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Colorado Vignette - Flying W Ranch

50 years ago in Colorado Springs a tradition began with 11 paying guests, 1 picnic table and a lean-to shelter in case of rain. That meager beginning now entertains as many as 1,400 guests on a summer evening (between Memorial Day and the end of September) with Western hospitality, chuck wagon suppers and musical shows.

Russell Wolf returned from military service in World War II to learn "cowboyin" on his father-in-law's ranch north of Colorado Springs. To supplement his income, Wolfe started taking tourists on horseback rides among the red rock formations on the ranch, near the base of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. When the riders returned from the rides hungry, Wolfe's late wife, Marian, started inviting them to join the family for dinner and songs around the campfire. The trail ride, dinner and entertainment was $3.

Within 10 years they were open 7 nights a week in summer and hosting more than 100,000 visitors.They learned to organize the service and entertain the guests while waiting for the dinner bell to ring. Sales manager Vern Thompson says, "My boss loves old stuff and will keep it around for years until he can build a building around it". Thus the replica of an old Western Town was started. There are such treasures as an old door lock from Spain, a school house ceiling, a counter from an 1870 Kansas Post Office. Wolfe acquired an old Steinway, rectangular grand piano from a beer hall in Casidy, Kansas. It now resides in the Chapel. Brick walkways wind through replica‚s of the Old Jail, Funeral Parlor, Sentinel Newspaper, Old School and Church. All are furnished with antiques and Western Memorabilia. At the Kiva, Native American weavers demonstrate the traditional Navajo art on a large floor loom. These pieces created from natural dyed wool in time honored patterns are never sold, but hang on the walls of the "Winter Steak House" and the "Village Assembly Hall".

Wolfe built a cabin to house Marion's more than 2,000 cook books, after her death in 1999. "She could cook gourmet as well as chuck wagon food", remembers an employee. There are note pads available in the cabin to copy a favorite recipe.

The open-air Biscuit Room is a favorite attraction. Blackened Dutch ovens holding batches of 25 biscuits, cook as many as 4,000 per evening over charcoal.

Children and adults alike enjoy the miniature train that circles through the pines and sandstone formations. Deer are often spotted. The more ambitious may climb the narrow trail and rock steps of Christmas Rock to enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and plains.

The hour-long show combines bunk house humor and traditional Western music, some written by the members of the Flying W Wranglers. The musicians have changed through the years, but have remained a group, said to be the second-oldest Western group in the world. Second only to the Sons of the Pioneers.

After 50 years, the Flying W Ranch remains a family business. Russ, 78 is still the first to arrive each morning. Daughters Terry, Sunny and Leigh Ann are active in the business.

In October, operations move into the Winter Steak House. The wranglers serve as waiters. The annual Christmas show during December usually sells out by November.

To enjoy this truly unique Colorado experience call 800-232-3599 or 719-598-4000 or visit www.flyingw.com

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