Colorado Vacation Deal
GRAND COUNTY (COLORADO) DUDE RANCHESGranby, Colorado – The Dude and Guest Ranches of Grand County, Colorado, have a summer of vacation excitement waiting for you. Each ranch has its own personality and speciality – whether it’s a leisurely colorado trail ride or a get-your-hands-dirty cattle drive, baked beans or prime rib, rustic cabin or 4-star accommodations, there’s a Western adventure for every taste. And, with early- and late-summer deals at most of the ranches, there’s even more reason to come on up!
• The oldest, continuously operated vacation guest ranch in Colorado is located on the Gold Medal trout fishing waters of the Colorado River near Parshall. Since 1912 the BAR LAZY J RANCH has been a favorite destination of fishermen and, more recently, visitors interested in exploring the adjacent hills and forestlands on horseback or on foot. The month of September offers adult-only time at a deal over the full summer vacation rate. (800-396-6279/www.barlazyj.com)
• Nestled in its own private mountain valley, the 600-acre DROWSY WATER RANCH specializes in providing an authentic western Colorado vacation. In addition to the riding program, guests can build their vacation around trout fishing, swimming, mountain bike, guided hike, cattle work, square dancing, jeep trips, campfires, hayrides, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips, golf, and more. During 2006, the ranch is offering an early-season deal of 20% off (through 6/11) and 15% off (6/11-6/24 and after 8/20), as well as family vacation rates and a $300/weekly discount for non-riders. The weeks after August are adult-only. (800-845-2292/www.drowsywater.com)
• The KING MOUNTAIN RANCH near Granby is a year-round Colorado guest ranch nestled in the Arapaho National Forest. In addition to riding, guests can also enjoy seasonal activities that include fishing, hiking, skeet or trap shooting, skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and snowshoeing. Choose from 3- to 7-night stays, with a 15% early-season discount for the weeks of 5/15-6/10 and 8/28-10/15. The entire ranch can now also be reserved for Saturday weddings with one night’s lodging. (800-476-5464/www.kingranchresort.com)
• Secluded among the pines and panoramic vistas of the Rocky Mountains, LATIGO RANCH offers a personal and intimate guest ranch experience that includes a range of horseback experiences, from basic horse and trail skills to overnight pack trips and even rodeo sports. When not riding, guests can take flyfishing lessons, go rafting on the Colorado River, or just hang out at the rec center. The ranch’s all-inclusive weekly vacation rates cover meals, accommodations, riding, non-riding activities, and gratuity – everything but the sales tax. During 2006, deals are offered for the weeks of 6/4-6/17, 8/27-9/16 and 9/24-9/30. During the season, a 3-day stay (Sunday or Wednesday check-in) is 60% of the full weekly vacation rate. (800-227-9655/ www.latigotrails.com)
• Built on an original pioneer settlement on the Williams Fork River, ASPEN CANYON RANCH today covers more than 65 square miles of private and leased Colorado land that encompasses pristine pine forest, rugged valleys, and rushing rivers and streams. The secluded location and small size (35 guests maximum) lends itself to intimate and personal attention. Days are filled with trail rides, riding lessons, fishing, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. After a homemade family-style meal in the rustic lodge, evenings are a time for old-fashioned fun like horseshoes, foosball, ping-pong, pool, western dancing, or maybe just relaxing in front of the fire in your log cabin.
• During 2006, there is an early-summer deal of 15% off for the weeks of 6/4-6/10, a 10% discount for the weeks of 6/11-6/17, and a late-summer deal of 10% off for the weeks of 8/20-9/9. The ranch also offers 3 night stay vacation packages.
• (800-321-1357/www.aspencanyon.com)
• The 8,000-acre C LAZY U RANCH – the only Mobil Four Star, AAA Five Diamond guest ranch in Colorado – offers resort-style amenities in a ranch setting. The riding program, with fully supervised instruction and rides geared to all abilities, is the centerpiece, but guests also enjoy such seasonal fun as iceskating, sledding, skiing, sleigh rides, tennis, hiking, swimming, paddleboats, golf, flyfishing, or mountain biking. Meals are served family-style, and include such regional specialties as Rack of Lamb and Rocky Mountain trout. In addition to their traditional 7-night packages, the ranch now also offers 3-day stays with a Sunday check-in. The 2006 summer vacation rates are discounted during the weeks of 6/4-6/11 and 8/13-8/20. Even better, kids stay free during the week of 6/4-11 and during the popular Buck Brannaman horsemanship clinic (8/27-9/1). (970-887-3344/www.clazyu.com)
For more information, check out the website for the Dude and Guest Ranches of Grand County (www.dude-ranch.com) or visit the website of the ranch that interests you.
GRAND COUNTY (COLORADO) DUDE RANCHES