Dude ranch vacation in Colorado at Wit's End Guest Ranch, Resort & Spa

At Wit's End Guest Ranch, Resort & Spa, we are committed to providing the vacation of a lifetime for each of our guests. The activities here are structured, but none are mandatory, letting you feel as free as possible to do only the activities you want-when you want.

Horseback Riding

Vacations at the Wit's End usually include horseback riding since it's our specialty. We give every guest personalized attention no matter what their experience level on our horseback riding vacations. Our ranch utilizes close to 120 head of horses, so there's never a chance of being left out of any ride. The area our rides cover is approximately 1 million acres of the San Juan National Forest and 550 acres of private land. You choose between trail riding or breathtaking mountain riding.

Daily Program:

Riding is scheduled every day beginning with a mandatory horse orientation on Sunday, for all guests who plan to ride during the week. Lengths of rides vary with your preference ranging from breakfast rides to lunch rides, one-hour riding to all-day riding. Some of our mountain rides go to an elevation of 13,000 feet ending with a spectacular view of the Continental Divide!

Mountain Riding

Lake Trail Ride

Instruction:

We offer private individual lessons with an experienced instructor. Also offered is time in our regulation rodeo arena to practice with a wrangler on any aspect of riding that you wish to master.

Special Programs:

Once a week, we schedule Gymkhana events in our arena. This is an opportunity for the guests, adults and children alike, to apply what they have learned for the week in competition with the other guests and even our wranglers. Prizes are awarded to all who participate and it is a great time that you will not soon forget!

Roping

Fly Fishing Vacations

Our fly fishing vacations are the perfect activity for both beginners and experts, featuring pond, river, lake or high country. We also offer fly fishing vacations and trips to the famous San Juan River. For every 2 or 3 serious fly fishermen, the Ranch provides a guide.

Lake and Fly Fishing - Regular Program

As an Orvis endorsed fishing lodge, the rivers, streams, ponds and lakes that surround the ranch abound with trout of all varieties. We have three private trout ponds on the property and access to half a mile of nearby Vallecito River. We can also take the enthusiast on beautiful Vallecito Lake for pike and salmon fishing (license required). Our fishing guides will be happy to accompany you on any excursion or recommend a great spot for you to try your luck. Fishing is offered every day with our regular activities. Fishing equipment is provided. Hand tied flies are available.

Instruction:

Beginners are welcome and encouraged to ask questions of our fishing guides. A full fly fishing orientation is provided. Individual instruction is always available.

Pond Fishing

Lake Fishing

Colorado Hunting Vacation

Experience a Colorado hunting vacation unlike any other. Search for animals indigenous to the Colorado area with a guide and enjoy the natural scenery on your exclusive Colorado hunting vacation.

Colorado Cross Country Skiing and Colorado Snowmobiling Vacations

The snow falls thick and lovely at the Wit's End, giving you plenty of opportunity to experience Colorado cross country skiing, sleigh rides, ice skating, downhill skiing (nearby) and more. We offer Colorado snowmobiling vacations for you to enjoy with family or friends as well.

Additional Activities - Summer/Winter

Trail and Open Country Riding

Wilderness Hiking

Tennis

25x50 ft. Heated Pool (Summer only)

Outdoor Hot Tubs

Trap Shooting

Mountain Biking

Pontoon Boat Rides

Pack Trips

Hayrides

Hunting

Water Skiing

Sail Boating

Jet Skiing

Spa Treatments

Snowmobiling

Cross-country Skiing

Sleigh Rides

Ice Skating

Ice Fishing

Fly Fishing (Year round)

Pack Trip

Nearby Activities

Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train

White-Water Rafting

Golf

Downhill Skiing

Mesa Verde Indian Ruins

Ute Mountain and Sky Ute Casinos

Durango-Silverton Train

Mesa Verde Ruins

Evening Programs/Entertainment

Adult evening entertainment begins before dinner with a social cocktail hour which gives all guests a chance to mingle and muse over the day's adventures and also sign-up for activities for the following day. During and after dinner, an eclectic mix of country and popular live music is provided by local talents. Guests are welcome to dance and sing along regardless of their ability! Friday evening is our "infamous" Karaoke Night (be prepared for the unexpected). Hayrides and cookouts are also scheduled periodically during the week.