The Tours at James Ranch
A unique, family adventure became available north of Durango in the summer of 2008. The families of the James Ranch decided to open their incredible ranch on a limited basis for tours. If you are an adult visitor interested in a more sustainable, organic lifestyle or if you are traveling with children and looking for a fun adventure that will be a memorable learning experience, consider taking two hours of your stay to tour the James Ranch. Expect to be captivated by the beauty of the 400 acre ranch in the Animas River Valley. Tours of the ranch begin on May 1st and run through September 15th.
The Electric Cart Tour, taking 2 hours, is a little on foot and most by cart. It will take you through the lush green pastures where the grass-fed cattle graze along with the wild elk and deer. You will visit the seasonal dairy and cheese making facility where you will be able to observe a part of the artisan cheese making process. You can expect to visit the gardens, hens, turkeys, pigs and cattle while learning about sustainable farming and ranching and its importance to healthy and ethically-treated animals.
You will be able to ask questions about the soil, water, forages, and wildlife policies employed at the James Ranch. You will be treated to a quick snack of James Ranch cheese, freshly picked veggies and specialty meats while enjoying the shade in the picnic grounds.
Reservations are required and the cost for the tour is $18.00 per seat, children 5 and younger can go with their parents/guardian at no charge. This tour is given on Tuesdays and Thursdays, one tour at 1:00 and another at 3:00 with 7 seats available on each tour.
The Twilight Dining Tour takes advantage of the scenery and the cool mountain air on a three hour evening tour with dinner catered by The Yellow Carrot featuring specially crafted James Ranch Products.
The Twilight Dining Tour is given on Wednesdays & Saturdays only, June 2 ~ August 28. The cost is $50.00 per person with a 4 person minimum, 24 person maximum per tour. Tours subject to cancellation. Reservations required 48 hours in advance.
School groups and children’s groups are treated to an educational walking tour of the dairy facility, the gardens, and checking for eggs in the “Egg Mobile”. Since the James Ranch is a working ranch, we must have children watched carefully to avoid accidents so the child to adult ratio needs to be 4:1. Adult organizers need to recognize that their time at the James Ranch is about education and exposure and that it is not a free-for-all where chasing livestock will be condoned. The topic of the tour can be tailored to a specific area of study if needed. The charge is $50.00 per hour with a group maximum of 25 children and a minimum of 6 adults with that size of group.
For availability and reservations please call the James Ranch Market at 970-385-6858. If the call is not answered, please leave a message with the date and time of interest for a tour as well as contact information and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
