What to do and see in Colorado, United States: The Best Ranches

January 6, 2022 Kelli Reichel

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?
Restaurants in Colorado

1. T-Lazy-7 Ranch

3129 Maroon Creek Rd, Aspen, CO 81611-3561 +1 970-925-4614 [email protected] http://tlazy7.com/
Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 580 reviews

T-Lazy-7 Ranch

Back in the early 1900s, Had and Lou Deane were a colorful pair who raised cattle, horses, and a family on their rustic mountain ranch just outside of Aspen. Their parents and grandparents were Aspen’s founding fathers and earliest settlers. Today T-Lazy-7 is as busy as ever with the fourth and fifth generations of the Deanes running the ranch. Guests enjoy this mountain paradise for weddings and events, while recreational enthusiasts take part in snowmobile tours, horseback riding and fly fishing. T-Lazy-7 Ranch’s past is as rich as its future is bright, and we’re looking forward to many more years of wonderful mountain memories ahead.

Reviewed By kaitB8292FQ - Bilbao, Spain

The tour was breathe-takingly beautiful and I would highly recommend this adventure! Elyse & Burger were incredible guides - very kind, patient, knowledgeable and friendly. As a first time snowmobile driver, I had lots of fun on the ride with my family as well as the guides. We totally lucked out and were able to drive over to Maroon Bells for an awesome view of the Maroon Peak, which was a huge highlight for us!! THANK YOU Elyse & Burger for a wonderful wonderful adventure in Aspen!

2. Shiloh Guest Ranch

2720 Stove Prairie Rd, Bellvue, CO 80512-6807 http://www.shilohguestranch.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Shiloh Guest Ranch

3. Majestic Dude Ranch

42688 County Road North, Mancos, CO 81328 +1 800-325-9462 [email protected] http://www.majesticduderanch.com/
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 110 reviews

Majestic Dude Ranch

A family-owned and oriented guest ranch nestled high in the pristine wilderness of the San Juan Mountains and just 35 minutes from Durango, CO. Since 1956, Lake Mancos Ranch (now re-named the Majestic Dude Ranch) has been offering our guests a home away from home in the Colorado mountains 35 miles west of Durango. A week-long, all-inclusive dude ranch vacation provides families with a lifetime of memories, whether that means long rides on a mountain trail, guided mountain bike tours, hikes in the neighboring national forest, catching a rainbow trout along the banks of a cool stream, lake or river, or just relaxing by the fire with friends.

Reviewed By kadobest - Cedar Park, United States

This was one of the best family vacations we have ever had on all fronts - service, activities, cleanliness (especially considering we went during partially restricted circumstances due to Covid-19), hospitality, food, amenities, cabins - literally everything was top notch! We were a large family unit with (5) adults, (2) teens, and (1) youngster (ages 7-74) and it was a great fit for each and every one of us. From Katie's daily enthusiastic greetings, jam-packed days with any activity you could think of, to the evening games and late-night campfires and movies in Tipi Viliage, we felt welcome, comfortable and relaxed from the minute we arrived. Private horse lessons with Nancy were so great - made my daughter's dream come true to "ride like the wind!" She was such a great teacher and super fun to be around. All the horse wranglers (Eva, Val, Kersten), and Scott were great with all the amazing horseback riding experiences the entire week, having different durations and trails to experience really was unique, you were always in for a new adventure! They made you feel at ease and told great stories along the way. Of course, the pups Maisey + Maverick were special bonuses! Iain made the double ATV trail day happen for us and we are still talking about how much fun off-roading was for all ages (7-74 in our group!). His instruction and guidance for the clay pigeon shooting was top notch also. All food service staff - Betty, Gary, Jacob, Laura, Kelly, Coco - everything was delicious and they crushed it everyday! There was so much food you just didn't want to stop eating, and they made sure to help us celebrate special occasions too. The counselors were next level - Moxie, Devon, Jessie, Michelle, Bethany - their energy, patience, creativity, and fun were so appreciated by parents and kids alike! Our teenagers even got in on the fun and loved all the crafts and games - especially the laser tag and paintball in the forest! Cabins were spacious and comfortable, we spent some time every day in the rockers on the porches - so relaxing. The flexibility of the daily schedules was awesome - there was always something to do...or not! We will definitely be back to Majestic, and would recommend to all our friends and family!

