2006 Guest Quotes

“Dude, it’s the perfect family vacation at Wit’s End a high end resort at Vallecito Lake, Colorado.” San Juan News (2006)

“Vallecito horses at Wits End Ranch” - (double page spread) Western Horsemen (June 2006)

“This is it, look no further for the vacation you’ve always dreamed about. Wit’s End is a timeless place to kick back and relax amongst those 12000 to 14000 foot peaks.”

The Top 100 Most Beautiful Rustic Vacations of North America 2nd edition (2006)

“At Wit’s End high country heaven beckons anglers and sportsman that fish tail waters, river and lakes. Fishing Wit’s End is revved up to wow you, it’s a world c/cuss-fishing lodge. “

Flying Adventures (April and July 2006)
“At Wit’s End you can have it all. Tennis, fishing, horses, hot tubs, spa, water sports and mostly a great time. “ Santa Barbara News (July 2006)

2005 Guest Quotes

Healing Life Styles and Spas (July 2005)

“Guests choose to relax on the porch swing watching the sunrise over 13000 foot snow capped peaks, then head off for their spa treatment - “Ah, such a life”.”


“What a wonderful place. Everyone has been fantastic and so friendly Thank you for giving us a fantastic stay.” The Buckners Family - Nassau, Bahamas (July 2005)

“Wit’s End is the best ever!: We love you.” The Risser Family (July 2005)

“The fun begins at Wit’s End, if you’re in the mood to breath in fresh alpine air and get a little dust on your boots, Wit’s End Guest Ranch and Spa is a humdinger. You will fit right in with the occasional celebrities.” Estates West (Summer 2005)

“The most relaxing vacation we’ve ever taken. Staff was great.” Dana and Jim Hartfield - Pasadena (August 2005)

“Staff is fantastic. Great activities, especially riding. We had a great time.” Simon and Marie Harris - Chiswiok, London U.K. (August 2005)

“We had an amazing time. Best holiday ever: We will see you again soon.” The Knight Family - Islington, London England (August 2005)

“A beautiful, wonderful spot. The entire staff was terrific. See you again.” Lisa and Steve Pearlman - Lumimpton, New Jersey (September 2005)

2004 Guest Quotes

Wit’s End within a thick blanket of aspen and pines offers an endless variety of activities in the Vallecito Lake Valley  topped off with 5 star cuisine and a full service spa. Riding, water sports, tennis, and fishing in “oh such a backdrop.” “ ME Magazine — Style & Decor Issue #44 (2004)

“Our family has shared many wonderful vacations throughout North America. None of them compare to the awesome adventure we had at Wit’s End. It is truly incredible that your staff could provide such remarkable service and such a great experience.” Dave Porreca, Partner and Founder, Willow Career Partners, L.L.C., and past guest.

“My family and I have had a wonderful vacation at your ranch. We will definitely be back. My wife and children want to stay another week this yeal: Regrettably business will not permit an extended stay in your little piece of Heaven.” Robert VanDenhurg — CEO of A.C. Nielson Company

“Awesome, we feel like we had our own staff We loved your horse program so much we bought 3 horses from you. Always something to do. Our daughter says best vacation ever: Food was spectacular “It was gourmet” as advertised.” The Johnson Family - Blythe California

“Best family vacation ever my kids never had this much fun anywhere.”- Unnamed celebrity (2004)

“Forget ‘City Slickers’ - There’s a new breed of dude ranch out there. One that rejuvenates your soul with stately mountain views and soothes the traveler’s feet with great cuisine and a spa treatment.” Ventura County Star (July 2004)

“Wit’s End is the kind of place most people only dream about the scenery, hospitality and activities are superb, and wait until you try the fine dining.” Ventura County News (August 2004)

“This was such a memorable week. The scenery, activities, and staff were spectacular:” John amid Kathy Oswinski - Irvine, California (September 2004)

2003 Guest Quotes

“Wit’s End is probably the closest you can get to Heaven on Earth. When you’re up here you know you’re awfully close, few people get to experience this or see it first hand. “ Article in the Paint Horse Journal (September 2003)

2002 Guest Quotes

“My kids and I had a great time at your ranch; your hospitality is super” Maria Shriver (2002)

