Saddle Up for Family Fun: Why a Colorado Dude Ranch is the Ultimate Vacation

Trade screen time for saddle time on a family dude ranch vacation! Picture your days filled with horseback rides through breathtaking landscapes, campfire cookouts under starry skies, and activities for every age — from pony rides and fishing for the kids to cattle drives and scenic hikes for the whole crew. With all-inclusive pricing, hearty home-cooked meals, and genuine Western hospitality, a dude ranch isn’t just a getaway — it’s a memory-making adventure your family will talk about for years.

Colorado Dude Ranches

C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado Capacity: 95 Established in 1919, C Lazy U Ranch has evolved into Colorado’s premier destination for discerning travelers seeking a blend of authentic western hospitality and modern luxury. Renowned for its unparalleled personalized service, expert horsemanship programs, and a wealth of upscale amenities, the ranch offers a curated experience tailored to the needs of each guest. Recognized by leading publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, and TripAdvisor, C Lazy U Ranch has earned its place among the elite in the hospitality industry. Its “Lazy You” Spa stands as a testament to relaxation and rejuvenation, ranking among Colorado’s top 25 spas. Additionally, the ranch’s inclusion in the New York Times Best Seller “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” underscores its status as an iconic destination. With over a century of heritage, C Lazy U Ranch continues to redefine the western family experience, blending tradition with contemporary luxury for an unforgettable retreat. Nestled amidst 8,500 acres of awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain scenery, C Lazy U Ranch offers a diverse array of activities to suit every guest’s interests. Central to the activity offerings is the renowned horseback riding program, catering to riders of all skill levels. With an extensive trail system, guests can enjoy leisurely, scenic rides for beginners or exhilarating fast rides, including cantering and loping, for more experienced riders. The ranch also provides the option to ride in the 12,000-square-foot heated indoor arena, ensuring enjoyment in any weather. Each guest is matched with a horse tailored to their riding ability for the duration of their stay, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. In addition to horseback riding, guests can partake in Orvis-endorsed guided fly fishing on the ranch’s casting pond and private stream. Other on-site activities include tennis, hatchet throwing, archery, outdoor pool and hot tub, guided hikes, and guided mountain biking. For an additional fee, guests can opt for the ropes course, zip line, trap shooting, and indulgent spa services. Activities:

• Horseback Riding/Horsemanship
• Cattle Pushing
• Archery
• Fitness Center
• Fly Fishing
• Gameroom
• Basketball Court/Tennis/Pickleball
• Guided Hiking
• Hatchet Throwing
• Mountain Biking
• Spa
• Paddleboating
• Ropes Course & Zip Line
• Family Rodeo
• Swimming Pool & Hot tub
• Trap Shooting
• Yoga
• Kids Programs

Open year-round, C Lazy U offers luxury, all-inclusive stays with gourmet meals and activities from horseback riding to winter sports.

• Summer & Holidays: High season with full kids’ programs and peak activities. 7 Night minimum in summer. Rates: ~$782–$1,164 per adult per night (varies by cabin size).

• Spring, Fall & Winter: Quieter seasons with plenty to do. 3 Night minimum. Rates: ~$605–$705 per adult per night (double occupancy), $403–$490 per child.

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Rawah Ranch, Colorado Capacity: 30 Northern Colorado’s historic Rawah Ranch is a guest ranch located in one of the most scenic and unspoiled valleys in North America. Experience spectacular fly fishing on endless private waters. Empower your inner cowboy on back-country horseback rides, cookouts under the stars, sing-alongs and square dancing. Hike through high alpine meadows, observe the abundant wildlife or just relax on the porch. Rawah Ranch’s all-inclusive vacations cover Best-of-the-West activities and amenities, gourmet cuisine, luxurious cabin lodging and memories that last a lifetime. With nine beautiful mountain cabins on site, you’ll never feel crowded. Each cabin is unique in character and has its own personality. Our cabins are situated so that you’re near everything – the lodge, the stables and of course the Big Laramie River, but still have privacy. Each western-style cabin is well appointed with wonderful linens and tasteful decor. Each is outfitted with its own private ensuite and wood stove and is served daily by our housekeeping staff. Activities:

