Posted on Wed, Apr 25, 2012
Both Frontier and American Airlines just announced a fare deal that is more than fair.
Can you believe only $59 one way to/from Denver?
But of course there are restrictions and days of the week to travel, but call us and we'll help customize your trip. We can always add on the Best of the West or the WTR Overland to the Ranch Stay or customize your stay with the dates you have after booking a great fare.
Sounds too good to be true, we'll yes it is "kind of". You have to book by tomorrow...
Most fares are for early summer travel.
Now, here is the advice from someone who knows (most of the time)... me - Sandy. I have been enjoying the tourism industry with guests and clients from around the world for many, many years. If you come to the ranch I'll tell you how long...
This is the time of the year that we see the airlines waving a short lived "Super Special", then pull it, then post another with slightly different rules. Historically, the end of April and beginning of May is the best time to purchase your summer vacation tickets, but you have to be diligent in looking to find the best fares.
As you may have heard, Tuesday/Wednesday are the best days to search for the best fares, and you need to be flexible with your dates and if you see it, book it - it won't be there long.
As always if you need help or advise please call me.
We'll you may have read my other blog post about American Airlines. I had apprehensions about if they would continue their service to Durango this summer as in the past AA had cancelled the route.
After consulting with other Durango travel professionals and AA, I think American is going to be a great option for our friends in Texas and stay for most of the summer. We do have several guests already booked on the Dallas/Durango/Dallas non stop flight with perfect arrival and departure times for staying at the ranch.
One more thought. I don't get to write often - so when I do I like to jabber. Have you called the ranch lately to find out about booking a week in June - it's a special surprise - if you have kids!
This time of year the office is open from 9am to 5pm MST, Monday through Friday. Please if you get the anwering machine, leave us a message and we'll be sure and call you back. Call (800) 52-Ranch or (970) 247-0722. We do monitor the messages 7 days a week and will call you back even after "office" hours. Thank you!
See ya soon!
Posted on Wed, Apr 11, 2012
By, Jan Roberts
"Who was that masked man? The Lone Ranger rides again!"
Some of us still remember those lines from the earlier days of western movies, and especially recall "The Lone Ranger" and his faithful companion, "Tonto."
As I child, I would walk to the local theater in the small town where I was raised, pay my 12 cents, buy a box of Juji Fruits and slide into a world of horses, cowboys and the "bad guys." I captured this fantasy weekly, and my love for horses was instilled into my mind forever. Roy Rogers, Gene Autrey, Hopalong Cassidy, Rex Allen and the Cisco Kid were inspirations for this Minnesota gal, and I honestly feel that they were the reason I decided to move west.
Western movies have been relatively absent since the days of "City Slickers," "Three Amigos", "Blazing Saddles" and the John Wayne pictures. They have been replaced with the new generation of films that use more animation, special effects, 3-D, and technology that were unknown in my days of "going to the movies." We actually called it, "going to a show" and for me, that is what transpired on that small screen. The "shows" were an escape from my little corner of the north country. The mountains and deserts beckoned to me......." come explore new adventures in this unknown territory."
Therefore, I did venture into another world---I had never been to the mountains of Colorado, or the mountains of anywhere, other than a train ride when I was 13, from Minnesota, through North Dakota, into Montana (I did see the mountains in Glacier National Park, but only at a distance), Idaho, Washington (we went through the mountains there at night), Oregon and California. Mount Shasta (California) still holds a special place in my travel memories.
But within those special moments, I didn't have the opportunity to touch, feel, explore and experience the grandeur in which we now call "home." How fortunate and blessed we truly are! The mountains which surround Wilderness Trails Ranch and our little corner of southwestern Colorado, are enchanting and compelling, just as they were on the screen at the Rapids theatre.
Incidentally, I cannot wait to see Johnny Depp in a starring role (a lot of women feel the same!) when it hits the screen! And some of the locals here in Durango may be spotted among the "extras" as a "casting call" was held here recently. Word is, the movie will be staged in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
Cheers to the producers, directors, actors and all who will be involved in the making of this movie! I anticipate again, seeing the Lone Ranger on Silver, Tonto on Scout, and other magnificent horses race into the corners of my mind once more!
"Hi Ho Silver....Away!"
