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From hiking in the Rocky Mountains to skiing in Telluride, Colorado is an outdoor-lovers paradise. For the ultimate getaway in nature, look no further than a dude ranch.
Dude ranches give guests the opportunity to experience the cowboy lifestyle first-hand. Whether trail riding, fishing, hiking, or rafting, they offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. They provide a breath of fresh air from city life while giving guests the ability to relax in comfy accommodations.
So get ready to saddle up for your next great getaway at one of the best guest and dude ranches in Colorado.
1.C Lazy U Ranch
Invite the entire family for an all-inclusive stay at the luxurious C Lazy U Ranch. Located in Granby, the ranch sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Considered one of the best guest ranches in the US, it holds up to 38 guests in either individual rooms or fully private cabins. The luxury lodgings are a combination of traditional Western charm and modern chic. Three delicious and wholesome gourmet meals are served daily at the ranch with a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers.
In addition to family getaways, the ranch also hosts weddings, family reunions, and corporate retreats.
World-class wanglers carefully pair horses with riders depending on age and skill level, with separate programs for adults and kids. Activities are available for every level of rider such as trail riding, round pen clinics, colt starting clinics, and grooming clinics.
Guests can enjoy other activities such as swimming, biking, trap shooting, sleigh rides, skiing, hockey, a day at the spa, and much more.
2.Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Enjoy a relaxing stay at the picturesque Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Located in Clark, the ranch can accommodate your needs, whether you want an adult-only vacation or a family getaway.
Cozy cabins and quaint lodge rooms offer rustic yet elegant accommodations for guests. Delicious dining is provided at the ranch with meals served in the dining hall, outdoor patio, or out on the trails in a cookout style. The chefs even offer a variety of culinary adventures including cooking classes, beer tastings, and wine tastings.
The ranch offers family, romance, solo, and group experiences to cater to your vacation goals. There are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay including horseback riding, yoga, cattle work, paddle boarding, hiking, fishing, spa services, and more.
During winter, guests can enjoy snowmobiling, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice fishing, and skiing.
3.Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
Saddle up for a memorable cowboy experience at the beautiful Sundance Trail Guest Ranch. Located in Red Feather Lakes, guests will enjoy the unbridled beauty of Colorado.
Cozy and quaint accommodations are available at the lodge as well as seven cabins located on the property. Home-cooked meals are served daily family style to keep you well-fed on your vacation. Well-behaved dogs and horses are welcome at the ranch, allowing you to enjoy your getaway with your beloved pets.
Enjoy the many activities on the ranch including horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing, archery, shooting, hiking, and more. At the end of the day, you can relax at the jacuzzi, game room, or by the bonfire. Weddings and reunions are available to host on the ranch for an intimate experience in nature.
4.Lost Valley Ranch
Escape to fresh air, green meadows, and stunning mountain views at Lost Valley Ranch. Located in Sedalia, the all-inclusive getaway will allow you to enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer.
Guests can stay in the charming cabins that are decked out with traditional Western and designer furnishings. There are 23 cabins on the ranch situated in secluded pine trees for a peaceful getaway. Three well-balanced meals are provided a day, with meals served in the dining room or packed for the trails.
Activities on the ranch include horseback riding, archery, trap shooting, hiking, fishing, cattle roundups, weekly summer rodeos, and more. Before saddling up, guests can outfit themselves at The Lost Valley Trading Post which sells Western gear. After a day of adventure, guests can enjoy hot tubs, bonfires, sports, games, and square dancing.
5. Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch
Explore Colorado’s rich history and wilderness at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch. Located in Cortez, the ranch provides a refreshing and peaceful vacation destination.
The ranch offers cabins and houses for lodging that will take you back in time to the Wild West. Delicious fresh food straight from the farm of Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is available for purchase.
There are plenty of activities to do during your stay including hiking, biking, wine tasting, farming, and horseback riding at the neighboring Canyon Trail Ranch. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and rock art panels at nearby destinations including Mesa Verde National Park and Hovenweep National Monument. Weddings and other events can also be hosted at the rustic Western ranch.
6. Drowsy Water Ranch
Reconnect with family and friends as you enjoy a laid-back visit to Drowsy Water Ranch. The ranch, which is located in Granby, is just a 90-minute drive from Denver.
During your visit, you can stay in an adorable cabin or private room at the charming lodge. Mouth-watering home-cooked meals are served three times a day so you will never be left feeling hungry.
Before hitting the scenic trails, guests are matched with a horse based on their riding experience. In addition to trail rides, the ranch also offers penning cattle, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and zip lining. After your fill of adventure, you can enjoy a dip in the pool or a shopping spree at the ranch store.
7.Majestic Dude Ranch
Enjoy stunning mountain views and pristine rivers at Majestic Dude Ranch. Located in Mancos, the ranch offers something for the whole family to enjoy.
The ranch offers standard cabins, large luxury cabins, and suites for a relaxing stay. Three healthy yet hearty meals are served daily so you will never feel hungry.
The ranch has activities such as horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking, laser tag, paintball, hiking, fishing, archery, and more. When not participating guests can relax at the pool, sauna, hot tub, saloon, gym, or game room.
8.Tumbling River Ranch
Experience Colorardo’s unrivaled wilderness at Tumbling River Creek. Located in Grant, the ranch provides a relaxing escape the whole family can enjoy.
Accommodations at the ranch include charming Western-themed cabins and two historic lodges with spacious rooms and suites. Home-cooked meals are served family style, with some meals being served as cookouts in true cowboy fashion.
The horse program at the ranch allows guests to get comfortable in the saddle before hitting the trails. During your stay, you can also participate in fly fishing, white water rafting, and hiking. The ranch also offers a great kid’s program, so you can rest assured the whole family will have a great time.
9.Latigo Ranch
Enjoy spectacular views and incredible experiences at the renowned Latigo Ranch. The ranch offers over 200 miles of trails on 40,000 acres of National Forest in Kremmling.
Lodging is available at one of the charming cabins located on the property. The ranch provides gourmet contemporary cuisine for all three meals, served family, buffet, or cookout style.
Riders of all experience levels will enjoy picturesque trail rides through Colorado’s incredible wilderness. Guests can also try their hand at fly fishing as well as skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The ranch also offers an extensive kid’s program so you can rest assured there will be something for all ages to enjoy.
10. Rainbow Trout Ranch
Experience the backcountry of Colorado the way pioneers did during the Wild West. Located in Antonito, the ranch provides the ultimate Western getaway in the mountains.
Guests can stay in the charming historic lodge or in one of the rustic cabins on the ranch. Delicious made-from-scratch meals are served three times a day family style.
The ranch offers plenty of trail riding opportunities that riders of all experience levels will enjoy with views you can’t beat. When not in the saddle, guests can enjoy fly fishing, white water rafting, hiking, archery, trap shooting, and games.
The ranch also offers both kid and teen programs as well as an adults-only month, catering to everyone seeking adventure.
