The "ranch horse experience" is central. The riding program is lead by certified American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) instructors. This structured approach is well suited to all abilities--whether you are a timid beginner or an avid rider. We own our herd of horses, and many were born at the ranch.
We match our horses to your ability and we offer plenty of riding variety: Riding instruction, half and all day scenic mountain and valley trail rides, fishing rides, trailblazing, trotting and loping, cattle work, a natural horsemanship clinic, arena work, a gymkhana, and private lessons. Trail rides explore the spectacular Weminuche and Piedra Wilderness Areas surrounding the ranch, and our wranglers always stress safety, learning and fun. We believe strongly the more you learn about horses, the less you fear, and the more fun you’ll have!
Adult rides are divided according to experience, ability, and objective. All groups have the opportunity for half-day and spectacular all-day trail rides. Regardless of your level of skill, we assure you will have the opportunity to learn more--whether it’s your first trotting or cantering lesson or learning to trot or lope without a bridle! Our terrain is rugged, yet plentiful open meadows provide picturesque opportunities for controlled trotting and cantering. Want a different riding challenge? We offer a natural horsemanship clinic, trailblazing, cattle work, and a wilderness trout fishing ride.

Youth Programs
Our youth program has been voted "best of the best" in multiple editions of Gene Kilgore's Ranch Vacations. We have three great programs for never-bored kids! Specially trained counselors provide fun-filled days in a safe environment.
The Pony Express, 3-5 year olds, are introduced to horseback riding on "pony" rides twice each day. Attentive counselors spearhead natural crafts, games, short hikes and swimming.
The Saddletramps, 6-10 year olds, receive riding instructions, ride THEIR horse for the week, learn about the outdoors and southwest history, plus have nature hikes, picnics, crafts, scavenger hunts, and swimming. Babysitting can be arranged for children 5 and under.
The Bandits and Posse (ages 11-12 & 13-17) help construct their week with choices from activities like half and all day rides, water-skiing, hiking, fishing, team games and challenges
Family rides are also offered during the week. You'll be amazed that your kids won't miss TV, the mall, or the Internet!!

Natural Horsemanship Clinics
Horse crazy? If you would like a truly extraordinary horse experience, don’t miss a one on one with a natural horse clinic leader. Learn to control your horse through body language and verbal cues, and experience the awesome moment of “join-up.” On horseback, ride without a bridle, controlling your horse’s gaits and speed through your seat and breathing.
If you loved The Horse Whisperer and The Black Stallion--don’t miss this opportunity! The clinic is limited to 3 participants per session.

Cattle Work
Looking for the real cowboy and cowgirl experience? Whether you want an introductory taste to handling cattle from horseback or an all day cattle drive adventure, we've got the excursion for you.
We keep a herd of 15-20 yearlings on the ranch to teach basic skills such as blocking, driving, cutting, and herdwork during half-days of Cattle 101. Learn to effectively move a herd through mountain terrain, or join a partner or team for the challenge of modified team penning and other games in the arena.
Or, head out for a full day of packing salt, changing pastures, doctoring, or gathering the herd on the several hundred thousand acre grazing permit adjoining the ranch. Monitoring and caring for the 150 pairs of cows on permit is a challenging and fun-filled affair.
Sample a taste of modern day cowboying, and then return to the ranch for a fabulous meal and comfortable bed. You can enjoy the star-filled sky from the comfort of your cabin's deck and reminisce about "the one that got away."
Week-long cattle packages are also available during weeks when we change pastures, September or October !



Water Skiing and Tubing
Take a break from riding and cool off! Skim across the crystal blue waters of Vallecito Lake behind our competition ski boat, or just relax and unwind on the deck of our pontoon boat.

Rafting
Join a professional guide for whitewater rafting on the Animas River (Class 3) in Durango most weeks of the summer. June offers the wildest ride and highest water as the river is naturally fed by mountain runoff from winter snows. Rafting remains fun through July. By August, river levels may be too low for an adrenaline-laced experience, but you can still enjoy a scenic and refreshing float. Rafting in late August and September is entirely dependent on rain.

Hiking
The San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado boasts the greatest density of 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado and has been nicknamed "The Switzerland of America."! As you hike, you can enjoy these glorious peaks from either vast vistas, or for the truly motivated, from their summits!
The ranch's property borders both the Piedra and Weminuche Wilderness Areas, which together comprise the largest roadless area in Colorado.
From the ranch, you can enjoy scenic 1/2 day jaunts or all-day trekking adventures. Hike near streams, through wooded areas and mountain meadows, above timberline, or to breathtaking overlooks or peak tops.
We maintain written resources and maps at the ranch for self-guided hiking. Guided hiking can be arranged with advanced notice. Whether you just want an active break from riding, enjoy seeking wildflowers, hope to catch a glimpse of wildlife, or are ready to tick off several 14'ers, we've got you covered!

Evening Entertainment
Evenings at WTR are filled with classic western entertainment. Hop on the hayride and get a first hand taste of true "horsepower." Kick up your heels at the dance or just sit back and enjoy one of the finest country bands in west. Don't dance? Don't worry! At WTR you'll get dance lessons along with your riding lessons. Spend another evening staring into the fire, roasting marshmellows, and singing along with our cowboy guitarist. Learn to rope or play "western" bocci before relaxing on your private deck watching the sun slowly set over the Rockies. You'll never see so many stars again....

