RTR - Coronavirus Information

Please note that we will put any new updates in red text, and when we update again, we will change the previous updates back to normal text and put the new updates in red.  This way, if you’ve read all the information previously and just want to see what is new or changed, you can just look for the red!

We are excited to welcome you to the ranch this 2021 season, Covid-19 notwithstanding. While we are continually learning about the pandemic, we have had nearly thirty years to learn how to offer great western vacations to families, couples, solo guests, groups and friends, and we plan to keep on doing that, whilst doing the best we can to keep you safe in every way possible.

Sure we will have to work around the then-current coronavirus guidelines and restrictions, and things may look a little different, but the reasons that bring you to a dude ranch vacation, whether for the first time or all those years ago when you started coming to us, haven’t changed. We will still have spectacular scenery, wonderful riding, excellent fishing, fun kids’ and teen programs, hiking, and that old-fashioned brand of western hospitality that keeps you coming back. And that includes our always-wonderful staff. This summer will be a great mix of seasoned return and fresh new staff and we are looking forward to a great time.

While we can't guarantee that the risk of exposure to or contraction of coronavirus can be eliminated while you are here, we can tell you the changes we made last season, and we plan on implementing again this year, in order to operate under best practices to severely lessen that risk. Indeed we had a good, safe 2020 and we look to repeat that success in 2021. And that will depend upon you, our guests, and all of us here. Together we can make choices that keep all of us safe.

• We will ask guests to self-quarantine as much as possible before their vacation, take all precautions on their trip out here, and to sign a health questionnaire when they arrive, in addition to daily temperature checks.
• We are encouraging good covid preventative practices for both guests and staff, including vaccines.
• Check-in and check-out times have been extended to after 4:30pm and by 9am in order to allow us longer to change over cabins between guests.
• Whilst we have always been known for our over-the-top "Linda Clean" protocol, we added a more detailed disinfectant procedure to our cabin changeovers. We will not offer daily housekeeping during the early part of your stay, and only by request after that. And we do ask that guests bring their own shampoo and toiletries although we do have amenities available by request.
• We are lucky enough to have a truly giant lodge which will easily allow for spacing in the dining room and there is always the great outdoors for our frequent cookouts. We are planning on having dedicated “family” tables for the early part of your stay.
• Hand washing and sanitizer use, and regular wipe downs of hard surfaces, will be a constant in the kitchen and throughout the ranch, with soap and sanitizer readily available.
• Due to altitude, we will not require face masks, but we encourage you to bring your own if you feel more comfortable doing so.
• We ask all guests to drive their own car to the ranch, or to rent a car, so that any activities requiring transport can be reached by individual vehicles.
• In accordance with the then-current gathering restrictions, we may have to give separate orientations, stagger rides, stagger trapshooting/archery, and monitor pool and hot tub use, as well as re-configure evening activities. But please know that we are thinking and talking all of it through and coming up with some fun alternative ideas if they are needed. 🙂
• Our kids’ and teen programs may focus on outdoor activities that may allow for social distancing as much as possible. Parents, it is up to you if they wear a mask. The Rec Room may need to be closed during the early part of your stay.
• Communal equipment and gear may be wiped down or sanitized after each use.
• The whitewater rafting will be offered under New Mexico guidelines, and New Wave Rafting will keep us updated. Last year they had dedicated "family" rafts - we will let you know as we know more.
• We have always been known for our great riding program, our fabulous fishing and super hiking. We will focus on these and other outdoor activities. And the dancing is now outside!

We are taking the coronavirus risk seriously, but we do understand that now more than ever, people need to get out and have fun. And we love that you've chosen to do it with us, the western way!

We are going to help you do that as safely as we can, although we need to caution you that while we are comfortable having you here, you need to feel comfortable coming. If you are uncertain in any way, we completely understand if you would rather defer your reservation to 2022.

We are all very aware of the situation and let’s all, guests and staff, work together to ensure that we take good care of ourselves, and of one another. We all really become a family here at Rainbow Trout Ranch, and we will look out for one another before and during your week or stay with us.

A big RTR thank you to all of you who came to us last year, and/or who held over their reservations to this year. We appreciate our guests so much. We are so looking forward to meeting all of you, and to welcoming back our fabulous return guests. See you soon, and Travel Safely!

Keep well everyone, you and yours, and Happy Trails, always ~~
The Van Berkum Family and our Wonderful Staff.

Regarding Medical Facilities:

We are in a remote part of Colorado. Please note that the nearest medical clinic is in Antonito (30 minutes), and the nearest hospital is in La Jara (45 minutes) and that it is a small rural hospital. The San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center is the area’s largest hospital, although not big by most standards, and is located in Alamosa (1 hour).

Although both hospitals have taken good care of our few needs over the years, they are not large facilities. We have been in contact with them regarding Covid-19 and they are limited in their capabilities, most often airlifting to Pueblo, CO. Please don’t hesitate to contact them for your own research ahead of time:

SLV Regional Medical Center – hospital (1 hour from the ranch)
https://www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/locations/regional-medical-center-clinic/

Conejos County Hospital (45 minutes from the ranch)
https://www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/locations/conejos-county-hospital/

SLV Health Clinic, La Jara (50 minutes from the ranch)
https://www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/locations/la-jara-clinic/

SLV Health Clinic, Antonito (30 minutes from the ranch)
https://www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/locations/antonito-clinic/