The sense of discovery and freedom that existed in the Colorado Rocky Mountains centuries ago still lives on today. A Colorado Dude Ranch vacation rekindles the spirit of the Old West, while offering you the modern luxuries and comforts of home that early explorers and old cowboys could never have dreamt. Let us put you in touch with the perfect all-inclusive Western dude ranch vacation—and in touch with the person you always wanted to be.
Everyone from families, couples, singles, young buckaroos and teens to seniors - enjoys our dude ranch vacations. While your participation in dude ranch activities is always optional, there are many adventures waiting your family and friends each day during your all-inclusive Colorado dude ranch vacation.
These 29 Colorado Dude Ranches were built to cater to families and have activities for ALL ages from little
Jimmy to Grandpa Joe. Check out the Children’s Programs and other Activities to see for yourself. This is one
ALL INCLUSIVE vacation that truly lets your clients leave their wallets at home. Enjoy three hearty meals per
day, comfortable accommodations, horseback riding, kids & teen programs, and much more are included in one
simple rate to make budgeting and booking easy. Our Colorado ranches have come a long way from the "City Slickers"
days. Our dude ranch guests can find fine dining, comfortable and modern log cabins and lodges with daily maid
service, country western entertainment, pools, hot tubs, and yes even some ranches have spa services.
Travel to and from the ranch is EASY. By choosing a Colorado Dude Ranch you have many options to
get to/from the ranch without a lot of driving. We have several ranches within 2 hours of Denver International
& Colorado Springs Airports. Durango, Steamboat, Montrose, and Gunnison have local regional airports that
cater to many larger carriers as well. Many ranches offer ground transportation to and from their closest
airport to make life that much easier on their guests.
Typical Dude Ranch Activities
- Horseback Riding - The best way to see the West is from the back of a horse.
Cantering a horse through an alpine meadow or climbing a steep trail through a pine forest is
something you never forget. Being in the saddle of a Colorado dude ranch well-trained horse is
the fastest way to connect to a truly western experience. Whether you are a new rider or expereinced,
it’s also a whole lot of fun. Trail riding, cattle roundups, team penning, overnight pack trips,
gymkhanas and family rodeos are a few of the ways you can get to know your mount.
- Ranch Hand or Cowboy - Sometimes it’s nice to be the cowboy and not just one of the herd. Colorado’s
rich ranching heritage is one of the reasons there are so many great cattle activities available. Many
dude ranches started as cattle operations generations ago and many that were conceived as Dude Ranches
include the cattle experience. Hard work has never been so much fun.
- Pony Rides - You can finally give your kids that pony... without buying one! Every
parent hopes to provide the experiences they had growing up for their kids. This is where you’ll find
them. There’s no better place to be a kid than on a family dude ranch in the Colorado Rockies. Come
to think of it, it’s not a bad place to have a second childhood either.
- Hiking - There are many ways to explore the wilderness and hiking happens to be one
of Colorado’s most popular pastimes. Hit the trails sans horse for some hiking. In fact, there are
some places you can go with a good pair of hiking boots. Many ranches offer guided historic tours,
nature walks and hikes to summit some of the Colorado’s tallest peaks.
- Fishing/Fly Fishing - Some guests come just for the fishing. A chance to wet a line
along stretches of private or leased Gold Medal rivers and explore secluded ponds with their family.
Many of our dude ranches can outfit you with the latest gear or put you in touch with a seasoned
outfitter for instruction and guided trips. Check the list of dude ranches to find out what packages
are available and which ones specialize in fly fishing.
- Swimming - The Rocky Mountains cast long shadows in the late-afternoon while rain
showers often move in to cool things off. If that doesn’t work there’s always the heated pool.
Looking up at the summer sky while floating in cool water or lounging poolside is a great way
to relax after a long ride or hike. Some ranches offer ponds and streams with swimming beaches
and decks. Of course, if you just want to dunk your head in the horse trough that’s okay, too.
- Campfires and Cookouts - Campfires aren’t just for warmth. They bring people
together for conversation, stories, songs and the occasional marshmallow. Even the ambiance of a
fire crackling away in the lodge can put a sparkle in your eye. In the high country, campfires are
a way of life. Camp cooks love to create over an open flame. The meals are usually more elaborate
than you’d think. From Dutch oven soufflés and cakes to stews and steaks. Campfire cooking is mighty
tasty.
- Hayrides and Horseshoes - Hayrides are great for families, kids, or bring your
significant other and a blanket and you’ve got a date. And horseshoes, a leisure-time activity that
can get surprisingly competitive, is fun at any skill level.
- Overnight Pack Trips - Get away from your getaway with an overnight pack trip to
a remote place in the timbers high on an alpine meadow. It’s still not exactly roughing it since the
meals are hot, the bedding soft and the tents dry. Most dude ranches have their own recipe for what
awaits at the end of the trail. Some offer half-night trips for kids who just want a taste of
camping. There’ll likely be singing, ghost stories and campfire treats where the stars are
bright and coyotes serenade you to sleep.
- Evening Entertainment - There’s a creative side to every mountain. Live music,
cowboy poets, weekly barn dances and even rich stage performances are part of the package at many of
our dude ranches. TV doesn’t even come close.
- Educational Opportunities - Colorado’s Rocky Mountain scenery is more beautiful
when you know what you’re looking at. Many dude ranches have naturalists on hand or bring in experts
on geology, archeology, wildlife and ecosystems for tours and lectures. Most staffers know the local
history. So if you ever have a question, just ask. Curiosity is always welcome.
