For children aged three and older we offer supervision by qualified counselors and full daytime activities. All the programs are optional so that families can spend as much time together as they wish, or everyone can go their different ways. We find that the children love doing the activities with their counselors and children their own age, while parents enjoy being able to go out on longer rides or on day-trips knowing their children are safe and having the time of their lives.
Children’s activities include riding, 
both in the arena and on trails with plenty of expert instruction, fishing, hiking, nature study, swimming, western crafts, PB&J lunch rides and more. One of their favorite activities is a “hot-dog and s’mores” roast followed by a long hayride into the forest as evening falls on a Friday night.
Children six and older—the “Cowpokes”—are given their own horse for the week and can go on the trails. The little “Buckaroos” (3-5 year olds) will be led on short rides around the barn and river area by the counselors. Our kid’s horses are exceptional and they will meet each child’s ability level and help them to improve tremendously throughout their stay here at the ranch.
Whether riding one of the big draft horses bareback in the arena,
learning to swing a rope, singing on the hayride
or catching their first rainbow, children will love
their Rainbow Trout Ranch experience.
“These are the things I love about Rainbow Trout Ranch. I love riding. Jane always picks a good horse for me. I love fishing in the Conejos River. I love swimming in the pool. I love the line dancing, square dancing, hayrides and riding the Belgian Horses. It is my favorite week all year. I can’t wait to return this August.” Sarah Deitch, age 9
“Our children have grown up there with a strong circle of friends and we've made some of the best friends of our lives---including the Van Berkums. When Sunday rolls around and we have to go home, we all say, "Only 51 weeks and we'll see you again." Joe & Pat Price, Ohio.
TEEN PROGRAM
We also have a fun teen-
program, less structured than the kids’ programs (thus allowing for that much needed teen independence), and including riding, hiking and more with the teen counselor. The counselor will meet with the teens on Sunday night and they will map out their week activities together.
If they choose to go off-ranch, day-trips include an abandoned gold mine, the Colorado Gator Farm and the amazing National Sand Dunes Monument with giant dunes that provide for lots of fun.
Also the Overnight Ride is open 
to teens and is a very popular option—it is a great way to spend some time with your teen in a unique situation. Feel free to call us anytime for more info on the teen or any other of our programs—we truly understand that as parents, if your children are having fun, you will have fun and we make it a priority.
“Over the years, I have seen people my age at Rainbow Trout arrive with a bad attitude. They are the kind of teenagers that are determined to displease their parents by being miserable. This never lasts long. The wonderful horseback riding program, the enthralling activities, and the exuberant staff are enough to make anyone, no matter how much they miss their video games, enjoy themselves. Since that first week at RTR, ten years ago, each year has been thought of differently. There is only the time at the Ranch, and the time away. Rainbow Trout Ranch has not been a vacation spot for me. It has become my home.” Kyle Hicks, age 16.
COME SHARE THE MAGIC OF RAINBOW TROUT RANCH WITH US—FOLKS OF EVERY AGE HAVE A GREAT TIME…
