about the ranchDale and JJ Kraemer are the owners of the Carpe Diem Ranch. The ranch has a working team of five llamas available for pack trips into the nearby San Juan Mountains,
the southernmost tip of the Rockies. Nature photographers, fly fishermen, and wildflower seekers
wishing to see the majestic peaks and waterfalls would enjoy getting to know the starring llamas, Ben, 10 sleeping berths are available in camp trailers, dressed up with JJ’s hand-sewn pillows and homey kitsch and applique. DiningFine dining with a sprinkling of funk. It’s not your white collared masseused and manicured kind of place. “We have llama poop, you know.” But damn, the grilling is good. Elk tenderloin with freshly picked baby greens with sesame dressing, corn on the cob and a glass of wine served in the open air with magnificent mountain views are all on the menu. Fresh eggs from our chickens and ducks and fresh veggies from the 5,000 square foot garden. Your evening could be rounded out with a steam in a traditional Finnish sauna, a soak in the hot tub, or a quiet moment around one of the several outdoor fire rings.Where are we?Tucked into the pinon juniper hills of southwest Colorado in the Four Corners region, the Carpe Diem Ranch is a perfect location to center a vacation or getaway. From here it’s a rock skip away to kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, llama assisted adventures (someone’s gotta carry the champagne and coolers). Motorcycle the Million Dollar Highway, gamble at the nearby Sky Ute Casino, or cast a nymph into San Juan River Quality Waters. Catch a glimpse of local color.Whatever the season: crisp, frosty winter, wildflowers of spring and summer, or the rich colors of fall, all have something to offer the senses. A few testimonials. |
Hoss, Bandit, Licorice and Cinnamon; two Nubian
pack goats, Crackerjack and Penny (admittedly, he has been called Pendejo in
times of orneriness, but he means well). 
