Smith Fork Ranch

Our stay at SFRanch was a delight. Sophisticated rustic may seem like an oxymoron, but it has a wonderful Old West feel… like the Western shows we watched on TV as a child. They «get» the kitsch of the concept, and some things are «ironic» but never cheap or without class. The staff couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful. It’s spotlessly clean and well-​maintained. Every amenity, from sheets, to towels, to toiletries, are top notch, as would be expected for these prices. We love the chow house! The food is rustic, but excellent. The setting, near Needle Rock (search «Needle Rock Colorado» on Google Maps, and you’ll see why it has its name) is charming with beautiful landscape. Be sure, while you’re there, to visit the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, less than 20 minutes from the Ranch. It is NOT to be missed.

We went there recently for a wedding, so we didn’t actually stay at Smith Fork but we got to spend plenty of time on the ranch. It is a fantastic ranch in a beautiful setting with 5 star service, food and wine. It is very expensive to stay and/​or dine there, but it is first class «rustic» all the way. The owners are exteemely nice people who know what they are doing and work hard to provide a memorable experience to all guests. This place also has some history, as it was once a working ranch and all the buildings have been fully restored and «modernized» but not overdone. Smith Fork Ranch is definitely off the beaten path so plan to spend some time getting there. We flew into Grand Junction and drove two hours from there to Crawford. From that tiny town you have to drive another seven miles down a little dirt road to the ranch. If you want to get away, this is definitely a place to do it. If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed with Smith Fork Ranch.