Saddle Up at One of Grand County's Beautiful Guest Ranches
Long before paved roads and ski lifts made their way to the valley, pioneers, explorers, and ranchers were venturing "out west" to settle in what is today Grand County. Ranching is still a way of life for many who call this place home. But for those that it isn't, there are plenty of opportunities to get a taste of the old west lifestyle at one of our county's world-class guest ranches.
DEVIL'S THUMB RANCH RESORT & SPA
Just 10 minutes from Winter Park, Devil's Thumb Ranch spans 6,500 acres nestled at the foot of the Continental Divide. Named after a rocky outcropping perched above the ranch, the resort makes it easy to "get away from it all" and really connect with the natural beauty that surrounds us. Lodging guests can participate in authentic ranch adventures like horseback riding at Cabin Creek Stables, fly fishing on Ranch Creek and the Fraser River, and cross-country skiing on the trail system throughout their expansive property. Despite the rustic decor and homage to the western roots of the valley, guests are definitely not roughing it! The elegant accommodations, spa, year-round heated pool, daily yoga, and award-winning dining options make the ranch experience one-of-a-kind. We also love their commitment to sustainability! Sourcing food from their own land, utilizing solar power, building with reclaimed material, and working to eliminate plastic waste are just a few ways they steward the land well.
C LAZY U RANCH
C Lazy U Ranch was originally a homestead property and opened as a guest ranch in 1919. Just a few miles up Highway 125 outside of Granby, it feels like a world away from it all. In the heart of ranch country, this luxury dude ranch offers all inclusive vacations for individuals, couples, and families. They bill themselves as a ranch with "high class amenities and down-home experiences," and we would agree! It's not just us who agree: Conde Nast Travelers' Reader's Choice Awards ranked it as the best resort in Colorado and one of the best resorts in the world!
Horseback riding is the hallmark of the experience: guests ride across the 8,500 acres of wilderness on the horse matched with them for their stay. The day starts and ends with farm-to-table offerings of foods of the Great American West in a family-style dining experience that brings people together and seems to slow down time. The Lazy You Spa along the banks of the Willow Creek is another way to spend the day--two of the massage tents are even suspended over the river with glass floors, creatively connecting guests with the natural beauty around them. The team at C Lazy U pulls out all the stops for their guests and offers a place to recharge, reconnect, and rest.
DROWSY WATER RANCH
Looking for an authentic old west experience? Drowsy Water Ranch is an all-inclusive "old school" dude ranch tucked off the highway between Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs. Beautiful and quaint cabins are scattered across the property, connecting guests back to nature and the old west. Ken and Randy Sue Fosha own the ranch and host groups with down-to-earth hospitality, making everyone feel at home and like family. Hay rides, western dancing, s'mores around the fire, and even zip lining are a few of the many activities offered to guests when they're not out riding the trails and enjoying the beauty of the property. It's easy to see why Drowsy Water Ranch was named to TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards top All Inclusive Vacations list for three years in a row!
ISN'T GRAND COUNTY GRAND?
The guest ranches in our county are just another way to experience the beauty and history of this place. We are grateful to live where people continue to value connection with nature, a slower pace, and taking time to appreciate the simpler things in life.
Posted by Angela McDonough (Sandstrom) on
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