Back at the Ranch

Six Western guest ranches to see.

Travel Options: RoundUp

Guest ranches abound in Colorado. Here, three more vacation destinations that will show you the Old West lives on.

1. C Lazy U Ranch, clazyu.com

Where An 8,500-acre ranch near Granby, Colorado, just 30 minutes from Winter Park Resort

Why C Lazy U understands that having a diversified program has benefits. While the ranch excels at traditional dude-ranching recreation such as horseback riding and cattle pushing, it also boasts fishing, archery, zip-lining, trap shooting, tennis, yoga, mountain biking, and a ropes course.

Who Knew? Dean Singleton, founder of MediaNews Group, which owns the Denver Post, has been a part owner of the 93-year-old ranch since 2008.

Don’t Miss The ranch’s children’s program—which focuses on horsemanship for older kids—is an important part of C Lazy U. Kids 3 to 18 spend the majority of the day with counselors so their parents can revel in whatever activity suits them.

The Basics Rates range from $2,650 to $2,900 per person/week, depending on cabin selection. 

2. Latigo Ranch, latigotrails.com

Where A 600-acre ranch near Kremmling, Colorado, that has stunning, blown-open views of the Middle Park Valley and the Continental Divide

Why Latigo Ranch is lower-frill than some other ranches when it comes to, say, the decor in its cabins—and there’s zero fancy-schmancy spa services to be had—but if you’re in the market for relaxation, isolation,
serious horseback riding, and a slew of included adventures like white-water rafting, this is the ranch for you.

Don’t Miss Latigo offers an overnight pack trip into the high country for more daring riders. It’s a bit of a haul but completely worth it for the views and the backcountry camping experience.

The Basics All-inclusive weekly rates vary depending on age. Adults run $2,750; kids 6–13 cost $2,050; children 3–5 are $1,575. Kids under 2 are free.

3. Zapata Ranch, zranch.org

Where A 103,000-acre ranch near Mosca, Colorado, that is situated adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Why This working bison ranch is the place to go in Colorado if you’re itchin’ to build fence, drive bison, and put the ranch horses through their paces.

Bonus Zapata Ranch’s terrain is unbelievably varied; you’ll even have the opportunity to ride horseback through the Great Sand Dunes.

Don’t Miss Zapata offers special events throughout the year. In 2012, you’ll want to think about booking during the annual pack trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park (June 17–24), women’s week (June 22–29), or during the horsemanship clinic (July 29–August 5).

The Basics All-inclusive prices range from $985 for three nights to $1,995 for seven nights. Rates for children younger than 8 range from $788 to $1,595.