A Vacation Travelogue
from Mel, Barbara & Kelly Coker
| Book a Vacation or Get More Info: Call (970) 641-1266 email Waunita Hot Springs Ranch Tell them that MEL COKER referred you. |
Ever thought of a really "different" vacation? Want to learn more about a "dude" or guest ranch vacation? You're invited to follow along on our Internet Vacation Travelogue and learn about the fun we had on our August 2000 vacation at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch in Colorado.
We also visited this dude ranch in June 1996 and again in June 2000. Click on the link below for Mel Coker's 1996 Waunita Ranch Travelogue (after you have viewed this Travelogue for 2000):
1996 Waunita Ranch Vacation Travelogue
If you want a GREAT outdoors vacation, YOU should consider Waunita Hot Springs Ranch in the beautiful Colorado Rockies. My research before our first visit to Waunita in 1996 and our three visits confirm that this is really the BEST dude/guest ranch vacation for your vacation dollars!
Click on each picture for another picture.
Thanks for visiting our Travelogue and we hope you enjoy it.
Mel Coker
August 5, 2000 - Getting There / Arrival in Colorado
We flew from our home in Columbia, South Carolina to Atlanta and then on to Colorado Springs. As we had done in 1998, we rented a car at the airport and decided to drive about one hour southwest to Canon City and spend the night there. After an adventure trying to find a room in Canon City at about midnight and trying to call to find a room in Salida (about one hour west), we found that there were NO rooms to be had anywhere! I had said that I WOULD NOT backtrack to Colorado Springs, but, since my wife would not spend the night in the car, we did head back to Colorado Springs. We finally found a room there about 2:00 a.m. (4:00 a.m. for our bodies in Eastern Standard Time). LESSON LEARNED... Always make room reservations ahead of time!
August 6, 2000 - Day 1 - Arrival at Waunita Ranch
After breakfast in Colorado Springs, we headed out at 10:30 a.m. for the drive AGAIN to Canon City on State Highway 115. Continuing on West on U.S. Highway 50 towards Salida, we followed the Arkansas River. We saw many rafters enjoying the float trip on the river. We stopped in Salida for lunch and continued West towards the ranch. Approximately 20 miles before the town of Gunnison, we turned on State Road 887 for the 8 mile trip down the dirt road to Waunita Hot Springs Ranch.
Soon we were at the ranch and as we walked in were greeted by Mrs. Junelle Pringle. Mrs. Pringle quickly checked us in, took our picture for the guest picture board and then walked us up to our room. It was great to be back at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch!
About Waunita Hot Springs Ranch
Waunita Hot Srings Ranch is located high in the Colorado Rockies, ten miles west of the Continental Divide, and 22 miles east of Gunnison. The ranch is surrounded by Gunnison National Forest land and summer pasture.
Before the pioneers settled in the West, Waunita Park was a neutral meeting place for various Indian tribes. They met together peaceably and bathed in the bubbling hot springs. The hot springs are only a quarter of a mile from the base of Tomichi Dome (elevation 11, 384 ft.), the most prominent mountain in the Waunita region.
Indians held the original rights to the area, but in 1883, Robert Moore homesteaded 160 acres surrounding the springs. In 1884, the Hot Springs were sold to Dr. Charles Davis, a physician from Chicago. He built a hotel, swimming pool and other facilities. The resort was known then as Waunita Hot Radium Springs and became well-known as a resort for invalids and others afflicted with dreaded rheumatism. Other activities for guests included horseback riding, picnics, dances and various activities. Dr. Davis and other family members owned the resort until 1952. The resort had been in decline for several years by this time.
Two co-owners bought the property in 1952, but did little with the resort but to keep it open. In 1956, it was sold again and used as a baseball training camp for young boys. It was known then as Monarch Baseball Camp. Soon, this declined also and the property was sold in 1962 to present owners Rod and Junelle Pringle. Mr. & Mrs. Pringle were true pioneers in the guest ranch business and raised their three sons at the ranch. The ranch has operated continously by the Pringle family since 1962. Today, youngest son Ryan and his wife Tammy, operate the ranch along with Mr. and Mrs. Pringle.
Today, Waunita Hot Springs Ranch operates as a Dude (Guest) Ranch. All ranch activities and meals are included in one price. Each guest is assigned a horse for the week and has riding opportunities each day--Monday through Saturday. Also included are: whitewater rafting, trips to nearby scenic/historical locations, a fishing trip, cattle penning contest, Gunnison shopping trip, overnight campout, trail cookouts, square dancing (with instruction), and a music show put on by the Pringle family.
The ranch also offers guided hunting trips during the hunting season and bed and breakfast acccomodations during the winter season for skiiers (for nearby Monarch Ski Resort) and other groups. Rod and Junelle Pringle still live and work at the ranch along with their son Ryan and his wife Tammy.
 Barbara & Kelly at Stable Kelly is EXCITED! |
 Waunita Staff Jessica, Eric, Julia |
 Ford family From Sunderland, MD |
More Waunita Hot Springs Information:
The Official Waunita Hot Springs Ranch Website
Mel Coker's Vacation Travelogue (1996)
BOOK YOUR WAUNITA HOT SPRINGS RANCH VACATION...
Call (970) 641-1266
email Waunita Hot Springs Ranch
Send email to Travelogue author
