Summer Weekend Getaway: The Historic Pines Ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado

At the base of Colorado's Sangre de Cristo range is the Historic Pines Ranch. It is situated outside the small hidden away town of Westcliffe, Colorado. The Pines Ranch is full of summer activities for all to enjoy.

The Pines Ranch can lodge up to 32 people at any one time. Connected by pathways that wind around the property you will find comfortable rustic cabins. Each cabin has its own style decorated in western, southwest, country, or Victorian motifs. Each cabin has a porch that allows you to sit and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Each cabin has a full private bath, a family room, and two bedrooms. Recent renovations including new carpeting and paint has added to the beauty of these cabins. If you have a large family or group of friends, the Cusak's cottage is what you are looking for. It is two units put together with private entrances.

The Pine's Ranch has had several owners from 1941 to the mid 1960's. In the mid 1960's, the ranch closed and sat unoccupied for more than 20 years. Dean Rusk, who had grown up not far from the ranch purchased it. He fully restored the lodge to its original stature. It was initially built from a kit purchased from Montgomery Ward's for $900. Dean has continued to build onto the ranch to make it into the Historic Pine Ranch of today.

There are plenty of activities at the ranch. Horseback riding is the centerpiece of the ranch, but there are many other things to do. You can enjoy fly-fishing, white-water rafting, country swing dancing lessons, and campfire cookouts.

Guests can enjoy a mini western theater show and campfire sing-a-longs. You can even take a wagon ride in the forest and encounter Wild West bandits. If you would like to get in on horseback riding but you are not experienced do not worry there is a great riding program. Each rider will get instruction from very experienced riders. Small children are encouraged to take part of the lessons. Guests are put into small groups, which are decided by their riding ability.

Trail rides and picnics guided by staff high in the mountains up to 11,000 feet. There are also rodeos that guest are encouraged to participate in. Basic horsemanship is taught to all guests.

Children are not left out of the fun. Staff and counselors work closely with children to assure fun and safety. There are arts and crafts projects, nature hikes, fishing, and barn activities such as playing with ranch pets. The pool is always popular with the kids also.

Dining in the Knotty Pine Dining Hall provides for down home cooking and dining experience. The all-you-can-eat salad bar is always stocked full of fruits and vegetables. The staff can provide for any special dietary need if notified in advance.

There are other sights close by. One is the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is located along the Arkansas River. It is the world's highest and longest suspension bridge. It has been nicknamed "The Little Grand Canyon."

For more information on the Historic Pines Ranch go to:

Historic Pines Ranch

P.O. Box 311

Westcliffe, CO 81252

Phone: 800-446-9462

www.historicpines.com