The little sorrel mare plunges joyfully through the powdery drifts, like a carousel horse freed from its pole. Her shaggy winter coat is frosted with snow and when she pauses at the hilltop, she snorts steam and her sides heave with the effort. Yet, she pulls at the reins, seeming eager to push on. But … Read more
The sun has set and the nearly full moon will soon be rising over the Colorado peaks. Skiers and snowshoers group outside the lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, bindings latched and stomachs churning. It’s time to eat. They are the first wave of participants on the annual Grand Huts Association progressive dinner at Devil’s Thumb … Read more
A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park often means staying in adjacent Estes Park. But you can ditch the big tourist crowds and go not too much farther away – to Allenspark. It’s a quieter alternative. And you may see a side of the park you haven’t seen before.Allenspark, about 17 miles north of Boulder … Read more
One of the great joys of summer is getting outside and enjoying the sun. With its 300-plus days of sunshine, Colorado summers are as long as the mountains are tall, and one place to enjoy the blue skies and mountain highs is in the town of Steamboat Springs. We’ve gathered a list of seven cool … Read more
Remember sleep-away camp? Roasting marshmallows by the fire, bunking in log cabins, crafting leather belts, laughing in the dining hall with new-found friends… Picture your adult self at camp with your kids. Now add snow. That’s the scene at the YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch, just outside Winter Park. At this high-altitude hideout, … Read more
The ranch compound lies about a half-mile below. It would take two minutes to drive, but right now no vehicles are allowed on the roadway. This route to the ranch is reserved for us sledders. I center my Flexible Flyer on its snow-packed crown. A ranch hand’s foot chocks the sled while I drop on … Read more
Located just over 10 minutes from downtown Fraser, CO is the beautifully enchanting Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Anything but demonic in nature, the year-round ranch is home to two restaurants, spa, and unbelievable accommodations for the ultimate Colorado getaway. Just west of Winter Park, the sprawling 6,000 acres of private wilderness is a virtual playground for … Read more
A vacation to Granby can be a lot of things, with the exception of being boring. If you’re looking for something slow paced and relaxing, it’s the place for you. If you’re looking for something more adventurous and exciting, Granby can provide that too. With a number of dude ranches, B&Bs and lodges to choose … Read more
Purple lupine, pink wild roses and yellow arnica color the green hillside directly outside my cabin. Any moment, I expect to see a deer wander through the thick forest of aspen, pine and spruce trees. It’s this gentler side of my inner cowgirl I seek to cultivate on this Colorado ranch outing. While I yearn … Read more
Vacationers seek out Colorado dude and guest ranches when they want to rough it Old West style – exploring mountain wilderness, navigating trails on horseback, fishing in Colorado’s roaring rivers and ending the day with campfire stories before retiring to a rustic, comfortable cabin. But most Colorado guest ranches also have a luxurious side, with … Read more