The Ultimate Summer: Living and Working at a Dude Ranch in the Colorado Rockies!
Rainbow Trout Ranch is a family owned and operated dude ranch offering authentic western vacations. We are totally committed to providing a quality western experience for our guests, and we believe that our great staff is our most important resource.
Our magnificent and historic lodge is situated at 9000+ft in the spectacular Conejos Canyon in the southern Colorado Rockies, with the barn, horse pastures and river spilling out below. We are 5 hours south of Denver, 2.5 hours east of Durango and 2.5 hours north of Santa Fe.
About Rainbow Trout Ranch
Rainbow Trout Ranch is a first-class guest ranch dedicated to creating lifelong memories. We provide horseback riding, hiking, fishing, children’s and teen programs, and many other wonderful activities. We are very family-oriented for guests as well as staff. Our guests return each year for the family atmosphere we have worked hard to create, and we have very high expectations of our staff to continue that tradition. We hire people who are excited about serving our guests, and who genuinely care about their work at the ranch.
Please note that we need staff from mid-May to the end of September, but we can accommodate quite a few staff who have to leave in August, so apply anyway and we will see what we can work out. We want good people, even if they can't stay the whole time!
The Employee Experience
A summer at Rainbow Trout Ranch is a unique experience. You have the opportunity to meet guests and staff from all over the world, and you are able to get to know them on a personal level. Your experience at the ranch will depend completely upon how much you choose to put into it. We work hard, and we play hard, and by the end of the summer, you will have made lasting friendships, learned a variety of skills, and have memories that last a lifetime.
Ideal Candidate
We require individuals who are:
- Dependable
- Honest
- Enthusiastic
- Positive
- Respectful
- Have a strong work ethic
- Friendly (complete with a smile)
- Committed to the ranch & their responsibilities
- A team player – ready to jump in wherever needed
- Awesome!
Please note that if partying (drinking, recreational drugs, etc.) is a focus for you, you are not the right fit for us.
Room and Board
The ranch provides onsite meals and shared housing accommodations.
We can provide bedding, but you need to bring your own pillow and towels.
Staff has access to the ranch laundry facilities.
Our staff is served the same meals as the guests. We eat breakfast together as a staff, and unless serving, enjoy lunch and dinner with the guests.
Employee Perks
In addition to spending the summer in the beautiful southern Colorado Rockies, you are welcome to enjoy ranch facilities and participate in ranch activities during off-time.
Payroll is based on an hourly wage, plus overtime for working more than forty hours a week. The tip pool is divided amongst all staff since we believe that every staff member is of equal importance. It takes everyone to provide our guests with the vacation of a lifetime.
Getting Here and Getting Around
You are welcome to drive to the ranch, although please note that your vehicle will need to be kept in designated staff parking areas. You are also welcome to fly into our local airport in Alamosa, and we can make arrangements to pick you up.
For Fun
Over the years our staff have had some wonderful adventures, and made lasting memories both on and off the ranch. During non-working hours you are welcome to enjoy the ranch facilities as well as to hike, or fish the many tributaries in the area. You are also welcome to join in the trail rides during your off time. And of course, being in southern Colorado, you can easily enjoy Taos, Santa Fe and northern New Mexico as well as all that Colorado has to offer.
How to Apply
Learn more about us on our website. Our Trip Advisor reviews and the ranch Facebook are also a great way to get a feel for the ranch.
We are looking for staff members with a strong work ethic and commitment to hard work, who have fun working with others, and who enjoy making sure that our guests have a great vacation. If you feel you are a good fit, please complete our short online application form. Once we receive the application, we will contact you for an interview.
And remember, even if you can't stay the whole summer, we can accommodate a certain amount of staff who have to leave in August due to college schedules. And we can also accommodate some who can't come until later in June but can stay until the end of September. We just want great staff - even if dates aren't perfect! So contact us anyway and we can see what can be worked out.
COME LIVE THE WEST WITH US!