Adventure Beyond the Trails on a Colorado Dude Ranch Vacation

Colorado is home to dozens of amenity-filled guest ranches with accommodations for every taste and travel party. Traditional ranches are horseback-centered ranches offering multi-night stays in rustic yet comfortable cabins. These properties provide chef-prepared meals and a range of experiences unique to ranching. Luxury ranches promise all the excitement and hospitality of traditional ranches with additions like spa treatments, gourmet cuisine and upscale lodging. Working ranches are cattle operations where schedules revolve around livestock. Hands-on activities at these destinations include herding, feeding and assessing the health of animals daily. Not sure which style suits your needs? Take Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association's online ranch finder quiz to find the perfect place to stay.

All Colorado ranches provide ample opportunities for exploration in and out of the saddle. Guided trail rides highlight breathtaking places from flower-filled meadows to fragrant pine forests, and on-ranch activities introduce traditional Western pastimes. Immerse yourself in cowboy culture with experiences such as square dancing, fishing and fireside gatherings. Many ranches offer target shooting and sporting clays like trap shooting and skeet courses. Some feature vintage Western firearms for demonstrations.

While services range by location, guest ranches often partner with local outfitters to host day trips and overnight excursions. Guests can get adventurous on a backpacking trip or explore ghost towns and gold mines on an off-road vehicle tour; drift down a rambling river or experience the thrill of paddling class-five whitewater. Rafting can be included or discounted with your stay, so be sure to check with your host resort and see if special excursion packages are offered.

A Colorado ranch vacation doesn’t have to be all about action. No matter where you decide to stay, you'll find plenty of ways to unwind, explore or simply indulge in some self-care. Most ranchers are well-versed in local history and can offer tips on what to do and see nearby. Plan a side trip to check out Colorado's monuments, mountain towns and gold and silver mines. Many dude ranches have naturalists on staff or can connect you with experts on area geology, archeology and wildlife. Scenic train rides to attractions and shopping centers can also be arranged.

If your idea of recreation involves a golf course or tennis court, your hosts can help you find facilities that suit your style of play. They can also direct you to on-site bathing areas ideal for post-match relaxation. From camp hot tubs to natural hot springs, all Colorado dude and guest ranches offer soothing places to soak. End your day the old-fashioned way with screen-free fun beneath starry skies. Live music, barn dances and stage shows are all part of the guest ranch experience.

Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado’s gateway airport, and take a regional flight or rental car to your Colorado dude ranch of choice.