Located in a river valley surrounded by the mountains and the Gunnison National Forest, this three-night/four-day gastronomic adventure at Smith Fork Ranch is filled with gourmet delights and hands-on cooking with SFR Executive Chef James Ackard and kitchen staff.

Throughout the weekend, our culinary experts will demonstrate selected recipes from the SFR kitchen - using Colorado Lamb, elk, rainbow trout and pheasant as well as local produce from the bountiful harvests of nearby organic farms and ranches. And, local organic farmers will talk with guests about the extraordinary produce grown in the area and the long culinary history of the North Valley as the garden center of the state.

As part of a "working" visit to nearby Farms, guests will pick fresh vegetables and fruits and sample pear-apple cider made with a vintage cider press. SFR Chef's will prepare a streamside picnic utilizing the farm fresh produce and hands-on assistance from weekend participants.

A trip to a nearby elk ranch affords a rare opportunity to hear the elk bugling. Other highlights: wine tasting with one of the region's premier vintners, cooking classes and demonstrations on our partially covered pavilion; a five course dinner with suggested wine pairings. Smith Fork Ranch has an extensive wine cellar with over 250 labels from the U.S. and abroad to complement this fine dining experience - plus a fully stocked bar.

While the focus of the weekend is on culinary pleasures, there are plenty of other activities to savor - fly fishing, horseback riding, archery and more.

Come join us as our Chef and kitchen staff share the secrets of our haute western cuisine. Enjoy the quintessential autumn in the Rockies and the luxurious accommodations at Colorado's premier guest ranch.

Featured in:
Food & Wine Magazine
Town & Country Travel

Limited to 24 Guests
Call for Reservations now: 970-921-3454

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Our fun-filled culinary weekend for adults starts on Thursday afternoon with a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres on the ranch open air pavilión as you enjoy the full glory of Colorado autumn in the mountains: bright yellow aspens amid the crimson, gold and green of the mountain oak and Colorado spruce.

Your weekend includes:

• Welcome basket of harvest specialties
• Luxurious, western-style accommodations in lodge rooms or cabins for three nights and four days.
• Hands-on cooking and prep opportunities with SFR Executive Chef and staff
• Demonstrations and instruction for several of the Chef's signature dishes using area produce, local game and meats
• Visit to Orchard Valley Farms and picking vegetables and fruits at this organic farm at the peak of the harvest in the North Fork Valley
• Streamside picnic on the Smith Fork
• Fine dining on the pavillion with views of the mountains and Needle Rock at sunset, including a five-course dinner with suggested wine pairings
• All ranch amenities and activities - fly fishing on three miles of Smith Fork of the Gunnison and the ranch's six ponds for Colorado rainbow, browns and brookies; horseback ride or hike in the National Forest or hone your archery skills. Hot tub and work out room.
• Visit to Mendicant Ridge Elk Ranch.
• Live music on the pavillion one evening after dinner.