Posts Tagged ‘hiking’

Let the Hiring Begin!

January 12th, 2012 by Gail

Each January we start the process of selecting the seasonal staff for our Colorado Guest Ranch. This is always a big task, and an interesting one.

Have the experience of a lifetime. Work at 4UR.

We always have a handful of returning staff (it could be the atmosphere that entices them to return, or it could be the food). Some folks are interested in the same job they had last season; for example, wranglers often return as wranglers. Other folks return to a different job; a housekeeper might be a Kids’ Counselor the following year.

It can be non-stop at our Colorado Family Dude Ranch in the height of the season. Our staff need to be hard workers with a good attitude. But just as we work hard, we play hard. Staff take advantage of free time to hike, fish, ride, and more.

We’re told by our staff that working here allows them to meet many interesting people they would not otherwise have met, both staff and guests. They make long-lasting friendships. They try new things. And more than one staff member has met their future spouse here!

If you’re interested in working at 4UR this summer, contact us soon.

 

 

 

You Know What’s Best For Your Children

December 20th, 2011 by Gail

As Christmas and Hanukkah approach, your children may be tugging on your sleeve and whispering in your ear about all the goodies they’d like to have. They share stories of magnificent toys owned by their friends. They accompany you in stores, point to something they’ve never seen before, and declare, “I want that!” as if they’ve dreamed of it every night for years. Consumerism is contagious; their behavior is understandable.

Give them a gift they'll always remember and appreciate.

As parents, we want our children to be happy. We want to watch them open presents and smile and laugh. Their unbounded enthusiasm adds a wonderful spark to the holiday season.

At the same time, many of us don’t want to simply give our children every little thing they want. We understand that many of those toys won’t have staying power–they’ll be played with once or twice, and then end up disappearing under the bed or in the back of the closet.

We want to give them something they’ll really appreciate. Something that will impact their lives. We want them to have a gift they’ll remember for years to come.

Consider giving them a week at our Colorado Family Dude Ranch.

We’re offering a Two For One Kids Special again this year. One child stays for free with one paid child (for children 9 and under). That’s the kind of bargain some folks fight for at the Walmart. You won’t have to shield yourself from Bear Spray or Mace–you just need to give us a call.

A week at our Colorado Family Guest Ranch will involve horseback riding and hiking in the Rockies, swimming, and fly fishing on Goose Creek. It will be one adventure after another, with plenty of good food and many new friends. Your children will never forget it. Now that’s a present worth giving.

Your children will have to wait until summer, of course. But patience is a virtue and worth cultivating, right? Our Two For One Kids Special Weeks are June 9-16 and August 11-18, 2012. August is nearly full, but there is still plenty of room in June.

Please contact our Colorado Dude Ranch for more information about the Two For One Kids Special.

The Thrill of Discovery

July 10th, 2011 by Gail

Our Colorado Family Dude Ranch is full of thrilling “firsts” for children: The first time they fly down a zip line. The first time they touch a horse and go horseback riding. The first time they climb a mountain. The first time they cast a line and catch a fish. Each day brings a new experience and a new discovery.

Kids arrive with their families, excited to be here and curious about what the time at our Colorado Family Guest Ranch will be like. By the end of the first day most have tried a new activity and made new friends. They have overcome obstacles and gained confidence.

See for yourselves.

 

Phoenix Peak

November 2nd, 2010 by 4ur admin

Many guests of our Creede Colorado dude ranch look forward to spending one day of their dude ranch vacation hiking the Colorado Rockies. The La Garita Mountains, a high sub-range of the San Juans, are all around us, and provide many outstanding hiking opportunities.

One of these is nearby Phoenix Peak, also called Creede Crest or Gwynedd Mountain. Since it doesn’t have one specific name it is officially known as Unnamed 13895; it is also the second highest unnamed peak in Colorado. Whatever you call it, it is located just south of the continental divide in the La Garita Wilderness of the Rio Grande National Forest.

Read the rest of this page »

Wheeler Geologic Area

October 12th, 2010 by 4ur admin

Our seasonal staff has moved on to their next adventures, and those of us who stay at the Colorado guest ranch year-round are becoming accustomed to life without our friends and guests.

In the coming months, this blog will focus primarily on the lovely and fascinating area near the Colorado dude ranch. By the time the season re-opens in June 2011, readers should have many ideas on how to fill time when here.

Wheeler Geologic Area

One good example is the Wheeler Geologic Area, formerly known as the City of Gnomes. A National Monument from 1908 to 1950, it is now part of La Garita Wilderness Area, and well off the beaten track. While it is only about ten miles north of Creede, it seems like an entirely different planet. Eerie rock and ash formations jut forth from the earth – remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions by La Garita Caldera. The area is reminiscent of the South Dakota Badlands, but it is nestled in the mountains whereas the Badlands are carved out of the high plains.

Wheeler is accessible by an 8 mile hiking path or an 11 mile jeep trail also suitable for mountain bikes. The antiquity and quiet of the place seems to call for non-motorized transportation, but the gods won’t strike you down for driving in a jeep – the road ends about a half mile from the actual site, anyway. The trail rises to 11,800 feet, so those who venture there should be prepared for all sorts of weather and thin air. That said, a trek to Wheeler Geologic Area would be an incredible addition to a Family Ranch Vacation at our Creede Colorado ranch.

Photo of the Wheeler Geologic Area by Sangres.com.

Family Dude Ranch Hosts Women

April 21st, 2009 by 4ur admin

Women Fish

Women Fish

We here at 4UR Ranch know that women love the outdoors as much as men, and that there are some fine fisherwomen out there. That’s one reason this is the twelfth year we are hosting the annual Women’s Only “Wine and Waders” retreat. Our historic guest ranch in Creede, Colorado is the perfect spot for a week that encompasses fly fishing, outdoor adventures and luxurious spa treatments. From June 14 – 20, women will have the ranch to themselves, complete with women-only certified fly fishing instructors. Everyone from novices to expert anglers are invited to participate in workshops and enjoy miles of pure water in the southern Rockies; tailor your vacation to your own skill level and needs. There will also be time to explore other aspects of 4UR Ranch, such as miles of trails for horseback riding, a hot springs spa, massages and yoga. Oh, and don’t forget the good food and wine.

We hope that once you’ve experienced the ranch by yourself or with girlfriends, you’ll want to come back with your families and have a family ranch vacation. There is so much to do here on the ranch, for the whole family. The southern Rockies are breathtakingly beautiful, and draw you into the wilderness; there are miles of trails to hike or explore by horseback. Your children may venture out with you, enroll in our Kids Program, or do both. You will be amazed to see your children riding like real cowboys and cowgirls by the end of your stay, and even more pleased to see how confident they feel thanks to their accomplishments.

«
» rss