays”, Hodgson said, noting that the guest to staff is one-to-one. “That allows us to provide some spectacular small group and individual experiences for outdoor adventures, dining or simply enjoying the ambience of the ranch in our undiscovered corner of Colorado.”
Smith Fork Ranch is known for fine cuisine, award-winning wine cellar, and a wide-range of activities: horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and a spectacular sporting clays center. Located on the western slope of Colorado’s Continental Divide, along the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River and the North Fork Valley, the area is home to generations of ranch culture as well as a wide array of organic farms and orchards and some of the state’s finest vineyards, craftsmen and artists.
Cuisine at SFR
Fine farm-to-table cuisine is an important part of luxury guest experience. Each meal, whether served on the trail or at the ranch, is thoughtfully prepared, using the freshest bounty of the SFR farmstead and local and sustainably raised meat from the neighboring North Fork Valley ranches. The ranch culinary team focuses their creative talents on detail, and celebrating fresh, local product. The newly constructed greenhouse ensures a wide variety of fresh vegetables for use in their delicately prepared cuisine. SFR’s fare is paired nightly with selections from their extensive, award-winning wine cellar. Smith Fork Ranch’s diverse and extensive wine list with selections ranging from local Colorado wine makers, to world-renowned vintners, has repeatedly received awards from Wine Spectator magazine.
Nearby Adventures
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the newest and least visited National Parks, is just a short drive from Smith Fork Ranch. This stunning 48 mile long canyon of the Gunnison River is the fifth steepest descent in North America. The astonishing steepness and depth of the canyon make it very difficult for sunlight to penetrate, causing the Precambrian rock walls to appear Black, hence the name Black Canyon. The North Rim of the Canyon is a spectacular sight not to be missed!
Smith Fork Ranch offers guests unforgettable fly-fishing trips on the nearby “Big Gunny”. Fly fishing on the Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River is regarded among fly-fishing enthusiasts as one of the best fly-fishing experiences in the world! The magnificent Gunnison River contains a high density of trout, including browns, rainbows and cutthroats - a must do trip for avid fly fishers and outdoor lovers alike.
Accommodations
The 285-acre Smith Fork Ranch is an historic Colorado ranch. Guest accommodations are comfortable and handsomely appointed in the rustic tradition with American primitive antiques and original arts and crafts from the finest American and Native American artists of the past century. Special touches include feather beds, luxurious linens, iPod docking stations, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. Mountain house with traditional wraparound veranda, sun porch, kitchenette, living room with river rock fireplace accommodates up to 10 persons in five bedrooms with en suite baths. Three renovated log cabins, each with gas log fireplaces, accommodate from two to four guests. The log River House, perched above the banks of the Smith Fork, with three bedrooms, great room, kitchenette/ sleeping porch and deck accommodates 6-10.
Air Access
Smith Fork Ranch is accessible via Montrose, Aspen, Eagle or Grand Junction airports and two nearby private airports: Crawford Airport and North Fork Valley Airport (as well as Aspen, Eagle or Montrose or Grand Junctions private airports).
Accolades and Information
Smith Fork Ranch has received numerous accolades in ten years of operation, including being on the prestigious Andrew Harper Recommended list, one of Abercrombie & Kent’s best nine ranches in North America, and Condé Nast Johansens Best Guest Ranches in the USA, and 5280 magazine Best Weekend Getaway. For information or reservations, visit http://www.SmithForkRanch.com, call 855-539-1492 or 970.921.3454. Smith Fork Ranch is located at 45362 Needle Rock Road, Crawford, Colo., 81415.
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