Hiding Out in the Backcountry

Julian, Calif., once a gold-mining boom town in San Diego’s pristine backcountry, is a popular getaway destination. Only about 4,200 people live in the town and the surrounding hills and desert. The newest lodging, Orchard Hill Country Inn, opened last year with guest rooms that have wet bars, refrigerators and VCRs with complimentary videotapes. Some rooms have whirlpools or fireplaces. All guests receive a breakfast of juice, eggs, fresh fruit, cereal, muffins or toast and beverage delivered to their room or private porch. Complimentary wine and snacks are served each afternoon. Each guest also receives a copy of the Orchard Hill Visitors Guide with the area’s history, suggested tours, recreation activities and restaurants.

Rooms range from $130 to $155. American Assn. of Retired Persons members or guests over age 55 receive a 20% discount for midweek (Monday-Thursday) occupancy. For a brochure or information, call (619) 765-1700; or write to Orchard Hill Country Inn, P.O. Box 425, Julian, CA 92036.

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Echo Canyon Guest Ranch, 65 miles south of Pueblo, Colo., near the New Mexico border, is offering guests over 60 a discount on ranch packages. Adjacent to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the area abounds with wildlife, such as elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, turkey and bighorn sheep. Ranch activities include fishing, hiking, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, Jeep tours, outdoor cookouts, fishing and backpacking trips. There is a golf course four miles from the ranch.

Prices include all meals and most activities. Overnight backpacking trips and fishing trips cost extra. * Five-day package $750, seniors $675, kids (ages 6-12) $600.

* Six-day package $850, seniors $765, kids $680.

* Seven-day package $950, seniors $855, kids $760.

For reservations or information, call Echo Canyon Guest Ranch at (800) 341-6603; or write Echo Canyon Guest Ranch, P.O. Box 328, La Veta, CO 81055.

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Two historic lodgings in California’s barren Death Valley, 300 miles northeast of Los Angeles, are the Furnace Creek Inn and the Furnace Creek Ranch, where 20-mule teams once toiled across the salt flats. The inn is set in a man-made oasis with pool, tennis courts and golf course. The ranch is a more informal motel-like property enjoyed by families. Both are offering 10% discounts on guest rooms for travelers over 65 on a space-available basis, excluding holiday weekends. Swimming, tennis, golf and horseback riding are available for guests at either property. Double accommodations before discounts start at $235 at the inn, while ranch lodgings range from $98 to $120. Senior guests who dine in the ranch dining room also receive a 20% discount on meals at the Wrangler Buffet with breakfast priced at $7.95 before the discount. For information, call (619) 786-2345 or write to Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch, P.O. Box 1, Death Valley, CA 92328.