Colorado Dude Ranches | Family, Luxury and Working Guest Ranch Vacations

A Colorado dude ranch offers western-style lodging, recreation, and charm to visitors throughout the year. Whether you seek a luxurious retreat or a more rustic adventure, these ranches are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience for all.

The ambiance varies from upscale and luxurious to hands-on experiences working with livestock. Guests typically stay for a week, but some ranches offer shorter or even nightly stays. Expect to be treated to homecooked meals, outdoor adventures, and a retreat from the daily stresses of life.

List of Guest Ranches in CO

From the Rockies to the plains and everywhere in between, you’ll find plenty of authentic dude ranches for families, luxury amenities, or a more immersive working experience. These charming establishments offer a variety of accommodations to fit any budget. Signature activities include horseback riding and fly fishing.

4UR Ranch & Wagon Wheel Gap Hot Springs – Creede

Image of the Badger Creek Ranch sign being painted

Badger Creek Ranch – Canon City

Image of the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch entrance sign covered in snow

Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch – Parshall

Image of horses at the Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch in McCoy

Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch – McCoy

Image of cattle being herded at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado

C Lazy U Ranch – Granby

Image of two females riding horses at Cherokee Park Ranch in Livermore, CO

Cherokee Park Ranch – Livermore

Image of the Colorado Trails Ranch barn in Durango

Colorado Trails Ranch – Durango

Image of people on a wagon at the Deer Valley Ranch

Deer Valley Ranch – Nathrop

Image of a lodging at the Drowsy Water Dude Ranch in Granby, Colorado

Drowsy Water Dude Ranch – Granby

Image of people horseback riding at Elk Mountain Dude Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado

Elk Mountain Dude Ranch – Buena Vista

Image of the entrance sign to the Elk River Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado

Elk River Guest Ranch – Clark

Image of people riding horses at Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, CO

Latigo Guest Ranch – Kremmling

Image of people riding horses at the Lost Valley Ranch in Sedalia, Colorado

Lost Valley Ranch – Sedalia

M Lazy C Ranch – Lake George

Majestic Dude Ranch – Mancos

Image of North Fork Ranch in Shawnee, Colorado

North Fork Ranch – Shawnee

Image of two men riding horses at Rainbow Trout Ranch in Antonito, CO

Rainbow Trout Ranch – Antonito

Image of a cowboy and his horse at the Rawah Guest Ranch in Colorado

Rawah Guest Ranch – Glendevey

Sundance Trail Ranch Red Feather Lakes Colorado

Sundance Trail Guest Ranch – Red Feather Lakes

Image of people on horses at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland, CO

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch – Loveland

Tarryall River Ranch – Lake George

Image of people riding horses at The High Lonesome Ranch in De Beque, Colorado

The High Lonesome Ranch – De Beque

Image of The Ranch at Emerald Valley at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO

The Ranch at Emerald Valley – Colorado Springs

Image of a woman riding a horse at Tumbling River Ranch in Grant, Colorado

Tumbling River Ranch – Grant

Image of a child with two horses at Vista Verde Ranch in Clark, Colorado

Vista Verde Guest Ranch – Clark

The Waunita Hot Springs Ranch property in Gunnison, Colorado

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch – Gunnison

Wind River Ranch – Estes Park

Image of a person herding cattle at Ranchlands Zapata Ranch in Mosca, Colorado

Zapata Ranch – Mosca

Map of Guest Ranches in CO

Guide to Dude Ranches in Colorado

Colorado Dude Ranch Black Mountain Ranch Horseback Riding — Horseback riding with Black Mountain Ranch. Photo by: Andrew Hyde

Experience the true Colorado, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Live like a cowboy for a week at one of many dude ranches around the state.

Many guest ranch resorts are all-inclusive, with home-cooked meals and a slew of guided recreation. Seasons vary, with the majority operating from late spring into fall, while others are year-round. The most popular time to enjoy dude ranching is summer, but the ones that stay open throughout winter make sure to create exciting experiences as well.

Luxury guest ranches cater to your every whim. The lodge is upscale, the food is immaculate, and the service is five-star. On the other end of the spectrum, you can get your hands dirty at a real working ranch, where you’ll be able to help with the farm animals and keep up the daily chores.

If you’re looking for a true Colorado experience, book a week at a Colorado dude ranch for an adventure you’ll always cherish. More on guest ranches can be found at coloradoranch.com, the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association since 1934.

Recreational Activities

Group of children on the lawn at Latigo Ranch throwing lasso ropes onto a fake bull head — Learning how to throw a lasso at Latigo Ranch. Photo by: facebook.com/latigoranch

Mostly all dude ranches will allow their guest to ride a horse, with some even granting you your own horse for the duration of your stay. Fly and rod fishing is a popular pastime in these western settings with access to some of the best trout streams and rivers in the country.

Guests can also go hiking and mountain biking on scenic trails that wind through the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. For those seeking more leisurely activities, dude ranches in Colorado may offer options such as helping the cook, relaxing in a hot tub, or gathering around the campfire with s’mores and live music.

A couple of accommodations even have their own private hot springs, meaning you’ll have the healing benefits of mineral spring water at your fingertips. In the colder months, ranches typically have partnerships with nearby outfitters to guide guests on backcountry skiing, heli-skiing, sleigh rides, and snowshoe journeys.

Tips for your stay

Log house sitting on the shore of a small pond surrounded by long green grass, evergreen trees, and mountains in the background at The Ranch in Emerald Valley, owned by The Broadmoor — The Ranch at Emerald Valley, one of The Broadmoor’s three all-inclusive nature experiences. Photo by: facebook.com/TheBroadmoor

Research and choose a dude ranch that aligns with your interests and preferences. Look for ranches that offer the activities you enjoy and have the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the activities you plan to do. This may include sturdy boots for horseback riding, rain gear for unexpected weather, and sunscreen for the high-altitude sun.
Be prepared to disconnect from technology and fully immerse yourself in the ranch experience. Many dude ranches have limited cell service and no WiFi, so bring books or games to entertain yourself during downtime.
Take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Ranches typically offer group activities, such as campfire gatherings and meals, where you can socialize with other guests and staff.
Embrace the spirit of adventure and try new things. Whether it’s learning how to rope a steer, casting a fly fishing line, or taking a guided hike through the mountains, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unforgettable experiences and memories.