Posted on Fri, Apr 06, 2012
At Wilderness Trails Ranch we not only offer a youth program but make kids so happy that they come back generation after generation.
It is not uncommon to have a family that the parents first visited when they were just a minute tall.
Do you have a Pony Express Kid? What is a Pony Express Kid? Our renowned Pony Express Youth program is specifically designed for children ages 3-5. Yes, that is correct. We cater to even to littlest of folks!
What does the Pony Express Group do every day from 9am to 4pm? What don't they do is more appropriate. Every day Monday through Friday is filled with lots of fresh air, fishing at the rainbow trout stocked ponds, hiking, bicycle races, picnics, nature awareness of land, livestock and wildlife, crafts, adventures in "The Enchanted Forest" and at the "The Fort" and of course a pony ride twice a day - so "they have their own horse too". These little people will be showing off their new horsemanship skills alongside the big kids at the Friday afternoon WTR Rodeo, a real family treat complete with rodeo clowns.
Don't wait if you have a 3-5 year old. Call now to book your week at the ranch and save big if you are booking the weeks of June 10th, June 24th or July 8th. Call the office for more details and stay tuned for upcoming information on our Saddle Tramps, Bandits and Posse youth programs. This is a limited time offer!
Posted on Fri, Mar 30, 2012
American airlines has listed daily flight service between Durango and Dallas, however should we trust them?
The flight times are perfect for our ranch stay. The cost is fair, approximately $350 round-trip.
So why are we distrustful?
Here's the catch...each year they give us these flights and then take them away midsummer. This means our guests end up missing flights, need to be rerouted and many times show up very late or the next day at WTR- definitely not how we want our guests to start their vacation with us!
Durango is served by United and Frontier Airlines with service through Denver and has been the most consistent with pricing and number of flights offered. US Airways gives us 2-3 flights daily with service through Phoenix and has been consistent for the last several years.
So we are asking folks to let us know what you think.
Would you recommend American Airlines?
Posted on Mon, Mar 26, 2012
By Jan Roberts
Gene and I just returned recently from the Clearwater, FL. area where we visited with family, friends and took some time to relax before we head into our 43rd summer at Wilderness Trails. Wow! Where have the years gone??
We enjoyed getting our toes in the sand on the beach, and having the opportunity to see "Winter", the dolphin who was the star of the movie, A Dolphin's Tale. What an amazing story, and what wonderful care she receives at the aquarium in Clearwater Beach. We were able to see the trainers fit her with the prosthetic tale which enables her to swim more naturally. Very heartwarming!
Over the years we have been so fortunate to develop relationships with our "ranch" animals--horses, dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, all of whom become part of our family. The attachments are strong and lasting. We still recall experiences from our early years at the ranch and how our animals created lasting bonds that have been so meaningful.
Our animal friends are so dependent upon us for their survival. We, as caretakers, provide food and nutritiion, water, health care, excercise, a secure and safe place to live, companions, plus our love and compassion.
We saw that love and compassion in the trainers who work with "Winter" on a daily basis, and we can certainly relate to their commitment to the creatures in their care. We have nursed many of our animals back to health, when at times it seemed overwhelming and almost impossible.
Our animals have instilled a satisfaction and commitment that has become instrumental in developing who we are....it has done the same for our children and eventually, it will be important for our grandchildren as well. Our lives are enriched because of these wonderful members of our ranch family. Our guests throughout the years, have grown to to love, respect, and appreciate them as much as we do.
So here's to "Winter" and the many amazing animals that have touched our lives!
Posted on Tue, Feb 21, 2012
Extreme Winter Sport: Ski Joring
This weekend was the third annual Ski Joring event in Silverton, Colorado, a town known for some of the best snow in the world! Basically, Ski Joring is an extreme winter sport where a horse and rider pull a skier at a fast pace through a course that has gates, jumps and rings. The skier is timed through the course, and penalties are assessed by missing gates or jumps, and by missing or dropping any of the rings (two seconds each). The competitors race for cash prizes, and teams are made up by a random draw before the start. Basically, you’ll see die-hard skijorers and their trusty steeds race and jump—right down snow-packed main street!