• Horseback Riding
• Hiking
• Fishing
• River Rafting
• Shooting Sports
• Biking
• Spa
• Kids Programs

Open seasonally—typically June through late September All-Inclusive Base Rates (per person, per night):

• Adults: ~$850/night

• Children (ages 3–16): ~$635/night

Daily Rate Inclusions: Authentic western accommodations and amenities, American breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (3 courses), 2 glasses of wine or beer per person, Horse trail rides, One time (1) per person half-day fishing excursion during your stay, Nature walks, Guided Tomahawk & Knife Throwing, Archery & Skeet shooting, Paddle boats, Lake fishing, as well as other recreational activities around the lodge & the saloon. Get a Quote

Devils Thumb Ranch, Colorado Capacity: 250 The Lodge has 52 uniquely decorated guest rooms and offers plenty of places for guests to make their own from the library and business center to a game room complete with board games, billiards and a two-lane bowling alley, a 37-seat movie theater with big screen and projector, on-site café serving delicious coffee, snacks and breakfast items, and hidden nooks throughout the lodge perfect for cozying up after a long day of adventure. The gym, dry steam room, sauna, and geothermal, heated outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub are all situated between the main lodge and High Lonesome for all guests to access during their stay. Activities:

• Horseback riding
• Outdoor pool
• Cattle Activities
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Biking
• Shooting Sports
• Zipling
• Yoga
• Spa

Ranch Relax & Play Package: The Best Value for Lodging, Unlimited Activities, Spa, and All-Day Dining Includes:

• Elegant Ranch Lodging

• All-day dining (daily breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner)

• 50-minute Signature Massages

• Unlimited access to a range of activities including horseback riding, cross-country skiing, zip lining, fly fishing, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and much more.

• To ensure your stay is hassle-free, an 18% Service Fee will be applied to the total reservation amount, covering Staff Gratuities, Pool and Shuttle Access, Guest Programming, Overnight Self-Parking, and Daily Electronic News Access.

Open Season: Typically operates June through September, 3 Night Minimum Stay All-Inclusive Base Rates (Per Person, Per Night):

• Adults: Approximately $850

• Children (ages 3–16): Around $635

What’s Included: Lodging, meals, daily guided activities (horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery, hiking, kids’ program), and evening entertainment—all under an all-inclusive structure. Get a Quote

Majestic Dude Ranch, Colorado Capacity: 50 Majestic Dude Ranch in Mancos, Colorado, is a summer-to-fall escape that blends rugged adventure with all-inclusive comfort. Open mid-May through October, the ranch sits at 7,800 feet in the sunny San Juan Mountains, right by Mesa Verde National Park. Guests enjoy cozy, Western-style cabins or upgraded luxury suites, with all meals, drinks, activities, airport transfers, and taxes included in one rate—no hidden costs. Days are packed with horseback riding, mini cattle drives, mountain biking, rafting, fly-fishing, archery, and hiking, while evenings bring campfires, games, and live entertainment. Kids ages six and up can join the supervised children’s program for gold panning, laser tag, teepee sleepovers, and more, giving parents a chance to relax or take on their own adventures. Beyond the action, Majestic offers amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, game room, saloon, gift shop, and even a bottomless cookie jar. Dining is a highlight, with chef-prepared, farm-fresh meals ranging from hearty comfort food to healthy, gourmet options, all customized to dietary needs. Whether you’re chasing thrills, family bonding, or simply a week away from the ordinary, Majestic Dude Ranch delivers an unforgettable blend of Western hospitality, stunning scenery, and endless ways to connect with nature. Activities:

• Horseback Riding
• Kids Program
• Cocktail Party With the Owner
• Whitewater Rafting
• World-class Mountain Biking
• Paintball and Laser Tag
• Hiking
• Fly Fishing and Fishing
• Scenic Side by Side and UTV Tour
• Skeet Shooting
• Mesa Verde Tours
• 18 Hole Frisbee Disk Golf Course
• Archery
• Night Time Activities

Operates seasonally—typically open from mid-May through late September, 3-6 night minimum stay All-inclusive rate starting around $400–$500 per person per night. More traditionally, rates are quoted by the week, approximately $3,414 per adult per week, with child rates around $2,695.50 for ages 4–17 (and free for kids under 3). Get a Quote

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