logo
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-8
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-8
  • News
  • Retail
  • Opinion
  • Movers & Shakers
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Community
  • Entertainment
  • Food & Beverage
  • Archives
  • Free Subscription
    • News
    • Retail
    • Opinion
    • Movers & Shakers
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Community
    • Entertainment
    • Food & Beverage
    • Archives
    • Free Subscription
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-6
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-6
There’s fall fun at Covered Bridge Ranch since 2000
A scarecrow shows off the autumn spirit you can find at Covered Bridge Ranch. Cover photo provided
Business, News
Justin Tubbs on
September 29, 2023
There’s fall fun at Covered Bridge Ranch since 2000

For the past 23 years, Covered Bridge Ranch has brought in the autumn holiday in a special way. And this weekend, the fall fun begins again.
The ranch is one of a few area pumpkin patch businesses, and the Riessen family, owners of Covered Bridge Ranch, pride themselves on activities for the whole family throughout October.
“My father (Gary Riessen) started it in 2000, and then I joined him in 2012,” said Natalie Riessen, the oldest daughter, who operates the business and oversees the activities each year.
When it began, Covered Bridge Ranch operated the open-to-the-public festivities on about an acre of the 300-acre tree farm and saw around 600 attendees throughout the season.
Now the business sees around 6,000 visitors annually and has about four acres dedicated to pumpkin picking and fun family activities.
“This has probably grown by about 10 times since it started,” said Natalie.
Primarily, Covered Bridge Ranch is a Christmas Tree farm, so it’s a destination for the holiday season, as well. But there’s something special about the ranch in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors and there’s pumpkins to be picked.
In total, there are about 1,800-2,000 pumpkin plants on the ranch. About 10-15 pumpkins grow from each of those plants. You do the math… there are tons of pumpkins to choose from.
“It’s not only a palace for entire families to have fun, but a great gathering and community event (for everyone),” Natalie said. “Individual families come out, but it’s highly attended by the community as a whole.”
Tickets are $12 per person to get in, and all the activities at Covered Bridge are included in that, except for the pumpkins themselves, which cost extra.
But there are endless activities.
To name a few, there are hayrides, treasure hunts, a human hamster wheel, a hay bale maze, a corn pit, face painting, a rabbit hole to slide down, haystacks to climb, tire swings, a giant spider web, farm animals and more. This year there are hamster wheel races.
The Covered Bridge Ranch is so named because of the covered bridge entrance to the festivities.
Most of the community has been out to the ranch at one point or another, but there is plenty of fall beauty to discover each year at the ranch.
Covered Bridge Ranch operates Sept. 30 to Oct. 29 this year, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In addition to the $12 daily admission, three-day passes are also available.
More information is available at CoveredBridgeRanch.com, including scenic routes to get to Covered Bridge from downtown Telluride or Ridgway.
It is located at 17249 6250 (Dave Wood) Road in Montrose.

Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.

Related Posts
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-4
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-4
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-2
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-2
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-7
Error with device mobile widget id ads_slot-7
MOST READ
Les Schwab Tires aims for July soft opening in Montrose
Business, News
Les Schwab Tires aims for July soft opening in Montrose
By Justin Tubbs Montrose Business Times 
July 10, 2025
Les Schwab Tire Centers will open a new, full-service store in Montrose on July 23, bringing more than a dozen jobs and a range of automotive services...
this is a test
Montrose County board moves forward without county manager after resignation, split over finalist
News
Montrose County board moves forward without county manager after resignation, split over finalist
By Justin Tubbs | MBT 
July 9, 2025
Montrose County’s top administrative position remains vacant after interim county manager Leslie Quon resigned Monday, prompting two days of public di...
this is a test
Recall effort launched against Montrose County Commissioner Scott Mijares, who pushed for fmr. county manager’s resignation
News
Recall effort launched against Montrose County Commissioner Scott Mijares, who pushed for fmr. county manager’s resignation
By Justin Tubbs Montrose Business Times 
July 7, 2025
A citizen-led effort to recall Montrose County Commissioner Scott Mijares is set to begin next week, with more than 100 volunteers preparing to gather...
this is a test
From survival to thriving: How a nonprofit has found new purpose in business cultivation
Community, News
From survival to thriving: How a nonprofit has found new purpose in business cultivation
By Justin Tubbs Montrose Business Times 
July 3, 2025
For years, the doors to MADA sat mostly closed — its future uncertain, its purpose fading. Once a vibrant hub rooted in Chicano pride and self-suffici...
this is a test
Amazon aims for year-end opening of Montrose delivery station, bringing over 50 jobs
Business, News...
Amazon aims for year-end opening of Montrose delivery station, bringing over 50 jobs
By Justin Tubbs Montrose Business Times 
June 24, 2025
Amazon expects to complete construction on its new last-mile delivery facility in Montrose by the end of 2025 and plans to hire more than 50 employees...
this is a test

Subscribe for Free to the interactive E-edition. Each Wednesday.

subscribe
logo

The Montrose Business Times has established itself as the premier source for local business news, community updates, events, and trends in Montrose, Colorado, and its surrounding areas. Our mission is to inform and support the growth of our residents, businesses, business leaders, and entrepreneurs within our community—a commitment we hold with great sincerity. Our vision transcends the act of sharing success stories; we strive to create them. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling—how sharing experiences, insights, and personal journeys can ignite inspiration and drive meaningful change within our community. At the heart of our endeavor lies growth and impact. We are devoted to engaging with the community at large, ensuring that everyone has access to the remarkable stories and insights we present. Our offerings encompass digital news content, a weekly digital newspaper, and a variety of events—all designed to honor and celebrate the best that Montrose has to offer. We invite you to join us on this journey as we illuminate the narratives that shape our vibrant city. Professional Memberships: National Newspaper Association, Colorado Press Association, Colorado News Collaborative, LION Publishers, Montrose Economic Development Corporation, and the Greater Montrose Chamber of Commerce  

INFO

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Become a member
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Become a member

CONTACT INFO

montrosebusinesstimes.com

Montrose Business Times

501 E. Main Street

Montrose CO 81401

9707650915

submissions@montrosebusinesstimes.com

Got a story tip? Drop us a note at submissions@montrosebusinesstimes.com