Skijoing has evolved into a sport that uses a horse and rider that pulls a skier down a snow-packed road over multiple jumps while retrieving rings in a timed competition. This event really took off in Colorado in the 1950’s. Ski Joring events include multiple classes: the Open Class, for experienced competitive teams; the Sport Class, for beginners; and the Snowmobile Class, for inexperienced and younger teams who are looking to get into the sport.
The drive to Silverton was a beautiful one, a bit windy butt the views were amazing. Silverton is a National Historic Landmark, part of the San Juan Skyway, the summer destination for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride, a recreational paradise in Winter for snowmobiling, skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice climbing, and ice fishing. Secluded at 9,318 feet, a visit to Silverton is one that you will not forget any time of year. A perfect combination of supreme natural beauty and magnificent Victorian charm.
The sport of Ski Joring began several hundred years ago in Scandinavian countries as a way to travel during the long winters. Laplanders skied on Nordic skis holding the reins attached to reindeer. Ski Joring found its way to North America, where ranchers attached a long rope to the saddle horn of a horse that was ridden at high speeds down a long straight-away. Currently, the sport of equestrian Ski Joring has become a highly specialized competitive sport, where competitors must navigate a course of jumps, gates and sometimes spear rings. Competitive Ski Joring competitions are currently taking place in more than five states in the USA, and in several countries worldwide. In some parts of the world, skiers are pulled behind dogs, mules and snowmobiles. Whatever the means, the sport of Ski Soring is growing rapidly, and is just as much fun for spectators as it is for competitors. Courtesy of the North American Ski Joring Association.
Posted on Fri, Feb 17, 2012
Hello "Gidget Fan Club"... Thank you again for a bushel of Valentines for Gidget!
In the winter the horses are pastured on the mesa south of Durango. Of course they are enjoying the warm, kind of mild winter and getting a bit chubby.
As I walk towards Gidget (the most famous horse of them all) with a hand full of valentines, she seems to know I am coming to talk to her specifically. I am pretty sure she knows she is the star of "every child's horse dreams".
Gidget has been treating children to an outstanding week of horseback riding for many years.
Valentine's day is a big day for Gidget, as we read valentine after valentine. She bows her head to listen and is simply such a real sweetheart!
There are some horses you know love the children... Our Gidget is one of those amazing horses.
We are looking forward to another season.
Locals don't forget to reserve your spot at this year's youth camp, booking up quickly...
Youth Camp starts June 11th, 2012. Call for details. (970) 247-0722
Posted on Wed, Feb 01, 2012
The SNOWDOWN winter celebration in Durango is now in full-swing. This year's theme is "Once Upon a Snowdown" and is intended to promote costumes, games, parties, a parade, and many fun activities relating to "fairy tales" and is to help with the "Cabin Fever" syndrome that tends to infiltrate the community during the winter season. Perhaps it could be aptly called "The Winter Blues" for some, but not us!
We truly do love and appreciate the snow, partly because all of us ski or snowboard. And incidentally, our grandson Aksel, now age 3, is becoming an avid skier already! I'ts amazing to see how quickly he has learned and it won't be long before he'll be out-skiing the whole family!
But mainly the snow is needed to produce water for the summer. The rivers, lakes, and reservoirs require tremendous amounts of water to sustain our area, so we are blessed when the snow accumulates and is stored in the high mountains surrounding our magnificently beautiful area. Winters are truly spectacular here!
So......................................
This brings to mind, a poem that I wrote for the WTR 2010 newsletter, which does not relate to the winter doldrums but instead to a "Once Upon a Time" story for our family. I did actually write it during the winter however , so certainly my thoughts were on reopening the ranch for the coming season.
Once upon a time....
It was actually in the late fall of 1969.
Could this really be?
Gene and Jan bringing our search to reality.
A ranch in the mountains, next to a stream,
To have horses and guests, that was our dream.
Wilderness Trails was the property's name,
the ideal place for us to stake our claim.
What a learning experience was year number one,
ending with Lance's birth, just like a home run!
We struggled through issues we didn't expect:
financial challenges, repairs, marketing, but what the heck!
We landed and lived in the most beautiful place
with no noise or pollution and miles of open space.
The next member of our family, a beautiful girl,
more love and joy into our lives, Erika, what a thrill.