June is our driest month of the summer, daytime temperatures range from the mid 70’s to high 80’s (22-31° C). Evenings cool off to the 40’s, so it’s nice to bring a light jacket or sweater.
Daytime temperatures in July and August are consistently in the high 80’s (25-31° C), and nights drop into the 50’s. Expect occasional, light, late afternoon and evening showers (lasting less than 2 hours) in late July and August.
In September, daytime temperatures can range from the 60’s to 80’s (18-24° C), while evenings drop into the 30’s and 40’s (0-6° C). It is extraordinarily rare for us to have multiple days of rain at any time of the year.

We require that children from 6-10 wear traditional heeled cowboy boots when riding for their safety. We encourage, but do not provide helmets.

• Comfy jeans with a little extra length in the leg
• Long sleeve shirts protect from the trees and sun
• Long socks (knee length is great)
• Cowboy hat, ball cap, or helmet
• Sunscreen
• Cowboy boots
• Gloves (optional, but great to have)
• Small fanny pack to hold camera, Chapstick, sunglasses, etc.
• Bandana
• Water (we provide water bottles!)
• Wind breaker or sweatshirt
• We provide rain slickers

A Colorado guest ranch vacation holiday doesn't mean you have to rough it! 
The mountain cabins are a delight to come back to after a day of fun and adventure.
The clean, well-appointed, rustic cabins are nestled amongst pines, fir, spruce and aspen trees.
Accommodations are in individual, well-appointed log cabins, which were all constructed from logs taken from the property. There are 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabins for families of 4-5; and 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom cabins for larger or smaller families. Cabins may be divided into two units by a soundproof door. All cabins have attached decks, refrigerators, coffee makers, and ironing boards. We provide daily maid service. 
The newest addition is a Premiere Ponderosa with vaulted ceilings, gas log fireplace, lovely country furnishings and Jacuzzi shower baths. All cabins have coffee makers, refrigerators, iron, ironing boards, decks, and daily maid service.
The cabin suites are perfect for families of 4-7 people: three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room with a wood- burning stove, plus a separate room with a bar area, refrigerator and coffee maker. Suites have one king bed, one queen, one single bed, and a double sleeper sofa.

Dining
Our Cordon Bleu Chef prepares a wonderful variety of vegetable, meat, and fish dishes. He can accommodate vegetarians, diabetics, and other diets. Please meet with him at the beginning of the week to discuss your needs, and if you need something specific, please let us know before you arrive.
The ranch features a broad menu each week of made to order breakfasts, varied lunch specials always with plenty of fruits and salads and of course, exceptional gourmet dinners ranging from our famous cowboy steak & fish cookouts, to succulent Prime Rib, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean specialties.
The ranch has a full liqour license and they stock a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. Each evening begins with a happy hour and appetizers in the Watering Hole.
Kid friendly food is always available to cater to younger tastes. Low carb or other special dietary needs? No problem. Our Chefs can prepare anything you need with a little advance notice. Feel free to contact us with your requests and we'll be happy to accommodate.

These are just a few of the fabulous meals served each week:

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Can we ride fast?
Adult rides are divided by ability level, and our guests’ safety and comfort are priorities. More experienced riders travel at a faster pace over more rugged terrain than beginning riders. The riding area offers a mixture of forest and meadow riding which allows for places to trot and canter. Beginning and intermediate riders will be given plenty of instruction if they choose to try moving at faster gaits. Many of our all day rides do not have opportunities to trot and canter due to the rugged nature of the terrain, while our half day rides cover a variety of terrain with opportunities to trot and canter.
Other riding challenges include trailblazing and cattle work!

Children and Teens
Children from 3-17 have the opportunity to ride at WTR. The Pony Express (3-5 year olds) mount up daily on individual, closely supervised rides. Saddle Tramps (6-10 year olds) ride their own horse for the week on morning, afternoon, and all day rides. The Bandits and Posse (11-17) also explore the wilderness on half and all day rides, splitting time between horseback and other outdoor activities, including water-skiing, rafting, and fishing.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter Horse, Morgan, Appaloosa, Thoroughbred
Pace:		moderate 5-6 hrs all with instruction | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(1 to 4 out of 5)    All riding levels
Age:		Min 3
Weight:		Max 240 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 44

Can we ride fast?
Adult rides are divided by ability level, and our guests’ safety and comfort are priorities. More experienced riders travel at a faster pace over more rugged terrain than beginning riders. The riding area offers a mixture of forest and meadow riding which allows for places to trot and canter. Beginning and intermediate riders will be given plenty of instruction if they choose to try moving at faster gaits. Many of our all day rides do not have opportunities to trot and canter due to the rugged nature of the terrain, while our half day rides cover a variety of terrain with opportunities to trot and canter.
Other riding challenges include trailblazing and cattle work!

Children and Teens
Children from 3-17 have the opportunity to ride at WTR. The Pony Express (3-5 year olds) mount up daily on individual, closely supervised rides. Saddle Tramps (6-10 year olds) ride their own horse for the week on morning, afternoon, and all day rides. The Bandits and Posse (11-17) also explore the wilderness on half and all day rides, splitting time between horseback and other outdoor activities, including water-skiing, rafting, and fishing.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.