Of Colorado's dude ranches, this is perhaps the most complete. In a picture-perfect valley setting of rarefied mountain air, this ranch embraces 500 acres, 80 head of cattle, 70 horses and no more than 40 guests (with a 1 to 1 staff-to-guest ratio). The eight cabins are spread out to ensure maximum privacy.
Constructed of hefty spruce logs, the two-story main building houses the dining room, lounge and sunroom, and three lodge rooms. Guests enjoy hearty meals in front of the large fireplace or out on the deck and all but the most exclusive wines (and all beers) are included. The pond in back serves as a natural pool, but for guests seeking something more comfortable than an icy embrace, a whirlpool, sauna and fountain sundeck await. There is a TV and phone, but management will only tell guests who ask where these amenities can be found. (Answer: in the Parlor Lodge.)
Besides city-slicker activities centering on horses and cattle, less traditional dude ranch endeavors are offered, and unlike many similar properties, everything is included. Guests can learn rock climbing, go rafting or mountain biking, and even guided fly fishing in the Elk River for trout is part of the package. Timberline hiking and guided trips into the
wilderness are popular as well. Closer to home there are barn dances and weekly wine tastings and cooking classes. Both teens and young children are well served with their own sure-to-please activities from ski lessons and igloo building to rustling and panning for gold. For a week in early June and late September, guests can herd cattle and drive them to summer pasture or winter grazing, and in October, elk and deer hunters take over. Nordic skiing (and free instruction), snow shoeing, dog sled and sleigh riding are the winter activities of choice, and the staff shuttles guests to the slopes at Steamboat Springs one hour away (lift tickets are one of the few additional charges). Winter is a delight—so much snow dumps here in winter that sometimes the staff has to dig down from roof level to let light come in through the windows. A fitness room, sauna and outdoor whirlpools complete therapeutic offerings. The can-do staff also arranges massage services, hot air ballooning, rand snowmobiling.
The are three beautifully appointed rooms inside the main lodge, but most guests here opt for one of the eight log cabins, named after mountains. The exteriors of these rough and rustic one- to three-bedroom cabins give no hint of the stylish western motifs inside. Most have a master bedroom for parents and a second bedroom or loft for the children. Cabins come with antique and log furnishings, fireplaces, carpeting, easy chairs, lodgepole pine beds piled high with down comforters and pillows, as well as kitchenettes stocked with snacks and combination baths. As at Home Ranch, private whirlpools rest on porches—great for those starry nights. The three less-expensive lodge rooms in the main building are named after lakes. They lack the whirlpools but have scenic balconies and are preferred by those who do not plan on spending much time in their rooms. In January through mid February, much of June and all of September, the ranch accepts reservations for just 28 adults (no children), focusing on rest, relaxation, romance and fun.
High service levels, gourmet ranch food, and posh lodging temper the shock of the final bill at this princely ranch, luring back a large percentage of repeat visitors. Quoted rates are per person. There is a three-night minimum in winter, summer weeks run from Sunday to Sunday, a 15% service charge is assessed and the ranch is closed during the shoulder seasons from April through May and from October to mid December.