Colorado has a reputation worldwide of providing visitors (and residents) the ultimate vacation opportunities from the mountains to the plains. While named resorts such as Vail, Aspen and Telluride are profiled in the popular press, as residents of Colorado, we know a few “hidden gems” which offer spectacular beauty, 4 seasons of recreational amenities and best of all, no crowds.

One such area is the San Luis Valley in southwestern Colorado. Considered remote which is much of the charm, the San Luis Valley represents a Colorado of years past when you did NOT have a lift line at the local ski resort or have to wait for your tee-time on the golf course. An area where the Native American crafts are actually constructed on-site, where two-lane roads dominate and an interstate highway is not the defining geographic feature of the landscape.

Situated at the west-end of the San Luis Valley we are pleased to present The Rio Grande Club providing the ultimate guest and lifestyle experience within the picturesque San Luis Valley.

Ranked in the top 15 golf and fly fishing destinations in the world, The Rio Grande Club features a 25,000 square foot clubhouse, truly the gathering spot of the club featuring a spacious dining room with impressive mountain vista views, a comfortable and cozy lounge, conference and banquet rooms, business center, pro shop, and a spa/fitness facility with cardiovascular stations, circuit training and free weights. There is also a workout room with a wide variety of programs including yoga, aerobics and Tae Bo among other activities. The clubhouse is the perfect location for destination meetings, events, and weddings.

Beyond the clubhouse, The Rio Grande Club’s amenities allow you to choose how active your vacation is. For relaxation (and maybe do a few laps) the outdoor patio includes a swimming pool with sitting area, spacious hot tub and an outside lounging area. Outside food service is also available for the pool area.

For the tennis player, The Rio Grande Club offers two tennis courts. In addition, private lessons and challenge courts are available all season.

For the fishing enthusiasts, the Club has private access to a one mile stretch of gold medal water. This portion of the river is periodically stocked to enhance the fishing experience.

The highlight of a vacation is golfing on the exquisite 18-hole championship golf course, one of the best in Colorado and voted the 6th best upscale course in 2003. The course features the Rio Grande River with a vertical rise of about 500 feet and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and towns. The golf course is spread out over 240 acres, over 50% more land than the typical 150-acre layout.

The golf course has elevations ranging from 8,130 feet to 8,590 feet insuring John Daly style drives off the tee with the total length of the fairways at 7,200 yards and the longest par five is a massive 600 yards. The course has a very mature feel as many of the large trees remain on site.

Six of the holes meander around the Rio Grande, with the river coming into play laterally, as well as crossing. Six holes are in the meadows and provide transition between the Rio Grande and the Mountain holes. The mountain holes are carved into the rock and trees and provide dramatic views with a spectacular finishing hole with a several hundred foot elevation drop. The club has a first class training facility with a spacious driving range with target greens and bunkers.

While hidden in southwestern Colorado, The Rio Grande Club has surprisingly easy access. Just a stone’s throw from the Town of South Fork, many guests drive from Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Denver and Durango. For guests who prefer to fly, commercial airports include Alamosa Airport (ALS), Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ), Colorado Springs Airport (COS), Denver International Airport (DEN) and Durango – La Plata County Airport (DRO). For smaller general aviation consider Del Norte Municipal & County Airport (8V1), Mineral County Memorial Airport in Creede (C24) and Monte Vista Municipal Airport (MVI).

Wherever you are coming from and whatever mode of transportation you choose, The Rio Grande Club will provide opportunities for relaxation and amenities which will remind you to come back year after year. Memberships are presently available at most attractive rates.