Best Colorado Dude Ranches to Visit in Grand County
Back in the late 1800s, as travelers passed through the rugged landscapes of Colorado, ranchers often welcomed them with hearty meals and a warm place to stay. Over time, what began as casual hospitality evolved into something unique: dude ranches. These guest-focused ranches became popular retreats where visitors could live the Western lifestyle, sharing meals, stories and adventures with their hosts. Today, Grand County carries on that tradition, offering some of the best dude- and guest-ranch experiences in the state. Here, you can still enjoy horseback rides, fishing trips and evenings by the fire, just like in the early days.
Your Guide to Colorado Dude Ranches
- Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch
- Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
- C Lazy U Ranch
- Drowsy Water Ranch
- Latigo Ranch
- Snow Mountain Ranch / YMCA of the Rockies
- Arapahoe Valley Ranch
Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch
At Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch, wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and mountain air as you step out onto your cabin porch. Located along the Colorado River, this historical ranch has lots of old-school cowboy charm and activities for all ages. Horseback rides meander through high-country trails and ziplines send you soaring over a rushing river. Kids can unplug and dive into horsemanship lessons and outdoor games. For anglers, Gold Medal fly fishing awaits along a private stretch of stream. Each evening, gather around for prime rib, fresh trout or grilled bison — served in the lodge or by a crackling fire at rustic cookouts. With cozy accommodations and homemade cookies waiting after every adventure, you'll never want to leave.
Address: 447 County Road 3, Parshall
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
Spanning over 6,500 acres, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa blends Rocky Mountain adventure with luxurious lodging. Get soothing hot-stone massages at Ranch Creek Spa, cast a line into peaceful streams or take to the trails on a fat-tire bike through pine-scented forests. Winter blankets the ranch in a fresh layer of snow perfect for cross-country skiing or a backcountry Snowcat tour. And after a day in nature, savor gravy-smothered Wagyu meatloaf or a vegan crispy-chicken sandwich at Heck’s Tavern — or unwind by the stone fireplace in your Western-style lodge or cabin with views of the Continental Divide outside your window. After a day on the trails, soak under the stars in the year-round heated pool and hot tub.
Address: 3530 County Road 83, Tabernash
C Lazy U Ranch
C Lazy U Ranch spans 8,500 acres of scenic Granby countryside, inviting guests to experience some modern Western comfort. Begin your day with a guided horseback ride or explore Willow Creek’s best fly-fishing spots. Join a hive tour, where you’ll suit up to discover the life of honeybees and the inner workings of their hives, and of course, sample some of the sweet stuff. For dinner, head to the ranch’s restaurant and savor a dry-aged beef ribeye with rosemary demi-glace, expertly paired by their sommelier. Then, unwind in a private cabin, complete with a fireplace and thoughtful amenities like nightly turn-down service and plush robes.
Address: 3640 CO Hwy. 125, Granby
Drowsy Water Ranch
Hidden in a private valley in Granby, Drowsy Water Ranch delivers an authentic, family-friendly dude-ranch experience. Start your day with a morning horseback ride up to fresh scrambled eggs and salty bacon prepared by a cowpoke. With over 100 trained horses, guests of all ages can embark on daily treks to towering mountain views or whoosh down the river on a raft with nearby Mad Adventures. Kids can take hayrides and toast gooey s’mores at the campfire, while adults can relax or play a round of golf. Besides the mountaintop meals, lunch and dinners are served family-style in a rustic dining hall or at outdoor chuckwagon barbecues that let you smell the wood-fired cooking surrounded by summit views.
Address: 1454 CO Hwy. 219, Granby
Latigo Ranch
At Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, you’ll find yourself on a mountainside with outlooks stretching 75 miles to the soaring Continental Divide. Horseback riders have access to over 200 miles of scenic trails that wind through 40,000 acres of National Forest in Colorado’s rugged backcountry. The ranch is known for its gourmet dining, where locally sourced ingredients take center stage. House-smoked bacon and fluffy pancakes at breakfast are just the start, followed by dinners of tender lamb chops with a cabernet reduction and black pepper.
Address: 201 County Road 1911, Kremmling
Snow Mountain Ranch / YMCA of the Rockies
Spread over 5,100 acres of rolling meadows, aspen groves and spruce forest, Snow Mountain Ranch / YMCA of the Rockies is a perfect year-round escape. With its world-class Nordic Center, you’ll have access to 82.5 kilometers of groomed track and trails for cross-country skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Their affordable lodging and dining options minutes from one of North America’s top ski resorts make it easy for families to get away during the colder months. And in summer, gather around a campfire on a cool evening, paddle across Gaylord Reservoir or test your skills and strength on the climbing wall.
Address: 1101 County Road 53, Granby
Arapahoe Valley Ranch
At Arapahoe Valley Ranch, glamping tents, tipis, cabins and campsites dot the expansive property. The historical lodge, dating back to the 1900s, is home to the Red Dog Saloon, a quirky 80-square-foot watering hole with just four stools that’s often hailed as Colorado’s smallest bar. The lodge itself is a cozy gathering spot, offering two living rooms, a billiards room and warm fireplaces surrounded by cushy leather couches. Outdoor patios and fire pits make it easy to relax, grill or just enjoy the snowcapped peak views. For those looking to explore, the ranch offers direct access to Lake Granby for water sports and fishing. Trails wind throughout the property and beyond into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, where you can hike to alpine lakes or spot wildlife like moose, elk and bald eagles. In the winter, try out some snowshoeing, tubing and ice fishing for a magical day in nature.
Address: 8992 County Road 6, Granby