Top Hotels in Colorado All-inclusives
Top Things to do in Colorado
10 All-inclusives in Colorado: Best hotel deals for 2023
Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Things to do in Colorado
1. Tumbling River Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 177 reviews
Welcome to Tumbling River Ranch, one of the finest guest and dude ranches in the Colorado Rockies. With a superb location nestled in a secluded valley high in the Rocky Mountains, Tumbling River Ranch is a truly special place for kids, parents and grandparents to enjoy a one-of-a-kind family vacation at a Colorado ranch resort.Come enjoy superb horseback riding for all ages, exceptional dining, fun activities and outstanding kids' programs - for babies through teenagers.For an unforgettable vacation, family reunion, or wedding, Tumbling River Ranch offers the highest level of facilities, service, hospitality and comfort in a fun, Western horseback riding ranch experience. Other activities include fly-fishing, swimming, hiking, trapshooting, family rodeos, white-water rafting, unforgettable live entertainment, and more!You have our commitment that we will do everything possible to make your vacation or event the best you've ever had.
Ranch Camp Fun for All!
Reviewed By GrandTour751519We had a fabulous week at Tumbling River for an extended family vacation. Everyone from kids, teens, parents and grandparents jumped into all of amazing daily activities--riding, hiking, fishing, white water rafting. Our group of 13 ranged in age from 8 to 70+ and there was always an appealing activity for everyone. Scott and Megan have the ranch running smoothly with everyone picking their activities the evening before. Kids and teens had a great time with other children their age. Staff was wonderfully attentive and engaging and the food was terrific. There were tears at the end of the week when the younger kids said goodbye to their horses and the teens exclaimed that it was the best vacation ever.
2. Rainbow Trout Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 276 reviews
Spectacular guest ranch set at 9000' in the southern Colorado Rockies. Superb riding and fishing, fun kids' and teen programs, evening activities, trapshooting and more. The adventure of a lifetime. Share our special brand of western hospitality and see why folks keep coming back for more! Member of all accredited associations, Horse Safety certified. Top Ten Dude Ranch. Signature Ranch. All-inclusive, and exclusive. Wonderful experience in every way. Come share it with us!
1st Rainbow Trout Ranch visit (but not the last)
Reviewed By Doc CWe had 5 cruises canceled during the Covid Pandemic.... We decided to do something different, and this is what we choose. The vacation could not have been better, Staff and the Van Berkun's made us feel like royalty and treated us like one of the family. Food was delicious and activities always keep us entertained. Before we left, my wife said the we need to come back in 2022... And we are! doc
3. Wind River Christian Family Dude Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 236 reviews
Wind River Ranch is an all inclusive resort property that appeals to each family member. We invite you to read our reviews on TripAdvisor and hear why our guests not only love the investment they made in their family, but also why they choose to return again and again to WRR. This is a unique and very special family dude ranch experience and a mountaintop experience.
Amazing, Restful Sanctuary
Reviewed By ethillhomeThe Ranch is a place that allows you to rest your mind and soul. The Staff is amazing and has exemplified every bit of Galatians 5:13. We met lifelong friends and enjoyed horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, biking, porch reading, and amazing food. Thank you all! We can’t wait to come back!
4. Cherokee Park Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 214 reviews
Cherokee Park Ranch is a family owned dude ranch nestled in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains in Livermore, Colorado. It is the perfect place for everything from your honeymoon, and guys or gals getaway, to family vacations, reunions or grandparent's retreat. Lope through wildflower-speckled meadows, cross the refreshing Cache La Poudre River, climb the Rocky Mountains, and from atop your horse, peer out over some of the most breathtaking land ever created. Cherokee Park Ranch will forever hold a special place in your heart. In fact, 86% of our guests are returns!
Laid back Vacation
Reviewed By decase5Have stayed at several other Colorado dude ranches and this one is on par. However, this is the friendliest ranch we have stayed at. Loved that the gratuity was included and the friendliness seemed genuine - not just hoping for a bigger tip! We especially enjoyed Ana (wrangler), Kaylee (kitchen staff) and Granger (all around helper). The food was excellent and plentiful - and the staff did accommodations for preferences easily and without making a fuss. The Campton Suite was rustic, cool & comfortable - we did use the fan! However, long after dinner folks would sit on the patio & chat. Our windows were directly above the patio & the sound carried perfectly into our room - we may as well have been sitting at the table with them. We did get the staff to ask folks to go somewhere else when they closed down the kitchen. We rode horses, fished, hiked, swam in the pool, sat in the hot tub, chatted and rocked on the porches. It was so relaxing and easy. We loved it. One note - it would have been nice to have had the fishing guide still available...
