One thing that hasn’t changed over time is the fact that there’s a heap of work to be done every day on a ranch–except you’re the guest and just have to enjoy the fruits of the ranch’s labor from the moment you decide to meet there until you’re waving goodbye across the clearing. “At Colorado Trails we are eager to work with families and reunion planners to orchestrate a distinctive, unforgettable reunion and we take all the work out of your reunion,” said Molly Myers. “No one needs to be the planner, motivator, organizer —because the ranch will do it all for you. Reunion planning and coordination, combined with our competitive group rates, has made us the first choice for family reunions for 46 years. When arranging logistics, we make sure each family gets placed in the perfect cabin and we provide airport transportation. Even the menu can be customized to include a special family recipe or dish. We love to incorporate special touches; the details really make the difference.”
Colorado Trails Ranch hosts about a half dozen family reunions during the 16-week summer season, as well as other group reunions such as old college roommates gathering at the ranch for an annual get-together. Its location, Durango, Colorado, can’t be beat as a destination: summertime in southwest Colorado offers a comfortable warm climate and there’s a wagon load of things to do and see in and around Durango. The area’s world-class attractions include Mesa Verde National Park, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango’s Historic Downtown, and Vallecito Lake. Not that you can possibly get bored back at the ranch. “Because Colorado Trails offers so many activities, there’s something for everyone in the family to do,” Myers explained. “Guests are treated to an array of activities from the tranquil to the adventurous, which means there in no difficulty finding something fun for anyone.
Family members can enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, shooting sports, rafting, swimming, power tubing, nature hikes, a guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park and more,” she continued. “Parents can relax, knowing their children will be enjoying adventures and activities from sunup to sundown as part of the ranch’s outstanding youth program. The ranch’s youth counselors, a rare blend of John Wayne and Mary Poppins, keep all ages of children wrangled all week long. The fun continues into the evening. Nightly activities include a Western square dance, cowboy singer and a campout for the children. Families are finding the appeal of a guest ranch ever increasing. Today’s ranches are less cow camp and more first-class resort, with much more than just horseback riding to offer.”
Cabins at Colorado Trails accommodate from two to 11 people, and each has its own sun porch, so family members can chew the fat and reminisce under the stars. Do some laps in the pool, soak in the hot tub, or coordinate a game on the sand volleyball court, basketball court or horse shoe pit. Take a look at www.coloradotrails.com for special discount weeks, weeks for fly fishing fans, art lovers and more. “The staff at Colorado Trails is personable and friendly, and will make your entire family feel welcome and well cared for in every way. From small family gatherings to large family reunion vacations, the ranch has the facilities and experience to make your reunion a special and memorable event,” Myers concluded. Allow that staff to give your reunion a great ride by calling 877-711-7843.
About the author
Journalist/Editor Jacky Runice has penned a weekly travel column for Chicago’s Daily Herald since 1994 and writes about travel and dining for USAToday.com; CBS Local Chicago; and Examiner.com. She expands her repertoire at Kane, Lake and McHenry County (IL) Magazines with articles about everything from healthy living to technology. A former Chicago radio talk show host, Jacky has three grown children who have inherited her love of sampling new cultures, countries and cuisine.
