The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad This scenic trip is a must for visitors to the Southwest. The little train has been in operation for over 100 years, and winds through the San Juan National Forest. We suggest taking the train one way and the bus (provided by the train and covered by roundtrip ticket) one way. This cuts about two hours off the trip and the views from the bus are spectacular. Ask for the canyon side of the train and take the bus up and the train back.
Toll-free 888-872-4607

Mesa Verde National Park
Just thirty minutes from the Ranch, Mesa Verde National Park is considered the top Historic Site in the United States. Take a picnic lunch-you can have one made at the Absolute Bakery in Mancos (970)533-1200, and plan on spending the day.

The Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Probably the area's best kept secret, this Ute Mountain Indian owned and operated private park's six times larger than Mesa Verde and contains some incredible archaeology sites-left just as they were found. You must go into the park with an Indian guide - which makes the adventure even more special. The East Entrance to the park is just sixteen miles from the Ranch, and the guides are happy to meet our guests there at around 10:00 am. The tour is usually over around 3:00 pm. You'll need to take a picnic lunch and water.

High Country Elk Adventure
A fascinating safari-like tour of the Cervid Elk Preserve just a couple of miles from the ranch. Sight some of the largest elk bulls and families in the west from a secure, open top tour vehicle. Toll-free 800-409-7295

Fishing
Blue Lake the Ranch's private small lake is stocked with trophy Rainbow and Brook Trout. We have a catch and release policy (use barbless hooks). There is also fishing in the La Plata River (small holes), and at Shirley's parent's Ranch on the Animas River - 2 miles of excellent private fishing. The Ranch is also less than an hour from the San Juan and Dolores River.
Guides are available at Duranglers
www.duranglers.com (970)385-4081,
or Don Oliver Fishing Guide
www.donoliverfishingguide.com (970)982-0364.

Hiking
There are places to hike on the Ranch itself, including a two mile stretch of the La Plata River, and the Ranch is just minutes from mountain hiking in the La Plata Canyon and along the Colorado Trail.

Biking
Mountain bikes are available for rent in Durango, and there are many places to bike in the Durango area, (Hasslefree Sports (970)258-3874, Southwest Adventures (970)259-0370). Our guests enjoy biking on farm roads near the Ranch and up the La Plata Canyon.

Heading to Moab?
Visit our friends at Sorrel River Ranch, southern Utah's only Four Diamond Resort.
www.sorrelriver.com
Toll free: (877) 359-2715

Passing through Bluff?
Twin Rocks Trading Post offers an extensive selection of museum quality, uniquely handcrafted Native American and Southwest art.
www.twinrocks.com
Toll free: (800) 526-3448

Trimble Hot Springs
www.trimblehotsprings.com (970)247-0111 Continuous heated and refreshed by a large natural spring, Trimble Hot Springs, 7 miles north of Durango provides a beautiful natural setting for swimming, soaking, and relaxing. There are also beautiful grounds to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner. Call ahead to book a massage. Hours 8 am - 11 pm in the summer.

Rafting
Seasonally available. this can be a great family adventure and a good way to see the country. Mountain Waters Rafting (970)259-4191 www.durangorafting.com

Crow Canyon Archeological Center
www.crowcanyon.org Have you ever wanted to be an archeologist for a day? The Crow Canyon Archeological Center can make your wish come true.

Other Archeological Sites Aztec, Hovenweep, Lowrey, and Salmon Ruins are all less than an hour from the Ranch and except for the Aztec Ruins, you'll see very few visitors at these splendid sites.

Trading Posts
The Ranch is perfectly located for a circle drive taking in several of the Region's top Trading Posts. The great ones are sometimes hard to find. The Blue Lake Ranch staff will help you find them.

San Juan Skyway
Spend a day driving the circle from the Ranch to Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. This five and a half hour driving time trip is spectacular in the spring, summer, and fall.

Jeep Tours
Let some one else do the driving as you see the High Country from the top. Tours can be arranged by calling Outlaw Tours www.outlawtours.com (970)259-1800

Skiing
Guests enjoy cross country skiing on the Ranch. The lake is also available for ice-skating. We are close to Cross Country ski trails open to the public. Downhill skiers can ski at the family oriented local Hesperus Ski Hill seven miles away, or the larger resorts of Durango Mountain Resort & Purgatory or Telluride.

Golf
Forty minutes south of the Ranch lies Pinon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, NM (505)326-6066. Recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the top public courses in the country, our guests rave about the 18-hole course. We are also forty minutes from Tammaron Golf Course (970)259-2000, one of the most scenic mountain meadow golf courses in the country. There are two additional courses in the Durango area, Dalton Ranch and Hillcrest Golf Course are also nearby.

Shopping
Durango has many locally owned stores and factory outlets offering the finest in Western wear, cowboy hats, etc. Ask our staff for particulars.

Casinos
There are three casinos within an hour of the Ranch.

Local Weather
www.weather.com Just type in our zip code 81326, and a local weather forecast will be displayed.

Blue Lake Ranch is a proud member of the
Durango Bed & Breakfast and Activity Association .

Please Visit our Santa Fe Inn - www.dongaspar.com