🤠 Saddle Up: Visit a Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch
Colorado’s dude and guest ranches offer the perfect blend of rugged adventure and Western hospitality. Whether you’re looking for horseback riding through alpine meadows, cattle drives on open range, or just a quiet cabin under the stars, these ranches let you experience the authentic spirit of the Rocky Mountain West.
From high-end luxury lodges to authentic working cattle ranches, Colorado’s dude and guest ranches deliver an unforgettable taste of the West. Whether you’re riding at sunrise, gathering around a campfire, or gazing at star-filled skies, you’ll leave with more than memories — you’ll leave with a piece of the cowboy spirit.
🐎 Ranch Vacation Tips
- Best Season: Summer for trail rides, winter for Nordic skiing and cozy cabins.
- All-Inclusive Options: Many ranches include meals, lodging, and activities in one price.
- Packing: Bring layers, boots, and hats for sun protection.
- Book Early: Summer and holiday weeks often sell out months in advance.
Here’s the full list of dude and guest ranches in Colorado, organized by region.
Northwest Colorado
- The High Lonesome Ranch – Grand Junction; wildlife-rich landscapes, horseback riding, and fly fishing.
- Latigo Ranch – Kremmling; scenic trails, cross-country skiing in winter, and gourmet ranch dining.
- Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch – McCoy; full cowboy immersion with roping, riding, and cattle drives.
- Vista Verde Ranch – Clark; luxury guest ranch with fine dining, guided adventures, and spa services.
- Elk River Guest Ranch – Clark; intimate lodge with horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.
- Home Ranch – Clark; upscale Relais & Châteaux ranch with horsemanship programs and Nordic skiing.
North Central Colorado
- Cherokee Park Ranch – Livermore; family-friendly ranch with trail rides, rodeos, and kids’ programs.
- Laramie River Ranch – near Walden; peaceful valley setting with fly fishing and scenic rides.
- Sundance Trail Guest Ranch – Red Feather Lakes; year-round ranch stays with hiking and horseback riding.
- Rawah Ranch – Glendevey; luxury cabins, horseback riding, and wilderness fly fishing.
- Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch – Loveland; close to the Front Range with horse programs and mountain trails.
- C Lazy U Ranch – Granby; award-winning luxury ranch with horseback riding, spa, and year-round activities.
- Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch – Parshall; historic ranch with riverfront cabins and horse programs.
- Drowsy Water Ranch – Granby; family-owned ranch with horseback riding, hayrides, and ranch-style cookouts.
- Wind River Christian Guest Ranch – Estes Park; faith-based ranch with trail rides and mountain activities.
- Devil’s Thumb Ranch – Tabernash; luxury ranch resort with horseback riding, spa, and Nordic skiing.
Central Colorado
- Tumbling River Ranch – Grant; family-oriented with kids’ programs, horseback riding, and fishing.
- Lost Valley Ranch – Sedalia; upscale guest ranch with award-winning hospitality and riding programs.
- Deer Valley Ranch – Nathrop; mountain cabins with horseback riding and hiking near Mount Princeton.
- Elk Mountain Ranch – Buena Vista; all-inclusive ranch with horseback riding and whitewater rafting.
- Badger Creek Ranch – Canon City; authentic cattle ranch experience with small guest numbers.
Southern Colorado
- The Ranch at Emerald Valley – near Colorado Springs; luxury Broadmoor-owned ranch with gourmet dining and horseback riding.
- Chico Basin Ranch – near Colorado Springs; working cattle ranch with birdwatching and ranch tours.
- Zapata Ranch – near Great Sand Dunes NP; managed by The Nature Conservancy, offering horseback rides through dunes and bison pastures.
- Rainbow Trout Ranch – Antonito; fly fishing, horseback riding, and family programs in the San Luis Valley.
- Colorado Trails Ranch – Durango; trail rides, fishing, and family ranch activities.
- Majestic Dude Ranch – Mancos; action-packed ranch stays with horseback riding, rafting, and mountain biking.
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