Parks & Rec

The Blue Lake Ranch Inn is conveniently located near many of the ‘must see and experience’  Parks of the Four Corners area. Our Inn is just a short drive from Mesa Verde National Park, The Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and La Plata Mountain hiking trails. Whether you seek a bit of nature, adventure, or have an interest in the history of mysterious Native American Tribes, we have easy access to it all.

Mesa Verde National Park

Just 30 minutes from the ranch, Mesa Verde National Park is considered the top historic site for Ancient Pueblo dwellings in the United States. Pick up a picnic lunch from Absolute Bakery in Mancos on the way and plan on spending the day at the park.

Call: 970-533-1200

Website: www.nps.gov/meve

The Ute Mountain Tribal Park

Probably the area’s best-kept secret, this Ute Mountain Indian owned and operated private park is six times larger than Mesa Verde and contains some incredible archaeology sites, left just as they were found. You must enter the park with a 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. We recommend taking a picnic lunch and water.  If you make reservations before your arrival be sure to mention you want to go in “The East Gate.”

Call: 970-565-3751

Website: www.utemountaintribalpark.info

Crow Canyon Archeological Center

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 including the Aztec, Hovenweep, Lowrey, and Salmon Ruins are all less than an hour from the ranch. At most sites, you’ll see very few other visitors.

Call: 970-565-8975

Website: www.crowcanyon.org

Heading to Moab?

If you are heading to Moab, visit our friends at Sorrel River Ranch, southern Utah’s only Four Diamond Resort. The resort has been featured in a variety of travel magazines and is loved by every guest.  Trust us, you will not be disappointed!

Call: 1-877-359-2715

Website: www.discovermoab.com

Hiking

We are proud to provide guests the unique experience of our 200 acre property. There are plenty of places to walk and hike right on the ranch. A perfect little path near the La Plata River stretches for two miles and makes for an easy day hike. Also, the ranch is just minutes from mountain hiking in the La Plata Canyon and along the Colorado Trail. If you have any questions please feel free to call.

Call: 970-385-4537

Kling Mountain Guides

Embrace the spirit of the outdoors! Test your rock climbing skills and ability on the La Plata Mountains. Take it a step further by mountaineering and finding your grit in the elements. Manage your way down the untamed mountain while you backcountry ski through uncharted terrain. Adventure is waiting.

Call: 970-259-1708

Website: www.klingmountainguides.com

Biking

Mountain and road bikes are available for rent in Durango, and there are many world-class trails and routes to bike in the area. You can also enjoy the beauty and serenity of farm roads near the ranch and up La Plata Canyon. Rent today for an incredible rate!

Cliffside Ski &Bike

Call: 970-385-1461

Website: www.cliffsideski.com

Rafting

Available seasonally. Rafting can be a great group or family activity. It’s also a great way to see the area from a new perspective. Trained professionals navigate the ins and outs of the river while you enjoy the thrill of rushing through wild waters. Start planning your rafting adventure today!

4 Corners Whitewater

Call: 970-259-4608

Website: www.raftingdurango.com

Mild to Wild Rafting

Call: 970-247-4789

Website: www.mild2wildrafting.com

Durango Rafting Company

Call: 970-257-2252

Website:  durangoraft.com

Golf

Public courses in the Durango area.

Dalton Ranch Gold Club

Call: 970-247-8774

Website: www.daltonranch.com

Hillcrest Gold Club

Call: 970-247-1499

Website: www.golfhillcrest.com

Pinon Hills Golf Course

Forty minutes south of the Ranch lies Pinon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, New Mexico. Our guests rave about the 18-hole course, recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the top public courses in the country.

Call: 505-326-6066

Website: www.pinonhillsgolf.com

Horseback Riding

Durango is an absolutely gorgeous area no matter what time of year you visit. See it on the back of a majestic and beautiful horse with these experienced horseback riding companies.

Rimrock Outfitters

Call: 970-533-7588

Website: www.rimrockoutfitters.com

Rapp Corral

Call: 970-247-8454

Website: www.rappcorral.com

Skiing

Winter offers a variety of activities including some of the area’s best skiing. Guests enjoy cross country skiing on the ranch, and we are close to trails open to the public. Downhill skiers enjoy the family-friendly Hesperus Ski Hill seven miles away, or the larger resorts of Durango Mountain Resort/Purgatory, Wolf Creek, and Telluride.

Purgatory and Durango Mountain Resort

Call: 970-247-9000

Website: www.durangomountainresort.com

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Call: 970-264-5639

Website: www.wolfcreekski.com

Ski Hesperus

Call: 970-259-3711

Website: www.ski-hesperus.com

Telluride Ski Resort

Call: 1-866-754-8355

Website: www.tellurideskiresort.com