Randy would spend summers to learn what he could
about horses and packing as any young cowboy would.
In traveling this path for more than 40 years,
We've had to adjust and often change gears.
Fires, drought, 9/11, gas rations, economy dips,
stock market drops and folks not taking trips.
Our family we've raised in this corner of the west
to believe that our heritage and hard work is best.
Believe in your goals, have respect and be fair.
The privilege of being here is humbling and rare.
How blessed we are to be able to share
our ranch, horses and valley with others who care
about the clear air and water, plus incredible nights
with the bright stars that glisten when we turn off the lights.
Our hearts and our souls are wrapped up in this place.
This way of life, we have truly embraced.
Although we've been through some blood, sweat and tears,
our passion will continue throughout the upcoming years.
So now we begin the next decade, with the same
resolve to learn, improve, evaluate and remain
in this valley we've called home year in and year out,
Love for our family, friends, guests, staff, land and horses---
This is what our life is about.
"And they lived happily ever after!"
See you this coming summer.....
Happy Trails!
Jan and Gene Roberts
Posted on Fri, Jan 13, 2012
No television, no phone and no worries means more time to create meaningful and lasting memories. A Dude Ranch vacation is a visit to simpler times, the kind of times that we remember and that we want to recreate for our grandchildren.
Wilderness Trails is THE Dude Ranch for your multi-generational vacation. A ranch vacation provides so many "firsts" that you could possibly lose count. It could be their first experience horseback riding, fishing, line dancing, seeing animals in the wild, wearing cowboy boots and eating s’mores ‘round a campfire. Watching your family experience all these new things is an indescribable feeling.
To celebrate Grandparents WTR is offering a 5% discount to all grandparents who book by February 15th, 2012. Those that book by February 1st, will receive and additional $50 gift certificate in our gift shop "The Trading Post" and free transportation to and from the airport.
So you don't ride, well we do offer a $475/per person non-rider discount.
As Grandparents ourselves and many years hosting generation after generation, we know that children just seem to come alive on our ranch. As history and tales show, children will tell the stories for years to come. We often hear the adult version of a childhood memory that describes how they lived the life of a real cowboy or cowgirl, what horse they rode and how many fish they caught with grandpa.
“It’s wonderful to have grandparents that travel and can think of no better traveling partners than our precious grandchildren.” - Sandy, WTR Ranch Manger
Our daily youth program has been voted "best of the best" in multiple editions of Gene Kilgore's Ranch Vacations. We have four great youth programs insuring "never-bored kids"! WTR’s counselors provide fun-filled days in a safe environment. At WTR the daily schedule is pre-planned so that there is something for everyone.
It’s comforting to know that the kids are always taken care of no matter what you decide to do. There are no worries about them being away from your watchful eyes, knowing they are having a super time with the kids counselors. During your all-inclusive ranch stay you won’t have to worry about reservations, meal planning, buying tickets, transportation, etc. Family members can simply focus on capturing memories and spending time with the grandchildren.
Grandparents that are not wanting to horseback ride can accompany the kids to the barn in the morning to see them off on their rides then enjoy reading, taking a leisurely walk, or relaxing at the lodge. Now that is until Friday when we have the "Kids Rodeo" where they will show off to Grandparents/Parents/Staff/Visitors the horsemanship skills they have learned throughout the week. This isn't just any rodeo, it is fun, full of games, complete with grand entry and of course the stars of the show - your kids.
With all of the unique opportunities in the kids program, there is no doubt that the grand kids will be busy the entire week with horseback riding, water sports and more. The grandchildren will have a blast! Yes, those that want to spend every minute of the day with their personnally selected horse can do so and help feed/groom and smell the horses 24/7. Yes, we know about little girls and their horses!
Making new friends
Fishing and digging for worms
Exploring wide open spaces
Riding the trails with the Wranglers
“There are fewer distractions. There’s not the hustle of going to museums or restaurants. There are no computers, no shopping. There’s more time to talk.” -WTR Guest
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.
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, however there is Wifi in the lodge!
A stay at WTR will create lasting memories in the mind of a child. It's a true eye-opening experience and one they'll never forget.
Children under 3 are free and babysitting can be arranged.
Please call or email us to book your stay!
