Grab those leather boots and those cowboy hats off the dusty shelves because we’re travelling to the best guest ranches near Denver. It’s time for some fresh air, some pampering, and some much-needed adventure time, won’t you agree? What better way to reconnect to everything that truly matters than by visiting a working ranch and seeing first-hand how much fun it is?
From fly-fishing to rodeoing, there is something for everyone who wishes to embark on an unforgettable journey to the cowboy way of life! So, let’s not waste any more time. Here are the top guest ranches near Denver that you must experience at least once.
Top Guest Ranches near Denver
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Rainbow Trout Ranch, Antonito
Situated 45 minutes from Denver, Rainbow Trout Ranch beckons with good times and cowboy vibes! Here, the clock turns back to simpler times. They are a part of America’s 5-star family Dude Ranch, anchoring their reputation as among the premier guest ranches near Denver. Rainbow Trout Ranch provides an unforgettable and thrilling riding experience deep in the heart of the old West, where legendary figures like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid passed the time away and roamed the rough backcountry planning their next bold heists.
They offer many adventures, including horse riding, whitewater rafting, historical excursions, fly fishing, and more. The list of activities is endless, and that’s a sure sign that you and your family will make lasting memories while staying here. Book your accommodation with the Historic Grand Lodge or the Dude Ranch cabins; either way, you’re in for a treat!
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C Lazy U Ranch, Granby
Did someone say all-inclusive and dude ranches? No? Well, I’ll tell you about it anyway! C Lazy U Ranch is approximately a 2 hours’ drive from Denver, depending on your chosen road. But it’s well worth the drive since C Lazy U Ranch is among the top guest ranches near Denver! C Lazy U Ranch has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023 and has placed as number 7 of the top 10 Colorado Dude Ranches. Think luxury, think nature, think Texas, combine all these images, and you’ll get the picture of what C Lazy U Ranch is all about.
A vacation in Colorado at one of the nation’s most renowned and historic dude ranches is a memorable experience that unites the entire family, regardless of whether they are avid horse riders or city dwellers. This all-inclusive guest ranch is open year-round in the centre of the Rocky Mountains and provides upscale comforts and rustic experiences. Just book with them already; take your time with it.
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Cherokee Park Ranch, Livermore
Another ranch located approximately 2 hours from Denver, Cherokee Park Ranch has established itself among the best guest ranches near Denver. In Livermore, Colorado, Cherokee Park Ranch is a family-run, all-inclusive dude ranch vacation and horseback riding resort that has welcomed visitors since 1886. it’s a great place to spend your following honeymoon, family reunion, grandparents’ retreat, guys’ or girls’ weekend, or family vacation. They always say, “Come as strangers, leave as family”.
Sometimes, all it takes to get us back on track is a little time spent in the woods, riding a docile horse, or spending the night under the stars. Cherokee Park Ranch transforms your mental and spiritual state like nothing else. It must be the people, the scenery, the fresh air, and the sense of adventure. Cherokee Park vacation rentals at Colorado Dude Ranch feature six outlying cabins and 120-year-old log lodge suites. Every unit has a veranda with swings so you can unwind while watching the river run past. You can spot bald eagles, coyotes, mule deer, and elk from your front porch, among other local wildlife.
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Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, Red Feather Lakes
The distance between Sundance Trail Guest Ranch and Denver is almost 2 hours. But the drive is so worth it. This fantastic Colorado dude ranch provides year-round experiences for the whole family. Horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, disc golf, trout fishing, trap or target shooting, and archery are among the many family-friendly activities. You can even ride horses in the snow while in the water and enjoy warming up in the Jacuzzi. Here, you can enjoy a little nightlife with evening campfires, an on-site pool table, a lounge, and incredible stargazing.
Each charming and comfortable dude ranch suite has a private deck, entrance, and bathroom. The tiny guest-to-staff ratio guarantees that all your family’s specific requirements and wishes will be met. Daily cleaning service is also provided. All the suites at the dude ranch are pet-friendly so that you may bring your furry family members along for this unique adventure. You can also book a room or 5 at the Main Lodge!
Book a hotel in Colorado here with Booking.com
Drowsy Water Ranch, Granby
All good things are located about two hours from Denver, and yes, Drowsy Water Ranch is among them. This 700-acre family guest ranch has been offering genuine western ranch holidays to visitors worldwide for more than 90 years. Drowsy Water Ranch, located in a secluded mountain valley in Granby, Colorado, provides the chance to escape the daily grind and rekindle relationships with loved ones against towering mountains and starry skies.
Since 1977, Drowsy Water Ranch has been owned and operated by the same family, and they have earned a reputation for being among the best guest ranches near Denver. They invite you for an all-inclusive vacation, where you will discover the authentic essence of the West like never before. Most of their meals are family-style, and this ranch cares for over 100 horses. You will return tired but satisfied to your cosy cabins, eagerly excited to do it again for the next day!
Book your hotel in Denver here with Booking.com
If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about the dude ranches in Montana for families and aspiring cowboys!
The Guest Ranches near Denver are Calling You!
These guest ranches near Denver offer a little Old West mixed with a subtle taste of luxury. Why book a beach holiday when you can book a dude ranch holiday? These destinations offer so much more than relaxation. From providing your every meal to catering to the demands of the pickiest family member, you’ll soon find that these dude ranches can transform lives.
A bold statement, I know, but have you ever seen a dysfunctional cowboy? No, I have not. It must be the fresh air, the natural surroundings, the horses (they are known to have therapeutic prowess), and the human connections that form during the completion of the activity. We all need a little of what they got and crave it, too!
