There are nearby trails for hiking and biking as well as a half mile of private riverfront along the Crystal River to walk and fish.  Across the river, the valley opens up providing spectacular views. Avalanche Creek flows into the Crystal River, surrounded by forest service and wilderness land.

The ranch grounds are very lush and include a variety of trees, apple and plum orchards.  We have cleared hiking trails that skirt the upper boundaries of the ranch. Tucked away higher up our property has a stocked pond and offers premier views. Picnic at the water's edge and check out a canoe to float in the moonlight. Have your first boating experience with the kids, show them how to fish, or let them explore the pond in our one-kid paddleboats.

The kids' cabin and tree house, sandbox, swing, tether ball and other games will engage the children. While, horseshoes, volleyball, and better yet, our hot tub/spa will beckon adults to relax.

The Lodge is open 24 hours as a recreation facility for all guests. It offers a cozy lounge area containing telephones, books, maps and brochures of local attractions and activities, plus a TV/VCR/DVD with a wide selection of free videos for all ages. The game room has a ping-pong table and a variety of popular games and puzzles for your enjoyment.

In Summer, 2 nights a week we gather for entertainment around the campfire for guitar strumming and singing with "Cowboy Steve" and toasting s'mores. Entertaining us daily are several resident animals: Alex the llama, Tony the donkey, pigs, chickens and sheep. We love animals and welcome your pet, be it horse, dog, cat or bird.

In Winter, snowshoe, sled and X-C ski on the grounds or nearby trails. Build a snowman after a fresh snowfall, or stay tucked in and watch the snow fall outside your cozy bedroom window.

The original homestead house built in 1913 has been completely renovated and remains a historic landmark. It currently serves as the manager's residence/office, while the original garage, now attached to the main house, is the Antiques Shop.

There are 13 cozy log cabins, built in the '50's and since renovated. Each has a different décor. Some have woodstoves, clawfoot tubs and lofts. They range in size from a studio to 2 bedrooms and loft. Another option is our spacious 3 bedroom Ranch House that sleeps up to 10. All the cabins and the Ranch House have private yards with BBQ grill and picnic table. The Ranch House has a gas grill and private deck.

Special occasions, Weddings, Family Reunions.
Meetings are most successful in this setting and with our attention to detail. We have special Honeymoon cabins and Celebration Packages available. Avalanche Ranch provides a quiet and productive arena for retreats and meetings as well.

There is a large antiques shop (and more in the barn!) to browse during your stay. Tasteful antiques and unique furniture and decor is found everywhere on the ranch, adding to the ambiance and warm, personal touches the ranch is known for. The shop also has a great variety of small gift items and collectables. Some necessities like film and toothpaste are available.

NO SMOKING in any ranch building.

Nearby activities include:
SUMMER: extensive hiking, road and mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, 4 wheelin', natural hot springs in the river.
WINTER: snowshoeing, XC skiing, downhill skiing, ice climbing, sledding, sleigh rides, dog sled tours, fishing and natural hot springs in the river. Plus, a hot tub on site!

We have some mountain bikes, kids fishing rods and plenty of snowshoes for all ages available at no charge. X-C skies can be rented in Carbondale, 12 mi. If you would like to bring your pet, please inquire about our pet policy.

Directions: Click here to go to our Maps!

Mark Braendle (with his dog Kayla) is still the wonderful property manager here at Avalanche Ranch. He has all the answers, and is teaching us to be great new owners. So give us a call and talk to Mark!

And we're the new family of owners and managers.

From left to right are Jennifer with Amalie, Sofia, Meredith, Kayo, Tai with Fisher, Molly, and Chuck.

We welcome you all to the Avalanche Ranch and hope to see you soon in the wonderful Crystal River valley.