Colorado provides diverse terrain for all types of horseback riding. Deciding which part of Colorado to select for a horseback riding vacation can be a tough decision, as ranches exist east of the Continental Divide, with high plains spreading toward the foothills of the Rockies to the cloud-rimmed mountaintops, as well as on the western side of the divide into southwestern red rock country. Every form of dude ranch resides in the nooks and crannies of Colorado, including rugged mountain riding in the Rockies.
History
In the late 19th century, stories of ranch life spread to the East Coast in the form of newspaper articles. The exotic charm of the Western ranch lifestyle and the advent of train travel made it possible for people to head West. The hospitality of ranchers included the opportunity to help out with chores, hunting and riding. The term "dude" originates from Eastern visitors (men mostly) searching for a western ranch recreational experience.
Identification
Take your pick from rustic to luxury dude guest ranches in Colorado that have specific vacation programs. Most horseback riding vacation programs are week-long, starting on a Sunday or Monday through Saturday. Some ranches do offer shorter riding programs usually lasting three days or a weekend, while others offer half- and full-day rides. The season runs typically from May through October depending on the ranch and its location. Prices are all-inclusive or per person per day.
Types
Consider what type of activities will suit your group. Today's ranches offer a variety of activities for all interest levels. Many of Colorado's ranches are still family owned and offer a taste of what a real working ranch is all about for travelers who want to go on cattle round-ups, brand animals and do ranch chores. On the other end of the spectrum, other ranches offer amazing horseback riding along mountain trails complemented by gourmet ranch cuisine, spas and hot tubs to sooth sore muscles.
Working Dude Ranch
A working dude ranch vacation can be quite an adventure. For experienced horseback riders, these programs can be thrilling as you can work with ranch livestock firsthand. Zapata Ranch in Southern Colorado's Sangre de Cristo mountain range offers guests the chance to ride with cattle as well as bison. By far one of the most distinct Colorado horseback riding vacations, the ranch is 103,000 acres where 2,000 bison roam. Those looking to improve their horsemanship skills can get one-on-one instruction, take a horse clinic, or go on cattle drives or loping rides.
In the tiny town of Dove Creek, you will find East Pines Ranch in the red rock country of Southwestern Colorado. A family- run ranch that makes you feel like one of their wranglers for half-, full to multiple-day rides. East Pines Ranch practices "intensive grazing" where they rotate their cattle on eight pastures of open rangeland. Wranglers are educated on East Pines Ranch version of living in an agricultural and livestock environment.
Dude Ranch Variety from A to Z
Most dude ranch vacations concentrate on the riding element and add in a few other activities to keep guests busy. Other "extra" activities can include fishing, rafting and hiking. Colorado has plenty of ranches that offer a more modest price point for "horse"-centric trail riding. These programs are for novice through advanced riders and have children's programs.
For example, Latigo Ranch in Kremmling is located in central Colorado. Families can enjoy all sorts of activities, including riding all day if they want to, on about 200 miles of trails. Additional activities at the ranch include rafting, fishing, skeet shooting, overnight pack trips, team penning, cattle drives and horsemanship clinics.
Luxury dude ranch vacations include upgraded accommodations, more activities such as mountain biking and archery, possibly a spa and pool, plus gourmet dining. The C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado is well known for an excellent herd of horses to appeal to all levels of horseback riders. Trail riding encompasses all kinds of mountain terrain. The new spa opened in 2009 offering massage and special treatments for a soothing end to an active day.
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