Zapata Ranch is a 103,000-acre ranch owned by The Nature Conservancy of Colorado where guests can ride through and learn about our conservation herd of 2,500 bison, integrate themselves into daily life on the ranch and participate in extensive nature programs. Managed by Ranchlands, Zapata Ranch in nestled at the base of Southern Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains and shares a border with the United States’ tallest sand dunes: The Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

In the News

  • Conde Nast Traveler Magazine: 1 of 3 Best Ranches in America for a Real Working Ranch Vacation
  • Western Horseman Magazine: 1 of 15 Best Holidays and Riding Vacations to Book Today
  • Gourmet Live: 1 of 4 Ranch Vacations for Food Lovers
  • The Equestrian Magazine (UK & Ireland): 1 of 2 Ranches Featured in Lifestyle Ranch Riding Holidays
  • Conde Nast Traveler Magazine: The Best Ranch Lodging and Dining in Colorado
  • ABC News: Featured on The Travel Show as a Top Learning Vacation Destination
  • America’s Heartland TV Show: Featured as an Unforgettable Experience in the World of Agriculture
  • Colorado Meetings & Events Magazine: Featured in the National Treasures Venue Report
  • CBS Denver News: Top 5 Ranches in Colorado
Guest Capacity:
15
Meeting Capacity:
15
Dates Open:
spring: Mar. 19,2020 - Jun. 20,2020
summer: Jun. 20,2020 - Sep. 22,2020
fall: Sep. 22,2020 - Oct. 31,2020
winter: Mar. 01,2020 - Mar. 19,2020
Riding Dates:
Mar. 01,2018 - Oct. 31,2018
Minimum Age For Independent Riding:
8
Minimum Age Accepted at Ranch:
0

Lodging Overview

Each guest room is equipped with either two double beds or a single king, and private bathrooms. The lodge is built on the original Zapata homestead with buildings that date back to the late 1800’s and is surrounded by extensive grounds. The buildings are all restored chinked log and boast high comfort and rustic elegance. Daily maid service and laundry facilities are included.

Recreation Overview

Two programs, Ranching With Nature and The Great Outdoors Experience, give you the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind, fully customizable vacation. Whether you want to help move cattle from one pasture to the next, monitor water levels and grass growth, participate in a traditional branding, rise with the sun for a ride through the Sand Dunes Nation Park, go on an interpretive walk through grasslands and learn about bison as a conservation species, or white water raft down the Arkansas River, the staff is here to make this the vacation of your lifetime.

Dining Overview

Zapata Ranch serves its own grass-fed beef and bison, along with local produce. The style is down home gourmet and meals are served family-style in dining room. Executive chef is Mike Rosenberg.

Rates

Adult Rate:
$395 to $471 per day per person, based on length of stay
Child Rate:
$262 to $328 per day for children 8 & up, based on length of stay; children 7 & under are free
Service Charge/Tip Rate:
Our tip policy is strictly optional, most guests leave between 15-20%
Tax Rate:
10.8%
Accepted Payment Methods:
MasterCard, Visa, Checks and Cash are accepted
Travel Agents Accepted:
yes

Accommodations

Lodging Accomodations:
yes
Cabin Accomodations:
yes
Season
Dedicated Arrival Day
Minimum Night Stay
Summer (Peak Season)
Sunday
3 Nights
Fall (Off Peak Season)
Sunday
3 Nights
Winter (Off Peak Season)
Sunday
3 Nights
Spring (Off Peak Season)
Sunday
3 Nights

Activities

Children's Program:
Children's Program Start/End Age:
0 - 0
Baby Sitting:
Yes-Charge
Swimming:
Cattle Gathering:
Yes
Team Penning:
No
Cattle Drives:
Yes
Additional Cattle Activities:
Branding, Sorting, Doctoring
Fishing:
Fishing in high mountain lakes is available free of charge, and trips to Gold Medal sections of the Rio Grande and Conejos River for an additional cost can be arranged.
River Rafting:
Yes-Charge
Guided Hiking:
Yes-No Charge
Golf:
Nearby
Mountain Biking:
Shooting Sports:
No
Hay/Wagon Ride:
Yes
Adult Only Weeks:
Yes

Other Amenities

Liquor:
BYOB
Whirlpool Spa:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Massage Available on Ranch:
Yes-Charge
Laundry Facilities:
Yes-No Charge
Information Technology Facilities:
AV equipment. WIFI, meeting room

Special Events

Conventions, Meetings & Retreats

Our meeting facility is complete with all top-of-the-line AV, wi-fi and floor-to-ceiling windows on one whole side of the facility that looks into one of our pastures. With 15 rooms (30 person capacity), experiences are intimate and easily customizable, providing plenty of time to take part in life on a real working ranch or experiencing the outdoor activities right in our backyard.
Capacity:
50
Season:
year round
Activities:
Horseback Riding, Bison Tours, Hiking,and Fly Fishing, White Water Rafting and Skiing all nearby
Minimum Nights:
1

Weddings

Our 15-bedroom, rustic chic lodge with an unobstructed view of the Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a personal, intimate venue for special events. Should you select to have your wedding with us, our staff - from our executive chef, Mike Rosenberg, who will work with you to customize a menu just for your event to Sam Montgomery, who will be the event coordinator dedicated to you before, during and after your wedding– will work together to make your wedding perfect.
Wedding Planning:
Sales Coordinator
Wedding Officiant:

Family Reunions

Book Entire Ranch:
Yes
Capacity:
30
Discount:
Yes