5. Latigo Dude Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 192 reviews
Latigo Ranch is a premier Dude & Guest Ranch in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You'll enjoy our spectacular scenery and seclusion. Fabulous "nouveaux ranch cuisine" - wholesome, hearty, healthy, homemade. Our guests of all ages experience, explore, and engage in a wide range of activities. Our Winter Resort operations include XC skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and tubing.
Another outstanding trip to Latigo!
Reviewed By MyHazerThird time here and outstanding yet again. If you are looking to vacation with great people, great riding, great food and have a lot of fun - you want to book yourself a week at Latigo. It does not get much better then this. I am already booked for 2023.
6. Black Mountain Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 317 reviews
Come join us for a taste of the wild west. Your week long package includes lodging, all meals, unlimited horseback riding, an overnight pack trip, a longhorn cattle drive, whitewater rafting, fly and spin fishing, rifle and trap shooting, archery, a trip to a local rodeo and so much more!
An Extraordinary Week to Remember at Black Mountain Ranch!
Reviewed By T9934VTdougsMy wife Denise has always dreamed of visiting a 'Dude Ranch' and BMR certainly delivered a memorable experience! The May family are wonderful hosts and run a top-notch operation. The staff make you feel welcome and cater to your every need. We thoroughly enjoyed the people, facilities, and overall feeling of being a part of a working ranch. Key Notes: — Accommodations: Elk Park cabin was really spacious, comfortable, and clean. They do an awesome job of taking care of your cabin each day. — Food - The meals were remarkable…Shrimp & Grits, Duck & Gnocchi, Prime Rib, just to name a few magical creations provided by Chef Bob! — Horses - The horses are well taken care of and beautiful. They have a horse for everyone and if you find you and yours don’t hit it off, they’ll find another match that’s perfect for you. — Wranglers - All the wranglers are warm, friendly, and helpful. Our wrangler Jessica was amazing and made sure we were well taken care of and enjoyed our time at the ranch. — Saloon - At the end of the day, a saloon is a great place to relax and unwind with your favorite beverage, great music, and dancing. — Ranch - High in the Rockies, this ranch has great trails and scenic views. This is a working ranch, so there is always something going on throughout the day. — Hiking - Speaking of trails, the hiking is phenomenal and there are plenty of trails to take in while at the ranch. — Activities - While at BMR we experienced horse riding, calf roping, wrangling cattle, watercolor painting, leatherworking, and so much more. Trust me, you will be so glad you chose Black Mountain ranch, I know we are. We'll be counting the days until we visit again!
7. Elk Mountain Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 228 reviews
Nestled in the San Isabel National forest with off-the-beaten path charm. Near Buena Vista, Colorado and adjacent to the Browns Canyon National Monument. Weekly package includes meals, lodging and activities - horseback riding, white water rafting, shooting sports, van trip to Aspen, excursion to ropes & adventure park, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hayride, square dance, childrens' program and more. Massage extra. 35 pampered guests.
Fantastic Experience
Reviewed By angiekU633NCI've been lucky enough to have been to 3 dude ranches in my life, all in Colorado. The first was when I was 10 and I've always said it was my favorite family vacation as a child. I went again with my family as an adult and it was also another great vacation. I was finally able to talk to my husband into going to this one this past August and it's a trip we will never forget. Pick up at the airport was very easy and appreciated. The instructions that are sent to you after you have made your deposit are very informative and we were easily able to pick Tom out of a crowd after our flight landed. The ride to the ranch was beautiful and comfortable. Once we arrived at the rance we were met by smiling staff and taken on a tour of the grounds and our room. Our room, was well appointed, rustic and comfortable. The owners, Tom and Sue are first class hosts. Tom is the consumate professional when it come to safety and well being of his horses, staff and especially his guests. He gave one of the best horse safety orientaion and riding on our fist full day I have ever experienced. But as safety conscious as he is he wants everyone to enjoy their experience. Sue, is the consumate host. Joyous, happy, and bending over backwards to go out of her way to make sure everyone enjoys their stay and fulfills the needs of guests. Tom and Sue, after so many years owning this ranch have perfected the art of hiring staff. We enjoyed all the wranglers as well as the kitchen and housekeeping staff. Everyone was amazing. The wranglers were wonderful to stop and take pictures with our phones anytime I asked and I truly appreciated that. They are all so good and experienced and give wonderful instruction and feedback throughout the rides. The location of the ranch is absolutely breathtaking! I am not an experienced rider but have ridden many times. I love that the groups were small and toward the end of the week, based on experience and whether you wanted the opportunity to trot or canter. I had never cantered before and finally had the opportunity to do it at Elk Mountain and it was truly a rush I will never forget. All the horses are wonderful, but I fell in love with Willow. She was so gentle and handled better than any horse I have ever had. The horses are loved and cared for beyond measure. There are so many activiites you can do OR not do. It was nice to not have a TV or get phone calls. It was nice to just be still when you wanted to. For my husband and I it was nice we get away from an elevation of 10 and experience the wild west at 9400 ft. Elk Mountain is a perfect family vacation, Couples vacations or even a girls or boy trip. We are planning on coming back with some friends next time. I think once you have experienced this place, you can't really get it out of your head. My husband and I have been be fortunate to travel the world and this rates as one of our top vacations.
