Smith Fork 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. The Ranch property and its surrounding areas are home to beautiful mountains, abundant rivers, high mountain 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.

Whether you want to go fishing, riding or hiking, Smith Fork Ranch is a great gateway to adventure. Our activities staff are exceptionally well-versed in the ways of the wilderness, and will facilitate a wonderful outdoor experience for both the first-timer and the seasoned adventurer alike. The Ranch can provide equipment, horses, guides and direction for these and a wealth of other activities.

All of the original buildings on Smith Fork Ranch were built by hand between 1890 and 1950. Four private cabins, the guest house, the Dinner Bell Cook House and the Old Elk lodge have been built or restored and refurbished with modern comforts hidden within their original, historic character.

To have Smith Fork Ranch as your western mountain home, even for a week, is an experience you won't forget. The living quarters are furnished with primitive antiques and original American art and crafts from the hands of the best western and Native American artisans of the past eighty years.

After an active day outdoors, evenings at Smith Fork Ranch are a special pleasure. Breathtaking sunsets, delicious dinners, interesting stories about life in the West told sitting around the fire in the old Elk Lodge as the night cools down - and then to sleep - in the most comfortable, cozy beds you can imagine. You really won't want to leave…