ABOUT THE AREA

From glistening snow-covered mountain peaks to red rock high-desert canyons, mesas where ancient peoples built their world-famous pueblos and cliff dwellings, cattle ranches, hay and sunflower farms, fruit orchards and wineries, this southwest corner of Colorado is a paradise.

There are enchanting tall forests of aspen and pine with deer and elk; dappled grass clearings, sparkling lakes and swift running mountain rivers and streams where trout and pike await. Eagles and hawks soar above, hummingbirds and butterflies flutter amongst the wildflowers that Mother Nature so gloriously provides from spring through late summer. Come and see what is almost always a spectacular fall foliage display.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 

Nearby opportunities for outside adventures abound!  Hike, bike, mountain climb, raft, kayak, horseback ride, ski, snowboard, snowshoe, dog sled, fish, 4-wheel, motorcycle, and hunt. Learn to fly fish, kayak, ride a horse, pack a mule. Experience an archaeological dig. Try cross-country skiing. Spend some time in the San Juan National Forest. Find yourself in the midst of a cattle drive ... even through town. Experience an old gold mine. Learn how to pan for gold. Try a chuckwagon dinner then sit around a campfire and listen to cowboy songs. Take a day trip to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in nearby Moab, Utah. Visit the Four Corners Monument where you can stand in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico all at the same time.

EXPLORE PARKS/NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

Experience Native American culture at the many sites in the stunning Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center and many other locations.

DURANGO AND ENVIRONS

Durango offers a delightful array of shops, art galleries, unique restaurants, breweries, spas and hot springs as well as concerts, plays, and other events in this bustling historical town. Ride the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and explore the old mining town of Silverton. Venture via the San Juan Skyway to Dolores, Rico, Telluride and the Victorian hot springs town of Ouray.

FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

Depending on the season, guests can join in one of the hundreds of festivals held in the area, including: Hot air balloons, Indian arts and culture, dancing, mushing, craft fairs, birding, wine and beer festivals as well as rodeos, county fairs, car shows, races, stagecoach rides, farmers markets, horse shows and unique holiday celebrations and parades.

SHOPPING AND ARTISANS

In Durango and in many of the small towns around the Ruby Rose Ranch, guests will find antique shops, Indian trading posts, artisans’ studios, wineries, and many other opportunities for browsing and buying art, Native American crafts, gemstones, beads, relics of our Western past, local produce and wonderful beef, buffalo, and elk. The little Western town of Mancos is fast becoming known for its wealth of art galleries without "attitude" and unique places to eat, drink, and soak up the atmosphere.

Ruby Rose Ranch is a proud member of the Mancos and Cortez Chambers of Commerce.