Howdy all! Check out this great article on Colorado Dude Ranches by the Colorado Tourism Office. There really is something for everyone and flexibility to fit your family:
Colorado’s dude ranches offer vacation experiences that range from upscale resort-like properties to rustic, working ranches where guests can take part in everyday chores like herding cattle or gathering fresh eggs. While Colorado’s more than 30 dude ranches are all very different, you can count on them all being incredibly family friendly.
There’s something special about the down-home hospitality of the staff at dude ranches — by the end of your stay, you’ll really feel like family.
COLORADO DUDE RANCH VACATIONS
Dude ranches have activity-rich schedules for kids. While parents spend the morning enjoying a serene trail ride through aspen groves, kids are back at the ranch learning how to rope, feeding farm animals or making Western-themed crafts. In the afternoons everyone gathers for an activity and later sits down for an evening meal together.
At many Colorado guest and dude ranches, a week’s stay is the norm, and all guests arrive and depart on the same day. After all, sometimes it takes awhile to settle into the relaxed atmosphere. The time also allows visitors to bond with one another day after day, but exceptions are often made, so check with individual ranches about their programs.
Guests can usually craft the trip to be exactly what they want it to be. If someone doesn’t feel like horseback riding one day, there are plenty of other things to do. With a whole family to please, that flexibility is heaven sent. Also, the stays are all-inclusive, from horseback riding lessons and group hikes to fishing excursions and field trips to town included in the price.
TYPICAL COLORADO DUDE RANCH ACTIVITIES
Horseback Riding
No matter how many years pass from the heyday of the cowboy, horseback riding will always be a central offering to any Colorado dude ranch. But you don’t have to be an expert rider to enjoy the horses — all the instruction riders of any experience level would need are provided by the ranch. Ride the picturesque trails, often under the shadow of the striking Rocky Mountains. Explore the backcountry as a family and revel in your shared experiences. From guided trail rides led by expert wranglers to venturing on your own astride a steed, Colorado’s dude ranches give you the opportunity to experience the state’s remarkable beauty.
Fishing
Sure, the cowboys of yesteryear fished for their supper from time to time, but when you’re vacationing on a dude ranch, fishing takes on a whole new perspective. While angling for that hard-fighting trout, pause for a moment and take in the views of Colorado’s remarkable landscape.
Wild West Fun
From archery, panning for gold and chuckwagon dinners to feeding the animals, throwing horseshoes and learning to rope and trapshoot, there’s no shortage of unique activities for the little ones to experience. Everyone can participate in square dancing, cowboy poetry readings, hayrides, singalongs and — of course — s’mores around the fire.
Where are you going on vacation with those you care about? Have you thought of a Colorado dude ranch vacation? Please let me know what you think about the idea! It is a spectacular adventure filled escape with scenery, memories, wonderful friends and a chance to truly unplug and enjoy!
Happy trails,
Kody Tesch
What a great post!
The one thing we would add is just how much they can bring a family together, such a magical thing to see what the outdoors, horsemanship and quality time will do.
Well said! We agree 100%. Thank you for commenting and hope you all are doing well!
Doing very well, have a fantastic summer!
You all have a great summer too!! Happy Trails!