Wits End Guest Ranch, Resort & Spa

Colorado

In Depth

The Wits End Ranch is a family owned and operated 32 cabin guest ranch, situated in the beautiful narrow valley that contains Vallecito Lake, known as the Jewel of the San Juans. The ranch is historical, established in 1859, serving guests since 1897. It was modernized in 1988 and reopened as a destination ranch resort. The ranch center piece is a magnificent 1870's barn that has been restored and now serves as the dining and recreational hub for the guests. It also contains a full service bar, breakfast and lunch atrium and the mirrors from the Crystal Palace of London, England.

The area was originally settled by the Spanish in the early 1500's and the Ute Indians summer camp was on the very spot Wits End is now located. We have a Spring that the Ute Tribe still uses in their ceremonies, it is said to be "Sacred Water" and has many people every day stopping to drink it or take jugs of it home. Wits End offers something for everyone.

The kids have their own program with one-on-one horse clinics, games, cookouts and water sports. They also have a campout and cookout once a week. The program is optional and is available mornings, afternoons, and 3 evenings a week. Adults can choose daily any of their activities with our sign up people the night before. Activities are numerous, and can be enjoyed by all. You can ride, go to the Spa, fish, hike, bike, play tennis, water ski, jet ski, pick up a good book from our extensive library, or just do nothing at all. We have overnight campouts for families on horseback or up to 2 week pack trips in the wilderness for those who want more adventure. The ranch offers fine dining 3 nights, a western campfire cookout 2 nights, a theme dining night once and an easy welcome buffet the first night you arrive. We have had many famous and notable guests and have been on many television shows and special programs, as well as having been featured in over 60 magazines, newspapers and now internet articles, with mentions just recently on MSNBC.com. Not withstanding all of that we are all about you having a good time at our ranch. Most of our guests state that Wits End was the best family vacation they ever had. We like to say that "when you are at your wits end, Come to our Wits End"

Activities

Ecotourism, Fishing, Pack Trips, Safari, Hiking

Additional Activities

Barrel Racing, Beach, Bird Watching, BYOH - Bring Your Own Horse, Canoeing, Carriage Driving, Children's Programs, Camps (Children & Teens), Cooking Classes, Corporate / Conference Facilities, Cycling, Fitness Center, Golf, Handicapped Accessible, Holiday Programs, Honeymoon, Hunting, Internet Access, Jet Skiing, Hot Tub / Jacuzzi, Kayaking, Pilates, Rafting, Horseback Riding Lessons, Ranch, Resort, Rock Climbing, Roping, Sailing, Sauna, Spa, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Trail Riding, Western Riding, Vegetarian Friendly, Waterskiing, Weddings, Western Riding, Helicopter tours, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train, Ballooning. All winter sports are available, we are no longer open in the winter.

Accommodations

32 one, two, three, and four bedroom cabins, each with one or two bathrooms each. The cabins are all historic with some dating back to 1870, 1890, 1910 and 1930. All have nice kitchens, Berber carpeting, balloon curtains, country French furnishings, down pillows and lots of great decor. Each also has a real wood fireplace, covered deck, hand made swing, and tin roof. They are authentically western - the real McCoy so to speak. They also all have access to a hot tub nearby and robes for your enjoyment. You will see wildlife everyday from your porch, especially deer.

Food

The ranch has multiple entries everyday with a mix of fine dining and western cookouts, A great breakfast and lunch as well.

Area Attractions

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train, Mesa Verde Indian ruins, Skiing, The world famous San Juan River for fly fishing. Durango itself is a very quaint and Victorian town with lots of cute shops and restaurants, and is only a 35 minute drive from the ranch.