An authentic horse and cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountain foothills, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch has been Family owned and operated since 1946.
Our 3,200 acres offer plenty of outdoor adventures including cattle drives, overnight pack trips, fishing, rafting, rock-climbing, trapshooting and more. 33 min. from Estes Park. We're an easy hour from Denver, with mild temps and mile-high elevation.
Named "Best Family Vacation" by Frommer's Colorado guidebook and rated among the "top ten Colorado Dude Ranches" by True West Magazine, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers year 'round outdoor adventures.
The Dude Lite
A 2013 Exclusive! "Dude Lite – A Family Affair" June 16-22.
The best of the basics with a wide variety of a la carte activities for all ages. Perfect for the price conscience family who wants to play together. (no youth program)
Dude Light offers quality family time at our lowest price. Hike the trails, take a dip in the out door heated pool, fish the pond, fly fish the river, visit the baby foals, participate in ranch chores, gather at the campfire for S'mores, hop on the wagon for a ride on the Foothills Trail, play a game of tennis, softball, horseshoe, or volleyball; explore Cottonwood Gulch. Available a la carte activities: horseback riding, guided fly fishing excursions, skeet shooting, yoga and massage. Six night's lodging and 18 ranch-style meals. Ideal for families large and small!
The Ranch Hand
Week 1: The Ranch Hand (June 23-29)
Brush up on your riding skills, sort cattle, fix fence, drive "Kid" the draft horse, set irrigation for livestock pastures, learn to rope, participate in ranch chores, and jingle the herd. It's your chance to live the life of the working cowboy.
The Drover
Week 2: The Drover (June 30 – July 6)
Hurry and sign up for our annual cattle drive to summer pasture! Stay the night at "Cow Camp" — our back country cabin — and awake to a Cowboy Breakfast. This is our traditional "Old Timer" week, with some new twists for 2013! Drive limited to the first 20 guests to sign up.
The Ranch Hand
Week 3: The Ranch Hand (July 7 – 13)
Learn how to ride, sort cattle, fix fence, drive the draft horse team, set irrigation for livestock pastures, learn to rope, participate in ranch chores, and jingle the herd. It's your chance to live the life of the working cowboy.
The Drover
Week 4: The Drover (July 14 – July 20)
One of our annual cattle drive weeks. Move the herd from the Main Ranch to summer pastures on the Roosevelt National forest. Stay the night at "Cow Camp" a back country cabin and awake to a Cowboy Breakfast. Limited to the first 20 guests to sign up!
The Native American
Week 5: The Native American (July 21-27)
Gray Wolf's Cheyenne grandparents taught him "the old ways." He honors his heritage by sharing these traditions with you: living closer to the Earth, leather and bead crafts, edible plants, archery, tracking, tomahawk throw, and the "way of the pipe." Transport yourself back in time for an experience of a lifetime—join us for Native American Week.
The Adventurer
Week 6: The Adventurer (July 28 – August 3)
All the adventures you can pack in: Riding, climbing, skeet shooting, fishing, rock climbing, white water rafting, a rousing game of volleyball or soft ball, and competitive games on horseback in the arena, The Sylvan Dale Poker Ride.
The Rodeo Cowboy
Week 7: The Rodeo Cowboy (August 4-10)
Ever wondered what the life of the rodeo cowboy would be like? Well here is your chance to hear about it first hand. Rodeo queens and cowboys highlight your experience when the Larimer County fair and rodeo comes to town. Prime seats for the Rodeo and your SDR T-shirt lets everyone know that you ride for the Heart-J Brand!
The Naturalist
Week 8: The Naturalist (August 11-17)
Explore the natural wonders of this magical place where two ecoregions meet. Resident naturalist and published author, Dave Armstrong, will reveal the secrets of the foothills through interpretive tours suitable for all ages: natural history, birding, edible wild plants, geologic history, and all day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Adults Only
Week 9: The Adult Only! (August 18-24)
Everything you ever wanted in a Dude Vacation but without the kids! Ridin' - Ropin' - Dancin' - Shootin' - Fishin' - Relaxin' — you can't miss with this one! Perfect for couples, singles and adult families. (13 and older)
Lots to do…no pressure to do it!
