In the Lap of Mom, Dad and Luxury:
Treehouses and Go-Karts

By Caren Osten Gerszberg

In her article on fun, adventurous, upscale destinations for families, Caren Osten Gerszberg,  reviews  eight recommmended destinations worldwide.  Smith Fork Ranch was the only retreat  noted in the United States in  her article "in the lap of Mom, Dad and Luxury...".

A fly-fishing lesson at Smith Fork Ranch in Crawford, Colo.

Picture a weeklong vacation with your family at a friend's ranch. Add luxurious log cabin accommodations, a trout stream, your own horse for the week, and first-rate food to boot. Surrounded by mountains on three sides in Colorado backcountry and owned by the couple that founded Ghurka Leather, the Smith Fork Ranch, (970) 921-3454, www.smithforkranch.com, in Crawford, Colo., is an intimate Western experience. There is also fly fishing, a two-story treehouse, a swimming pond and an authentic Ute tepee where children can camp out during their stay. Furnished with primitive American antiques and original arts and crafts, Smith Fork accommodates just 26 to 28 visitors at a time, and guests can choose to stay in a log cabin, or in a lodge or guesthouse room. Seven-night packages, with food, lodging, guides, rides and fly-fishing clinics, range from $2,100 to $3,000 a person; deduct $500 per child ages 3 to 12.

Published: June 5, 2005