History of Smith Fork Ranch

Long before the start of the Smith Fork Guest Ranch, the West Elk Mountains and the Gunnison Valley below were the home of the Ute Indians, a tribe of native people who lived and hunted here for thousands of years. In the l9th Century, frontiersmen and explorers described the region as tree-covered mesas and mountains, and in the lower valley, a sea of head-tall grass. When the land was opened for settlement in the

l800's, cattlemen and farmers quickly staked claims on the fertile land - and the cattle ranches and fruit orchards that still sustain the community were born. With no mining booms, no railroad, no tourists, "Crawford Country", as the area is called, has managed to keep its old-west character and out-of-the-way charm for over a hundred years. We invite you to be a part of that during your horseback riding vacations.

Toward the end of the 19th Century in the Smith Fork Valley - miles above the town of Crawford - two ranches were staked out. In 1928, the Ferrier family, including newlyweds Grant and Mamie, bought the two places and made them into one ranch. Hence the birth of our luxury dude ranch.

Mamie Ferrier (approx 1950), wrangler, guide and historian

Grant Ferrier, horseman, outfitter extraordinaire

Early ranch homestead

Grant and Mamie lived in a log cabin with only a bed, cream separator, cookstove, table, and dresser for furnishings. There they raised their family by living off the land and selling extra farm goods they produced.

A simple, yet elegant Western life-style is what we hope to bring you with our carefully restored buildings, hand-built furnishings, and many outdoor activities offered at our historic guest ranch.