8. Zapata Ranch - A Nature Conservancy Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 156 reviews
Spectacular setting. One of the most unique ranches in North America bordered by the Sand Dunes National Park and Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. 103,000 acres with bison and cattle. Excellent working ranch opportunities and educational, conservation and nature experiences. Be sure to ask about Branding Week, Sandhill Crane Photo Trip, Painting and Photography Workshops, Horsemanship & Roping Clinics and Corporate/Family Retreat Capacities. Gourmet Chef, 4-star rustic elegance, hot tub and walking trails on grounds.
Great place food needs work
Reviewed By wbonoraFirst the bad news. Then we end on a high. The food needs work. All meals are included in the rates, but it is not very good. And you are far from the nearest town to go to a better place. On a positive note. Great accomodations. Super friendly staff. Very helpful. The ranch is located in a splendid area with mountain views and not far from Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. Some packages include trail rides to the dunes, tours to their resident 2000 bison herd, and tours to the seasonal sand hill crane migration at Monte Vista National Wildlife refuge. Simply awesome. Except for the, food this is a great place. Check out Zapata Ranch website
9. Drowsy Water Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 170 reviews
Our dude ranch is totally committed to bringing guests into the beautiful Colorado Mountains in a friendly, clean authentic western ranch environment for families, singles and couples. We take extreme pride in our programs and genuine hospitality!!
Drowsy Water Ranch will not disappoint.
Reviewed By Michele EMy husband and I chose DWR as a special way to spend one-on-one time with our twelve year old grandson. It was a fantastic week. He has been developing an interest in horses and riding, and even though we left home with a young man, we returned home with a Cowboy. Hosted by the rightfully proud owners, Ken and Randy Sue, and their family there are plenty of activities for all ages. In keeping with a ranch, the accommodations are charming and cozy. Housekeeping deservingly takes pride in their daily maid service. The hearty, family-style meals are lovingly prepared using many ingredients from the ranch. My vegetarian diet was deliciously accommodated. The wranglers know their stuff and the ranch and love sharing what they know. One morning ride included breakfast on one of the ranch’s mountains. My husband and I did not ride at every available opportunity, but our cowboy did. There were several other early teens all entertained and engaged by counselors assigned to them. They have activities for all ages all led by helpful, courteous staff. There is nightly entertainment including, a carnival, square dancing, hay rides and campfires. The grounds and buildings are well maintained. The horses are lovingly cared for and assigned to individual riders for the week - each matched with size and experience of the individual rider. Don’t miss the running of the horses. Thank you to all the staff for a wonderful week!
10. Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 136 reviews
Colorado's oldest continuously operating guest ranch is nestled in a peaceful valley along the beautiful Colorado River. Near Rocky Mountain National Park. Warm Western hospitality and delicious home cooked meals served in our historic lodge will add to your experience. Enjoy Gold Medal fishing, scenic horseback rides (all levels), jeep rides, mountain biking, guided hiking, river rafting, and sightseeing van trips. Extensive children's program, evening entertainment, recreation barn, and heated pool/jacuzzi. Listen to the Colorado River rush by in your private log cabin.
Lifetime of Memories
Reviewed By Dan WBar Lazy J is an all inclusive working guest ranch with just the right amount of "away from it all ranch life" combined with important comforts such as comfortable beds and soft linens and cabins big enough for a family to spread out. There is wifi available at the lodge which is a great way to gets kids, teens, AND us parents off of our devices and more present in the moments and memory making that happened here. All staff were friendly, outgoing and willing to do anything asked of them. Wrangler's were professional and confident and very good at working with those of us who weren't very familiar with horses. They took us from never riding a horse before to loping and exploring the adventurous rides. A family vacation like none we have been on before and many touches of *magic* throughout the week. A few magical moments were... seeing our 17 year old smile and talk to people that began the week as strangers, but who ended up being good friends by the end of our time at BLJ. Watching out 11 year old daughter who had never ridden a horse attend the kids club and become a confident and happy rider. Experiencing many "firsts" with our 13 year old who was old enough to do more adult activities - he tried trap shooting, zip-lining, archery, axe throwing, and riding a horse for the first time all in one week! We love to travel as a family and talk often about making lasting memories. We all agree that this trip was one that we will relive and tell stories from for many, many years to come. Our trip was with extended family that consisted of 6 adults and 6 kids ranging in age from 4-17.