4. Pikes Peak Outfitters

750 E US Highway 24, Woodland Park, CO 80863-7750 +1 719-687-3689 http://www.pikespeakoutfitter.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Pikes Peak Outfitters

5. Elk River Guest Ranch

29840 County Road 64, Clark, CO 80428-9705 +1 970-879-1946 [email protected] http://elkrivergr.com
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Elk River Guest Ranch

Experience the beauty of Colorado in our comfortable guest cabins on the Elk River, surrounded by Routt National Forest. Hike, bike, fish, trail run, hunt, ski, snowshoe,, backcountry ski, snowmobile... The choice is yours! We offer nightly lodging with a two-night minimum. At Elk River Guest Ranch we want to make sure your getaway is comfortable, relaxing and carefree. We want to extend warm Colorado hospitality to you and your group. Please call or email us with any questions. Your vacation awaits...

6. Sombrero Ranch

Business Highway 7, Allenspark, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80510 +1 303-747-2551
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 108 reviews

Sombrero Ranch

7. Lucky Three Ranch

S. County Road 19, Loveland, CO 80537 +1 800-816-7566 http://luckythreeranch.com
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Lucky Three Ranch

Lucky Three Ranch is a working ranch and not open to the public except for scheduled tours. Tours are available Monday through Friday by appointment only, and all tours begin at 10:00 AM. The tour season runs from January through October. We require a 10 day notice. Our tours are perfect for seniors, children, and anyone with an interest in animals. If you are an equestrian—we have even more for you! Come meet the saddle mules, including 18-hand Belgian draft mule, Roll, and the minis, along with the newest addition, Large Standard donkey, Wrangler. Experience the beautiful life-size bronze sculptures of the Loveland Longears Sculpture Park that commemorate many of the record breaking feats of the Lucky Three champions. For the kids, visit Jasper’s Bunkhouse and see the diorama of Jasper’s Happy Valley Ranch! The ranch is handicap-accessible and we provide tour carts for our guests who have mobility issues or who might not otherwise be able to make the trek around the property.

8. Bear Basin Packtrips

473 County Road 271, Westcliffe, CO 81252-9638 +1 719-783-2519 http://www.bearbasinpacktrips.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Bear Basin Packtrips

9. Latigo Ranch

201 County Road 1911 Arapaho National Forest, Kremmling, CO 80459 +1 970-724-9008 http://www.LatigoTrails.com
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Latigo Ranch

Reviewed By MeganW1700

I brought my two grandsons to Latigo Ranch in Kremmling Colorado for a week to get them out of the house and video game playing because of COVID. The 11 and 13-year-old had the time of their lives! Horseback riding every day, rounding up cattle, rock climbing, white water rafting, swimming, fishing, archery, campfires, smores, cowboy meals, axe throwing, and more! The ranch was so well run and activities planned all day long. Lots of other kids to hang around with, I barely saw the boys all week! The ranch was relaxing and stunningly beautiful! The Georges who run the ranch are like a big family who know everyones name and make sure that you are looked after every second! The food was superb and I hate to admit I ate the fluffiest pancakes I had ever tasted every day during my visit! The fresh mountain air and the cool nights had us all sleeping so soundly! Many families we met here had been returning to the ranch each summer for 10-12 years straight. I just hope that my review dosen't mean we can't get a reservation for next summer as we will be coming back!!!

10. Triple G Outfitters

4098 Hwy 131, Wolcott, CO 81655 +1 970-926-1234 [email protected] http://tripleg.net/
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 127 reviews

Triple G Outfitters

Saddle up and experience the west the way we do! At Triple G Outfitters we pride ourselves on our experience and level of safety. Each horseback ride starts with an informational safety and demonstration talk to help riders feel comfortable while out on a ride. Our unique ranch setting offers breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range, Castle Peak and Red and White Mountain. Our wranglers are hand selected from the best in the Vail Valley. We pride ourselves on having knowledgeable, fun and experienced guides to ensure a memorable horseback experience. With an abundance of knowledge of the local history, first aid, and horses our guides are ready to answer any questions you may have about the ranch and its surrounding areas.

Reviewed By 914debbiee

I've been horse riding all my life and am very cautious about booking group trail rides in fear of being disappointed or bored. Triple G Outfitters lived up to all my hopes - I can't think of a better way to get some serious saddle time while seeing the stunning Vail landscape. I did a 2-hour trail ride on Chessy with Charlotte Brady as a guide, she did a phenomenal job of making sure everyone was safe and in control, while also pushing us to the limits of each rider's experience (& offering important lessons along the way!). Every interaction I had with Triple G was a total joy - from emailing with Samantha, to get matched with my perfect horse by Heather, to talking football & travel with Brewer and one of favorite ever trail rides with Charlotte. Special shoutout to Molly the Border Collie for gathering all the horses each morning!

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