“Finding some sanity at Wit’s End Dude Ranch - winter tenderfoots duck into the spa for a variety of treatments (so relaxing, darling), hardier guests are snowmobiling, skiing, horseback riding and fly-fishing. Summer you can roar across Vallecito lake, enjoy mountain riding, hit the tennis courts or go for a swim in the heated pool. Cabins 8, 14, 17, and 19 are standout cabins.” Santa Fe Magazine (March 2002)

After all that’s said and done, Wit’s End is much more than a resort. It is a modern cowboy relaxation at the fullest. “The crowning achievement is the two shower rooms that are each equipped with enough shower heads to remove the most stubborn trail dust.” Healing Retreats and Spas (March/April 2002)

“This is the third time we have been to your ranch for two weeks each time and as usual everything is simply the best. This has been the best trip of all. Michele DeRosen, Previous CEO Yiropharma (2002)

“My group is still raving about the setting, gourmet food, and wonderful staff that made their Wit’s End experience an incredible memory. International Meeting Services (2002)
“Unlike many ranches, Wit’s End offers rustic elegance with all the freedoms that you might find at a resort... world class luxury resort (and) superb cuisine.” Gene Kilgore’s Ranch Vacations, fifth edition (2002)

“. . . indescribably beautiful.” Elegant Small Hotels, eleventh edition (2002)
“Wit’s End is known worldwide for its luxurious accommodations. A superb riding program, great children’s activities and fine dining, as well as its well as its well appointed spa. Ranch America Magazine (2002)

2001 Guest Quotes

“The ranch cuisine is far from rustic. It may be the most elegant aspect of the lodge’s atmosphere.” Salt Lake City Magazine (April 2001)

“This world-class resort, with the flavor of a 19th century hunting and fishing lodge is pleased to host the American Women Artists Association Workshop.” Southwest Art Magazine (July 2001)

“The ranch possesses sublime beauty and breathtaking scenery and offers incredible hospitality.” Lexus Group Reservation (2001)

“What do you do when you’ve reached your wits end? Try hunting, fly fishing, horseback riding, dining on extra ordinary cuisine and just plain relaxing at Wit’s End. There are at least a million reasons we wanted to experience Wit’s End Ranch.” Doral & Company - Vacation magazine (2001)

2000 Guest Quotes

“By Vallecito Lake adjacent to Wit’s End holds Northern Pike so big you might wonder if your in Saskatchewan. The cabin at Wit’s End are decadent in their comfort and style. Top notch cuisine and service. Fly Fish America magazine (June 2000)
“Jim, this place is really cool and we have all had a great time. Your staff was most accommodating to our needs.” Alan Jackson, Country Music Star (2000)

1999 Guest Quotes

“Rated among the top ranches, adults enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner while the children are having fun in the evening kids program (three nights a week). Wit’s End has a delightful riding program with overnight pack trips into the wilderness. Beautiful guest cabins, abundant riding, tennis, and hot tubs to round out your week. Worldwide Riding Vacations (1999)

1998 Guest Quotes

“Thank you for a wonderful time with my boys and I. It has been an unforgettable vacation. Ken Chenault, Chairman and CEO American Express (1998)
“Deluxe resort ranch - picked as one of nine resort ranches in North America. This elegant pricey getaway is set in a beautiful seating and has plenty to do.” Sunset Magazine (April 1998)

“A place to enjoy and relax in a beautiful mountain setting. One of the finest resort ranches in America.” Gentleman Farms (Spring 1998)

“You’ll sit around the campfire, fish, ride, enjoy special meals including a dinner hayride. Saddle up the whole family.” Chrysler - Passport to the next level (1998)

“The Land Rover Lodge Program was a huge success. We appreciate all the hard work done by you and your staff” Charlie Hughes, President of Land Rover (1998)

1997 Guest Quotes

“When the owners of this guest ranch bill their place a “luxury at the edge of the wilderness” it isn’t just a snappy slogan, it’s true.” Bed & Breakfast Encyclopedia (1997)

“Anyone who stayed here would be hard-pressed to dispute the claim that Wit’s End is “luxury at the edge of the wilderness.” Log Homes Illustrated (June/July 1997)

