you are interested in a vacation with a flavor of the Old West...
Typically, guests check in sometime on Sunday. Most ranches begin the week with a welcome campfire or staff introduction and they make sure guests are comfortable in their accommodations. It’s always good to take it easy this first day and drink plenty of water to acclimate yourself to the altitude.
The next day begins with horse orientation and training. One of the unique attributes of a Colorado dude ranch is that you can ride as much or as little as you like. Many folks come to our ranches to really work on their equestrian skills, while others simply want a good horse and to be pointed towards the high country. Dude ranches are great places for families with different levels of riding skills. Don’t worry, our experienced wranglers will match you to the perfect horse and make sure you ride trails equal to your ability and desire.
Each day during the week, guests are offered different types of rides – short, 2-hour rides, half-day rides, full-day rides, etc. Families can mix and match to their heart’s desire. Often times the various rides will meet up out in the mountains for a trailside breakfast or brunch. After eating, everyone continues to enjoy the rest of the day according to each person’s desire.
The rest of the week is generally organized so that guests go river rafting one day, take an excursion to a nearby National Park or historical site on another day, or are driven to a high mountain pass in an open air, four-wheel drive vehicle. Guests can pick and choose how they want to spend each day. Of course, sleeping in and spending a day or part of a day in a hammock or rocking chair with only the hummingbirds and chipmunks to keep you awake, is always an option. Riding in the morning, fishing in the afternoon, and reading by the fire in the evening or playing a board game are always on the dude ranch schedule.
Many ranches offer nature hikes, visits with local artisans, and opportunities for skeet shooting, sporting clays, and have a rifle and archery range right on the ranch. Many ranches also offer mountain biking, hiking, hot air ballooning, rock climbing, and fishing instruction.
During the week, most ranches offer guests the opportunity to horse pack into the backcountry for a night in a tent. Of course, a cook goes along to make sure guests are well-fed and cared for while "roughing it" for a night. Kids really like this overnight option since they know there will be a campfire with s’mores, hot chocolate, story telling, and singing. The next day everyone rides back to the ranch for swimming and more fun.
All types enjoy our ranches
families, couples, singles, seniors, & youngsters
Colorado Dude Ranch Association
P.O. Box D Shawnee, CO 80475 970-641-4701