The
Rocky Mountains are home to countless miles of trails that offer stunning
views of the majestic mountains, dense forests, open meadows, mountain
streams and lakes. Your chances are excellent of encountering mule deer,
bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes, porcupines and other animals as you ride
through their natural habitats.
All
stables and ranches offer a wide array of options for trail rides of
varying length and skill levels. A family favorite is the open-drawn
hayrides; some include a campfire and marshmallow roast.
For
the more adventurous rider you will find cattle drives, breakfast or
steak fry rides, moonlight rides, and overnight pack trips! An excellent
choice for families with pre-school age children is the pony rides.
| WHAT
TO WEAR: |
|
•
Long pants and a long sleeved shirt to be comfortable in the
saddle and to protect your arms & legs from brush and tree
branches
•
Closed, smooth-soled shoes or boots with a heel (better for
stirrups)
•
A tight-fitting hat (or one with a stampede string or chin strap)-helmets
are also recommended and required at some ranches
•
Don't forget the sun block and chapstick! Remember, we are closer
to the sun in the Rockies.
|
Dude
& Guest Ranches
Dude
& Guest Ranches are more than just a place to get away from it all...
You will have the opportunity to experience a side of Colorado that
most people don't ever have the chance to experience... It's the 'west'
in the Old West! A life close to the land and the animals ~ it will
be a vacation where memories are made and family bonds are strengthened.
You'll take home thrilling stories to tell your grandchildren and friends.
Dude
& guest ranches offer many different opportunities for you to enjoy
their amenities and lifestyle. You'll find everything from working cattle
ranches to extremely luxurious ranch resorts ready to cater to your
every whim, and everything in between.
This
is a wonderful trip to plan for couples or with the entire family...
it will allow you to spend time together, to catch up on each other's
lives while at the same time creating new memories that won't long be
forgotten.
Being
out in the fresh Colorado air is exhilarating in itself, but now add
in a cattle drive or gathering, a peaceful hike through the spectacular
western scenery, a little fly fishing in a nearby stream or lake, and
don't forget horseback riding, swimming, cookouts, children's programs,
rafting, mountain biking, spas, overnight pack trips and whew, that's
just the beginning.
You
can create a week tailored to you and your family. Each ranch is completely
different with something special to offer... very unique accommodations,
hearty family-style meals, acitvities, relaxing evenings and even learning
programs. Without a doubt, your Colorado dude ranch vacation is sure
to be an adventure!
A great
place to begin to learn about ranches is the Colorado Dude & Guest
Ranch Association's website: www.coloradoranch.com...
so get started! We look forward to seeing you here in Colorado! Yeehaw! |
