We spent two nights at this beautiful ranch about 15 miles west of Durango. The adobe main building which houses the reception and the breakfast room is furnished with Mexican pottery, oriental and Indian rugs and comfortable furniture. Individual casitas are dotted around the 250 acre property, providing lots of privacy. Ours included a huge living room with dining area, kitchenette, comfy seating in front of a gas fireplace and a cozy window seat piled with pillows, just perfect for reading or a nap. A large patio opened off the living room and bedroom which was adjoined by a double bathroom with ochre granite countertops, Mexican Talavera sinks and an open sided shower, as well as a soaking tub and two big closets. The living room and bedroom were light and airy with lots of windows.
Breakfast was a wonderful spread of juice, coffee, pastries, fresh fruits and a different specialty each day such as a Southwest omelet.
The staff could not have been nicer or more helpful. This place is remote, but for those seeking a peaceful escape in the beautiful Four Corners area, it is perfect. Day trips to Durango, Mesa Verde and along the San Juan Skyway including Silverton, Ouray and Telluride are well within reach.

We visited Blue Lake Ranch during the first week of August, and we were pleased with the experience overall. The staff were friendly and hospitable, and the accomodations were clean. Breakfast was tasty, particularly the Ranch's homemade jams. We stayed in the Cottage in the Woods, which was comfortable and surrounded by a picturesque garden. However, I wouldn't recommend staying in the unit if you're scared of bugs -- it seemed like we were constantly having to kill spiders, moths, and other insects that got into the bathroom through the rustic/poorly sealed windows. Also, it does take about 20 minutes to drive from Blue Lake Ranch into Durango, but if you like greater seclusion and privacy, it's perfect! For more details and photos of the cottage in which we stayed, check out my travel review at [-].

As you drive to Blue Lake Ranch, about 15 miles southwest of Durango, if the reviews about the great gardens are all hype.
Turning in you feel you are in the middle of bland, scrub pine desert, yet once you enter the grounds there is a great rustic lodge and casitas right in the middle of lush gardens. The owners and staff are very friendly. Tex-Mex style breakfasts are different and fun. Our southwestern style casita was very large and comfortable. Great place to bring small children.

This is quite a property! Beautiful grounds and they do such a wonderful job of maintaining it all. The little details are very appreciated. The Sunrise Casita was lovely. HUGE. Pics online did not do it justice. We had a great mountain view and cute deck to sit on. The owner, David, is an excellent host and seems to make friends with each and every guest. He clearly loves what he does! The breakfasts were all different and delicious. The only negative is the 20 mile drive into Durango... but even still this is a great place to relax for a few days! Dont miss the Kennebec restaurant when you stay here.. just down the road in Hesperus and its excellent!!