Smith Fork luxury Dude Ranch is located on Colorado's western slope, approximately 7 1/2 miles east of the town of Crawford. The Ranch is nestled within the beautiful Gunnison National Forest adjoining the wild, untamed West Elk Wilderness Area. Surrounded by stunning mountains, abundant rivers, high altitude streams and lakes, and breathtaking views. The Ranch itself has nearly two miles of frontage along the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River and seven trout ponds enjoying seeing many species of wildlife.

Accommodation : There are four private cabins on the ranch, each with its own unique feeling of cozy, rustic elegance, furnished with antiques and western art. Three were built in the early to mid 1900's from locally-cut logs and timber, and each has been carefully restored with its own unique character. In common, the three have terrific views from every window, roomy porches, and outdoor decks with rustic log posts and railings. The exposed-beam, vaulted interiors of all three cabins are cozily heated with old-style, gas-burning woodstoves, and the bathrooms are all decorated with fine tile work and classic fixtures.

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. The entire house may be reserved (minimum 8) or individual guestrooms may be booked.

3 Meals are an event with the choice of very fine wines to compliment your meal- example evening menu Appetizer Seared Scallops with Sweet Pea Rissoto with Pancetta and Lemon Main Course Mendicant Ranch Elk Loin with Cumin Carrot Puree Ancho Cherry Demi Glace Dessert Vanilla Sheep Yogurt Panna Cotta with, Lavender Blue Berry Compote, Almond Tuille - children's menu available plus bbq and picnics

Horse Riding - Smith Fork Ranch is fortunate to have access to 1.7 million acres of the Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness areas.  Their herd consists of 40 plus horses, pack mules, and ponies.  Most of our horses are American Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and a few in between crosses. 

Fishing - 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. Special fishing expeditions on Gunnison and other major Colorado Rivers requires advance reservation and extra charge.