RIDE ‘EM, COWBOY (OR GIRL), TO GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO

Dude and Guest Ranches Carry on American Tradition, 2008-Style


The “Dude Ranch Capital of the United States,” Grand County, Colorado, boasts six world-class dude and guest ranches (www.dude-ranch.com). Most offer all-inclusive packages that include lodging, meals, trail rides, and activities ranging from tennis, golf, and swimming to hayrides and cookouts. Each ranch has its own distinctive approach to the authentic Western experience. Whether looking for down-and-dirty cattle drives and square dance dinners, or elegant lodges, there’s a dude ranch for almost everyone.


Bar Lazy J Ranch
Relaxation and personal attention are the passwords at Bar Lazy J. The owner even keeps a supply of hats and boots for visitors who arrive without them. And during the summer, the staff puts on a Friday night talent show for guests.

• Oldest continuously operated guest ranch in Colorado
• Located on the Gold Medal trout fishing waters of the Colorado River near Parshall
• Favorite fishing destination since 1912
• Adjacent to 30,000 acres of state and federal forestlands

Aspen Canyon Ranch
Built on an original pioneer settlement on the Williams Fork River near Parshall, Aspen Canyon Ranch boasts accommodations where every cabin sits along the banks of the river. And each person who comes to the ranch leaves with greater skills and greater appreciation for the West.

• Covers more than 50 square miles of private and leased land
• Pristine pine forest, rugged valleys, and rushing rivers and streams
• Personalized instruction and attention for everyone from trail riding greenhorns to seasoned riders ready to take on rodeo action

C Lazy U Ranch
An upscale, family style dude ranch, C Lazy U offers luxury accommodations, elegant dining, and first-name-basis service.  

• Riding available on 8,000 acres of trails and in the 10,000-square-foot indoor arena
• Tennis, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing (shuttles to nearby ski resorts)
• Extensive supervised programs for children age 3 and up – and teens
• Horsemanship clinics by well-known horse clinician Buck Brannaman

King Mountain Ranch
Located on Highway 125 north of Granby, King Mountain Ranch is a favorite destination for corporate retreats, family reunions, and mountain weddings. With Willow Creek running through the property, it also offers the best in Rocky Mountain fly fishing.

• Adjacent to the Arapaho National Forest
• Excellent riding program
• Skeet and trap shooting range, lighted tennis courts, and heated swimming pool
• Private 50-acre lake and children’s pond stocked with rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout
• Recreation center with antique two-lane bowling alley

Drowsy Water Ranch
Nestled in its own private mountain valley, the 600-acre ranch has specialized in providing authentic western vacations for over 70 years.

• Focus on horseback riding, meals. and entertainment
• Swimming, horseshoes, steak fries, trout fishing, square dancing, jeep trips, hayrides, movies, pack trips, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips, golf

Latigo Ranch
Located near Kremmling in the western part of the county, Latigo Ranch’s focus is on horsemanship – and on creating a personal and intimate feel.

• Homemade caramel corn upon arrival
• Accommodations limited to 35 guests
• Careful matching of guests with horses (temperament, physical requirements, ability, progress)
• Authentic cattle drive with a local rancher available for experienced riders (third week of September)

For more information about Grand County’s dude ranches and other destinations, activities, special events, visit www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821.