Guestamonial:
“I took my 3 kids (18, 17, 13 )and we had a fabulous time. The riding was great. They made a big effort to tailor rides to individual skill levels and interests of the group. We were able to actually herd cows - I mean really move them from one place to another and it was lots of fun. There is a really nice breakfast ride and the overnight trip option to Cow Camp should not be missed. The food was really good. Plenty of it, nicely presented, and really yummy - not too gourmet - just good home cookin' comfort food.”
Lori R. Latka - Virgina
| Guest Capacity: | 50 |
| Meeting Capacity: | 50 |
| Dates Open: |
Spring: Mar. 01, 2013 to Jun. 16, 2013 Summer: Jun. 16, 2013 to Aug. 24, 2013 Fall: Aug. 25, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013 Winter: Nov. 01, 2013 to None |
| Riding Dates: | Jan. 01, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013 |
| Minimum Age For Independent Riding: | 6 |
| Minimum Age Accepted at Ranch: | 0 |
| Nearest Airport: | DIA-Denver, 1 hr/20 min-shuttle service to Loveland Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport - http://www.fortloveair.com/ |
Lodging Overview
Cabins are clustered in the main yard amid giant cottonwoods and blue spruce, and are warmly decorated with comfortable country furnishings and antique accents. All have private baths and porches, carpeting, refrigerators and coffee makers. Some have fireplaces and most have air-conditioning. Guest houses are perfect for larger families or groups and feature 3 or more bedrooms, 2+ baths, kitchens and outdoor patios. The Wagon Wheel Bunkhouse right on the river, is a two-story lodge offering the best of home and hotel. Each unique room has plenty of western flair and a private bath. A three-bedroom suite and two rooms with an adjoining door are available. A kitchen, fireplace and gathering room are in the common area, and folks enjoy a covered deck on the second story and a large patio.
Recreation Overview
Our ranch-raised quarter horses are at the heart of our program. Our riding program is designed to offer a challenge to every rider. Whether you are an experienced rider or a first-timer, you will appreciate the quality of our herd and the competence of our wranglers. As a Heart-J Rider you will be assigned a horse for the week. You'll also find fishing, swimming, tennis, extensive supervised youth program, game room, nature walks, birding, Western arena activities and much more. Each evening features an event such as a campfire sing-along, horse-drawn hayride, cookout, live Western entertainment, square and line dancing, a "field of dreams" softball game or a rollicking Ranch Party.
Dining Overview
All meals are included in your vacation package, and food is plentiful, hearty and home-style. Some meals feature our own Heart-J grass-finished beef ( www.HeartJBeef.com )! Sylvan Dale specialties include our fried chicken and meatloaf welcome dinner, outdoor steak fry, Thanksgiving dinner and a Mexican Buffet. Home-baked goodies are a delicious tradition. Meals are served in the Antique Dining Room (ADR), outside at the Heart-J Grill or on the River Porch. We are happy to accommodate special diets.
Rates
| Adult Rate: | (age 13+) Dude Lite Week, June 16-22: $1,299 |
| Child Rate: | (ages 6-12) Dude Lite Week, June 16-22: $999 Traditional Dude Weeks, June 23 – August 17: |
| Service Charge/Tip Rate: | Because our service is genuinely caring and gracious, most folks add 15-20% to their total bill. Since your experience involves the entire team at some level, tips are shared among the Sylvan Dale staff. |
| Tax Rate: | 3.5 |
| Accepted Payment Methods: | A deposit is due within 2 weeks of reservation; final payment is due at checkout, but you are welcome to prepay. Personal checks are cheerfully accepted, as well as MasterCard, American Express and Visa. |
| Travel Agents Accepted: | Yes |
Accommodations
| Lodging Accomodations: | Yes |
| Cabin Accomodations: | Yes |
| Weekly Arrival Day: | 6 nights, Sunday through Saturday |
| Seven Night Week: | No |
| Six Night Week: | Yes |
Activities
| Children's Program: | Yes |
| Children's Program Start/End Age: | 6 - 12 |
| Baby Sitting: | Yes-Charge |
| Swimming: | Outdoor heated pool; Hot Tub; Tubing on the Big Thompson River! |
| Cattle Gathering: | Yes |
| Team Penning: | Yes |
| Cattle Drives: | Yes |
| Daily Cattle Work: | Yes |