“Wit’s End has everything for a classic ranch vacation. Wonderful cabins, towering spruce and fir a marvelous lodge with exquisite meals, riding for guests of every skill and a friendly and competent staff.” John Ross, Great Angling Lodges (1997)

“Your ranch is absolutely beautiful! We had a marvelous time and we look forward to returning. Let’s keep in touch.” Roy Weatherby, Weatherby Rifles, Inc. (1997)

“The folks who work at the ranch were great and displayed hospitality which one seldom finds these days with such enthusiasm, warmth and heart. By the time we left we felt as though we had been old friends. They provided us a lifetime of memories.” Steve Bardwill, Disney Pictures and Television (1997)

“The ranch caters to short stays during the early summer or fall, winter, and spring. Opportunities for romance include watching the mist rise from the ponds and rolling along the meadows. Tucking under the down comforters with a nice fire going or listening to a babbling brook near one of the romantic cabins.”
Romantic Weekends - America’s Southwest (1997)

1996 Guest Quotes

“A vacation at Wit’s End should last forever” Distinctive Lifestyles (January/February 1996)

“Jim, your ranch and its staff has gone out of the norm to assure my wife and our 38 family members of a family reunion. We will always fondly remember” John Murphy, Retired CEO of Phillip Morris (1996)

“In hosting a variety of resort locations around the world, rarely have I encountered such a unanimously positive reaction to the surroundings, facilities, organized activities and overall ambiance of the holiday as I did amongst our guests on this trip.” Ford Motor Company Family Incentives Vacations (1996)

“The wonderful hospitality at Wit’s End, it was a dream come true. An atmosphere of enchantment and class, the facilities were exquisitely decorated and possessed a wonderful charm.” Kevin Kotecki, Coors Brewing Company (1996)
“The best part of the trip was the staff at the ranch and the wonderful friendships that were made. Make a Wish Foundation (1996)

Undated Guest Quotes

“For the past 25 years, our family as enjoyed vacations and adventures on both coasts and at international resorts. Wit’s End is extra ordinary, surpassing all the rest. We look forward to many future visits. Thank you again for sharing your treasure, Wit’s End, with all of us.” John and Carolyn Newman, Rye, New York

“Everything about your resort was first-rate. The cabins were beautifuly decorated and comfortable. The meals were outstanding and the activities were very well run and organized. The hikes and rides were scenic and the wrangles did a super job of informing and maintaining control. Hopefully we will get back when we have a young one and show them how beautiful your part of the country is.” John and Geri Cedarburg, Fort Myers, Florida

“Once again, we want to say thanks for a wonderful week. What a breath of fresh air! We will always be grateful and remember you always.” Rick and Mary Underwood, Richmond, Virginia

“My family’s stay at Wit’s End.. .was truly one of the best vacations my family has taken and this can be attributed to the fine staff and management you have on the property not to mention the amenities and the exceptional ranch you maintain. We parted for the Wit’s End with fond memories that will last a lifetime.”
Carl Ruderman, New York, New York

“Out of this world. “A pleasant surprise-better than we had anticipated. There was not anyone that would not go out of their way to accommodate and serve us. You truly have a fun, hardworking staff there. Thanks for the wonderful week!” Bud and Dee Grell, Louisville, Kentucky

“We had two separate family reunions of 60 family members each trip at Wit’s End and it was the best of the best.” Jack Sampson and Family

“We just got back to Massachusetts and we’re already missing Colorado. Thank you for being such gracious hosts and providing us with one of the best vacations ever” Don and Michele Page, Boston, Massachusetts

“Excellent quality and service! Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful and excellent all around-we had a fabulous time!” Bob and Gail Israel, Beverly Hills, California
“Thanks again Jim and Karen for a memorable week. We loved everything and really appreciated getting to know you. It was our first ranch experience and far exceeded our expectations. Your tremendous hospitality was a highlight for us-everyone was terrific!” Ted and Carol Cushmore, Edina Minnesota

“We’ve been coming here for 12 years and you can count on something being added every year we love this place.” Lee and Lisa Klienman, Dallas, Texas