River Rafting Through the Gunnison Gorge
Children and adults alike can appreciate the thrill, gorgeous surroundings, and one of a kind experience white water rafting has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first timer, Smith Fork Ranch has access to some of the most amazing and unique rafting waters on the near by legendary Gunnison River.
Start your rafting adventure one mile below the Black Canyon National Park boundary. From there, you’ll float through the 1000 -2000 foot walls of the Gunnison Gorge section of the Black Canyon. Enjoy a gourmet river side lunch and keep an eye out for Desert Bighorn Sheep as you journey down the River. The all day float will involve a series of class II and III rapids with a couple that might tip the class IV scale. The experience is a thrilling, top-notch adventure through one of Colorado’s least explored canyons. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see another human. You’ll feel like Lewis and Clark must have felt!
Due to the amount of preparation involved in arranging these trips, we are limited to a certain number of set float dates each year. These floats must be booked 72 hours or more in advance with a four person minimum. Call us for price and scheduling.
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“This ranch is the best ranch ever. Everyday there is so much to do everyday. Shiloh is the best horse to have. Another thing I loved was the White Water rafting. I would love to come back here. The staff is great!”
–Tinsley, 10, South Carolina
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Kayak “Duckie” Rafting on the North Fork of the Gunnison River
Fully guided, both rafting and duckie floats are available at an extra charge. Call us for more information and reservations. There are many different put-in locations here in the Valley, dependent upon desired float times and water flows. The river is not a rapids-filled adventure that will leave you soaking wet the entire time – but more like a relaxing way to get some sun and try out paddling your own kayak. Both rafting and duckie floats are fully guided. These two options can be half day or full day floats with a lunch or snacks.
Shooting Sports
Shooting Clays paradise! SFR membership in a hunt and shooting club a short drive from our ranch provides outstanding shooting sports for our guests. A SFR guide will accompany you on a half day trip. All levels of experience are welcome from beginner to pro. 
Full shooting instruction and shotgun rentals are available. Ruger over/under Red Label 12 and 20 gauge shotguns are available for a small rental fee, as well as Remington pump action youth 20 gauge shotguns. All activities are registered with the National Sporting Clay Association.
There are two Sporting Clays courses available:
- A small ten station course most suitable for beginners
- A fully automated eleven station course for the shooter looking for some challenging shots.
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“Fabulous staff! Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience. Caught my first fish on a fly rod and shot my first shotgun! At age 36! Hope to be back someday. In the meantime, enjoy this exquisite place for me!”
–Laura, Washington
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Five Stand, with covered stations, and six different simulated shots is available and a great way to warm up or do tournament style with family and friends.
An Elevated Wobble Deck with clays thrown from below in random direction is a test of skill and mimics “quick-instinct shotgunning.”
Shooting spor†s at this world-class nearby facility are available most days. Call us for more information and cos.
Special Fishing Expeditions
For those looking to add another famous western river to their fishing experience, great fishing can be found in all directions from the ranch. Enjoy fishing in the Aspen Valley as Mt. Sopris towers off in the distance. The Roaring Fork River is a freestone river that holds good numbers and sizes of Rainbows and Browns as well as an occasional native whitefish. 
Try a combination float of the Lower Roaring Fork and the mighty Colorado River near Glenwood Springs. How about a scenic walk/wade trip in the red stone walls of the legendary Frying Pan River? Other Gold Medal water awaits only thirty minutes from the ranch. The Gunnison River around the North Fork confluence is a classic western fishery. High desert canyon lands will be your views as you float on the stretch in or below the Gunnison Gorge. If you take the jet boat ride into the Gorge, you will go where there is little fishing pressure for trout. Be aware of the giant Salmon fly hatch early to mid June and lasts about two weeks. The two and a half inch stonefly adults bring large brown and rainbow trout to the surface. Walk and wade trips can be arranged here as well.
The upper Gunnison River in and around the town of Gunnison, is another home to an abundant number of trout. With 15 plus miles of water in this area, many different floats/wades can be arranged. Every year at the end of August through September, Kokanne Salmon run from Blue Mesa Reservoir up the Gunnison River to the East River for their annual spawn. Just seeing and trying to catch these wily, bright red fish is an unforgettable experience.
These special fishing trips are available at an extra charge and need to be booked in advance of arrival, if possible.
Vintage Bi-Plane Rides
Put on your long silk scarf and aviator goggles, and get ready for a thrilling ride in a beautifully restored 1941 Stearman open-cockpit bi-plane. This WWII trainer has two seats, pilot in front, and you in the back. 
Capt. Lynn French, certified FAA flight instructor enjoys taking our guests for a ride. Flight takes off from our local Crawford airport and soars over our beautiful valley and the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison. And of course your flight wouldn’t be complete without “buzzing” the ranch. Depending on conditions, the ride takes approximately 45 minutes.
Call us for reservations and cost in advance of arrival, if possible.