| Additional Cattle Activities: | Help round up cattle to move them to greener pastures; help w/chores, vaccinations, branding, etc. |
| Overnight Pack Trips: | Yes-No Charge |
| Fishing: | Rainbow trout and bass in stocked ponds; guided flyfishing-ranch & trophy trout lakes-extra charge |
| River Rafting: | Yes-Charge |
| Guided Hiking: | Yes-No Charge |
| Tennis: | Yes |
| Golf: | Nearby |
| Mountain Biking: | Local trails nearby |
| Shooting Sports: | Yes-Charge |
| Hay/Wagon Ride: | Yes |
| Rock Climbing: | Yes |
| Adult Only Weeks: | Yes |
| Women Only Weeks: | Yes |
Other Amenities
| Liquor: | Wine and Beer |
| Whirlpool Spa: | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible: | Yes |
| Massage Available on Ranch: | Yes-Charge |
| Laundry Facilities: | Yes-Charge |
| Information Technology Facilities: | Complimentary wireless high-speed internet access;computer workstation and office services available |
Other Seasons
Winter Program
We are open year-round for "bunk and breakfast" stays along with many of the same activities listed for our summer program, handled on an "a la-carte" basis and weather-dependent. Many folks enjoy horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more in our typically mild winter-time environment. Our holiday traditions are the perfect time for family reunions -- consider Thanksgiving and Christmas! And how about joining us for Spring Break?
| Winter Season: | November through March |
Special Events
Conventions, Meetings & Retreats
Sylvan Dale is your Mountain Retreat Center ... when it's time for a fresh perspective and new ideas, our setting is a natural! At the heart of many meetings and business retreats is the original Jessup Lodge. The Red Ridge Room, Loft and large deck overlooking the river create an ambiance for productive work sessions. Our Heritage Building offers a larger meeting space with a stone fireplace, log ceiling trusses, breakout rooms and a porch overlooking the ponds. We can help you to coordinate with facilitators for team building & leadership retreats.
| Capacity: | 50 for lodging |
| Season: | Spring, Autumn, Winter |
| Activities: | Horseback riding with trail rides & lessons, fishing, hiking, hayrides, campfires, tennis, horseshoes, volleyball, game room. Evening entertainment. |
| Minimum Nights: | 1 |
Bed & Breakfast
"Bunk and Breakfast" stays include a hearty Ranch breakfast and are a great getaway for pleasure or business! Only Saturday nights are available during the Dude Ranch season. Spring Break is a great time to enjoy a getaway here! Many folks use our B&B for a home base to explore nearby Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Many antique and gift shops, theaters, museums, golf and mountain biking nearby.
| Capacity: | 50 |
| Season: | Year-Round |
| Activities: | Horseback riding with trail rides & lessons, fishing, hiking, cattle chores, hayrides, campfires, tennis, horseshoes, volleyball and game room. |
| Minimum Nights: | 1 |
Weddings
Known throughout the area as a romantic and beautiful wedding facility, we provide convenient and affordable arrangements for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners. Indoor and outdoor facilities are available. We are open year 'round (but summer dates fill quickly). Rehearsal gatherings at Sylvan Dale are casual and private, a perfect way to wind down before you gear-up for the big day. Special discounts for Winter Weddings!
| Wedding Planning: | Our on-site wedding coordinators are available to assist you in your planning! |
| Wedding Officiant: | Yes, we provide a list of local officiants with whom we've worked before. |
Family Reunions
Sylvan Dale was featured in "Reunions" magazine in 2012 because we have hosted family reunions for over 60 years with our unique, heart-warming brand of hospitality and the extensive activity list for all ages. Plan your family reunions during our summer dude season (mid-June through late August) for 6-night stays, or choose other dates for shorter visits. Thanksgiving and Christmas are ideal and Spring Break is too!
| Book Entire Ranch: | Yes |
| Book Entire Ranch: | To book the entire ranch, we require reservations for 50. By doing so, we are able to customize your activity program as well as menu requests. Learn more at www.RanchReunions.com |
| Capacity: | 50 |
| Discount: | 10% off dude packages if 10+ guests; Call about our September Cowgirl Roundup special package! |
