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 2020 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, most of whom are once again return this year; indeed, it is our largest return staff ever. And what a great thing that is – they already know the ropes here, inside and out, now they just need to learn how to adjust them!

And adjust them we will, in order to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible while you are with us. 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 some of the changes we’ve made, and plan on making, in order to operate under best practices to severely lessen that risk.

• 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 temperature checks.
• 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 will be adding more detailed disinfectant procedures to our cabin change overs – and we will not offer daily housekeeping. (by CDC order). We have a new system in place for guest requests in the cabins. And we do ask that guests bring their own shampoo and toiletries although we have amenities available upon 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.
• Meals and beverages will be served by staff wearing masks – we hope this changes but for now that is the plan.
• 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.
• While we will not require face masks for our guests, we encourage you to bring your own if you feel more comfortable doing so. As of now, staff will be required to wear face masks during all close contact with guests.
• 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 will focus on outdoor activities that will allow for social distancing as much as possible. Parents, it is up to you if they wear a mask (recommended but not required). As of now the Rec Room will have to be closed, but we hope that will change as restrictions lessen.
• Communal equipment and gear will be wiped down after each use.
• The whitewater rafting will be offered under New Mexico guidelines, and New Wave Rafting will keep us updated. As of now, they are planning on having dedicated “family” rafts – we will let you know as we know more.
• We have always been known for our great riding program. We figure you can do a lot of other activities at home – anyone sick of movies yet?! - but most of you can’t ride in the Rocky Mountains in the clean and great outdoors, so we will be offering even more riding than before.
• And we are also known for our great fishing – and our great hiking. Both of these programs will be expanded.

So, as you can see, we are taking the coronavirus risk very seriously, but we also understand that people just need to get out and have fun - and we love that you are doing it 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 2021, or be refunded in full if you have put a deposit down. We have waived our deposit policy completely for now, as we want to treat our guests as we would want to be treated in these unprecedented times.

At the end of the day, 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.

And a big RTR thank you to all those who held on to your reservation throughout the crisis. We are very much looking forward to meeting all of you, and to welcoming back all of our fabulous return guests. Let’s have fun together!

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/