Hosting Guests for a Century
Beyond some of the best private fly fishing in the west, endless trails to explore, and its National Forest surroundings, the Smith Fork Ranch has deep roots in North Fork Valley.
Long before the Smith Fork Ranch, the West Elk range of the Rocky Mountains and the Smith Fork river valley was the home of Ute Native Americans. Skilled horse-people, the Utes traveled long distances tracking buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, and mountain sheep for food, clothing and shelter. The ranch is always looking to deepen its understanding and support of native people, please contact us with any ideas or information.
The Utes
Western Colorado was opened for settlement in the 1800s, and cattlemen and farmers quickly staked claims on the fertile land. Soon, the cattle ranches, farms and fruit orchards that still sustain the community were born. “Crawford Country,” as the area is called, has managed to keep its Old West character and out-of-the-way charm for over 150 years.
The West
Toward the end of the 19th century, miles above the village of Crawford, two ranches were staked out. In 1928, the Ferrier family, including newlyweds Grant and Mamie, bought and combined the two ranches into what was called the Bar X Bar. During the late 1930s, the Ferriers built cabins and started to take in paying guests – “Dudes from back East” and San Francisco – and ran a successful dude ranch well into the 1960s.
Bar X Bar
Beginning in 2000, the Hodgson family lovingly restored - and evolved - the ranch. Each building, most built between the 1920s and 50s was taken down, each log numbered, and re-built from the inside out. The Hodgson’s maintained the soul and character of the Ranch and managed both honor its history and bring it to the luxury standard of today’s traveler.
Today’s stewards of the Smith Fork Ranch aim to share it as your home away from home and wish you the stay of a lifetime in your own National Forest playground. Welcome!
