Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Guests of Durango's Blue Lake Ranch enjoy a delightful trip into the past on the Durango & Silverton Railroad.  This scenic journey on Durango’s historic coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive is a local and tourist favorite, perfect for travelers of all ages!  This full day experience takes you deep into the beautiful San Juan mountain range, with a two hour stop in Silverton, Colorado, a quaint historic mining town.  .


The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge was established in 1882 and offered a beautiful trip for passengers, as well as an efficient way to transport ore, gold, and silver from the Silverton mines to the larger township of Durango.  


A day spent on the Durango Train, is most definitely a day well spent, and memory that will be cherished.

Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!

Blue Lake Ranch's Annual Iris Sale- June 11th and 12th

Once a year, on the second weekend in June, Shirley and David Alford and Blue Lake Ranch in Durango, Colorado open their spectacular flower gardens to the public. There are acres of Irises and Peonies in bloom against the backdrop of the La Plata Mountains and poppies, columbies, lilies, hollyhocks, asters, and other perennials growing nearby. 

In addition to the Alford's Iris and bedding plants, neighbors bring day lilies and other hardy perennials for sale.  It is a gourgeous site for the seasoned gardener and novice alike.  David and Shirley are on hand to share gardening tips along with written instructions for the planting and care of the various plants. 

Come and learn about hardy plants that do well in our high semi-arid Colorado climate on Saturday and Sunday, June 11th and 12th, 2011.  For further information please call an Innkeeper at 970-385-4537.

Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!

Last Minute Easter Special at Durango's Blue Lake Ranch

Haven’t made plans for Easter weekend yet? Spend it in Durango, Colorado at Blue Lake Ranch! Blue Lake Ranch, an elegant Country Inn located 15 miles from downtown Durango, is offering a last minute special for Easter weekend. Stay 2 or more nights and receive 25% off of your entire stay.

The Gardens at Blue Lake Ranch are coming alive, with fresh blooms springing up everywhere! Durango’s weather is starting to warm up with the coming of summer. We invite you to spend a wonderful relaxing Easter at Blue Lake Ranch in one of our luxury accommodations with a romantic fireplace and jetted tub. Call an Innkeeper to discuss availability! 888-258-3528


Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!

Memorial Day in Durango- Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

Join thousands of bicyclists this Memorial Day Weekend as they race the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train to Silverton!  Every Memorial Day, die hard athletes register for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic to make the trek, traveling 50 miles and scaling two 10,000 ft mountain passes!  In 1972, 36 riders participated in the first Iron Horse Race- this year, you can expect to see 1300 participants! Over the years, The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic has become a favorite of local and national bicyclists.

Memorial Day kicks off the Summer Season at Durango's Blue Lake Ranch.  You can expect to find a vast variety of our flowers in full bloom, beautiful sunny days to enjoy the area, and an elegant accommodation to retreat to when the evenings cool down

Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!

Durango, Colorado's Blue Grass Meltdown

Guests at Blue Lake Ranch are excited for the 17th annual Durango, Colorado's Blue Grass Meltdown.  This Blue Grass festival will take place over the weekend of April 8th, 9th, and 10th 2011.  During this musical weekend, local and national bands will play at various restaraunts, bars, and coffee shops in Downtown Durango. 

Along with many of the trditional events, this year the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train is presenting the Bluegrass Express to kick off the Meltdown!  Ride the Cascade Canyon winter train while being serenaded by various musicians, and enjoy a free 45 minute concert in Cascade Canyon!

After the train ride, a free two hour concert will be held at the Railroad Museum. Enjoy the museum and various historical displays while listening to this concert. 

Many other events will follow during the weekend, inlcuding the Band Showcase, and Old Time Barn Dance, and the Gospel Set. 

After an evening of enjoying the fun of the Bluegrass Meltdown we invite you to escape to the peace and quite of Durango's Blue Lake Ranch where you can enjoy a private fireplace, a Jacuzzi for two, or a sunset walk around Blue Lake.

Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!

Last minute Spring Break Special at Durango, Colorado's Blue Lake Ranch

Book your Spring Break vacation today at Durango, Colorado's Blue Lake Ranch to take advantage of our last minute special- stay two nights, and enjoy the third night on us!  Call an innkeeper today to confirm this limited time offer.  Stay two, stay one free at Durango's Blue Lake Ranch!


Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!

June Wedding in Durango, Colorado

We have had a last minute cancellation at the Ridgewood Event Center for Saturday, June 18th, 2011.  This is one of the prime weekends to visit the Ranch.  The Iris and Peony fields are in full bloom, and the weather is spectacular!  Mid June is the perfect time for your friends and family to visit Durango, and what better reason to visit than a Durango wedding?  Call our office for more information about discounted facility fees for this popular wedding date of June 18th! 

Blue Lake Ranch, The Don Gaspar Inn (Santa Fe) and The Casa Blanca Inn (Farmington) are all member Inns of the Southwest. Visit our websites for specials!