- River Rafting - Float a class-one river with a fly rod or paddle through class-five
whitewater. Most dude ranches offer a time in the week for rafting. Our dude ranches contract with
the best, most reputable outfitters around and an excursion is sometimes covered in your ranch rates
or discounted so don’t forget to ask.
- Kayaking - Not offered as part of a standard package but this sport is growing
in popularity. If you’re interested in Kayaking, ask before you book to see if it’s an activity
that can be arranged.
- Four-Wheel Drive Trips - There’s another way to see the sights and sometimes you
need a day out of the saddle. 4x4s can take you to some pretty scenic places high in the Rockies,
through old ghost towns, abandoned gold mines and into deep woods. Getting there is more than half
the fun.
- Side Trips - Every great vacation needs a little side trip. Then again, wanderlust is what brings people to the West in the first place. Trips to historic monuments, quaint mountain towns, resort villages, gold and silver mines, narrow-gauge railways to local attractions and for shopping can be arranged.
- Mountain Biking - The sport of Mountain Biking grew up in Colorado. If you’re a mountain biker bring your gear. If you’ve never tried, you’ll be surprised what these low-geared, rugged bikes can do. Many ranches have loaner bikes or can arrange a rental with a local bike shop. Not only is it great exercise, it’s another great way to see wildlife and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.
- Tennis - Only a few ranches have tennis courts. However, arrangements can be made to go into a nearby town for those who can’t call it a vacation without a match or two.
- Golf - The Colorado Rockies are home to some incredibly scenic, world-class golf courses. Many are not far from our ranches. Check with each dude ranch to find out more about the links and if they suit your style of play.
- Rock Climbing and Hot Air Ballooning - So you’re not afraid of heights? These are activities that are not typically offered at our ranches but arrangements can be made, depending on the location of the ranch. Again, call ahead.
- Shooting Sports - Here’s another way the West still lives. Many ranches offer target shooting and sporting clays like trap shooting and skeet courses. All practiced with the utmost in responsible gun handling and safety. Some dude ranches have vintage western firearms for you to try or for shooting demonstrations. Check with individual dude ranches for available shooting sports and age restrictions.
- Saunas, Hot Tubs and Spas - After all that adventure, you have to get yourself ready to get up and do it all again the next day. All our ranches offer a place to soak. Some have a camp hot tub and, at some ranches, each cabin has its own private hot tub. Several have saunas, spa services such as massages and one even has its own hot springs.
- Lots to Choose From - Every ranch is different. Start by deciding what activities and accommodations you’d like and check the appropriate boxes under [Our Ranches]. That will narrow down your search. Then click on the links to individual ranches to learn more and have a great vacation.
Dude Ranch Accommodations & Amenities
Life on the ranch is anything but rough. Comfy beds, charming western décor and some pretty nice amenities.
Soft towels, rich shampoos, and soap -- which might even be made by local artisans for some dude ranches.
You might also find coffee makers, a mini-fridge and snacks in some cabins.
Each all-inclusive dude ranch is different. And some could be considered more luxurious than others.
But an association inspects each ranch regularly for cleanliness, neatness and make sure it’s up to our strict
standards.
Along with all the modern conveniences you’ll get lots of rustic and even historic charm. Antique
quilts and comforters, vintage dressers and old poster beds. It wouldn’t be much of a western experience
otherwise. And there won’t be locks on the doors or air conditioners. They’re simply not needed for
obvious reasons. There are no TVs, phone or Internet connections in the rooms either, although they may
be available in the lodge. With all there is to do you won’t need them.
There are lots of quiet places for reading, napping and enjoying the lost art of conversation.
Board games are plentiful. Front porches have wildflower planters and hummingbird feeders. And there
are more than enough rocking chairs for everyone to just relax and enjoy the Colorado Rocky Mountain scenery.
Spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, cozy accommodations, comfortable beds and delicious breakfasts.
It’s the perfect getaway. A place for couples to celebrate a special occasion or just each other. And for
families to experience ranch life, if even just for a little while. Some dude ranches are not open
year-round or have minimum night stays, so check to see which ones will work with your plans.
Dude Ranch Food and Dining
Dude ranches have come a long way since the days of cornbread and beans. The menus have expanded
considerably to include just about everything you can imagine. "Cookies" have evolved into classically
trained chefs, serving gourmet dishes and healthy alternatives, along side all the old camp classics.
Dude Ranch Seasons
Horseback riding season starts in May or June, depending on the elevation of the dude ranch and when
it’s safe to assume the snow will have melted. But many dude ranches have programs throughout the year.
When snow blankets the Colorado Rocky Mountains, wildlife comes in a little closer to the dude ranch
and suddenly that fire in the lodge takes on a whole new glow. Colorado’s arid climate produces some
of the world’s best powder for snow sports. Skiing, back-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling,
sledding, dog-sledding, nature viewing, sleigh rides, ice climbing and hot tubing are a few of the
possible activities. We'll tell you what’s available at your individual ranch.
When aspens turn from green to gold to tangerine and crimson, and the air becomes brisk, it’s a magical
time to be in Colorado’s high country. It’s also hunting season and our ranches provide the perfect game
access by hiking or horseback. And you know you’ll be well-taken care with delicious meals and comfortable
accommodations.
Whether you’re hunting with a rifle, bow or black power… for elk, deer, antelope or moose, you
have plenty of options. Both on private land or National Forest.