Convenient Colorado Dude Ranches
Getting to a remote dude ranch can seem daunting, but there are many ranches in Colorado, which definitely take you away from it all, but not at the expense of time. These ranches are close to airports, making them convenient to fly and then drive or get a ranch shuttle or transporation service to make your vacation hassle free. For travelers flying in from abroad, the Denver International Airport is a major hub, making the below ranch choices good picks for international travelers.
The below ranches are part of the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association, meaning they have met certain standards set by this association, which has been around since 1934. They also include great all-inclusive dude ranch vacation options, meaning you don't need to get out your wallet during your time at the ranch, making them conveninet on another level.
Colorado Dude Ranches Near Denver International Airport
2 hours drive or less
Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall
Denver International Airport 2 hours
This dude ranch opened in 1912, making it the oldest continuously operating guest ranch in Colorado. Situated just southwest of Rocky Mountain National Park, Bar Lazy J is nestled in a peaceful valley along the Colorado River.
Riding at Bar Lazy J Ranch in Colorado.
Cherokee Park Ranch in Livermore
Denver International Airport 1 hour and 45mins
This ranch is a great pick for families and groups that want to combine horseback riding with other activities. Some of these include river rafting, fishing, skeet shooting, nature walks, swimming in the pool, guided mountain hiking, and sight seeing trips to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Territorial Park in Laramie, WY.
C Lazy U Guest Ranch in Granby
Denver International Airport 2 hours
This longtime Colorado ranch has been welcoming guests since 1919 and offers a luxury, family experience. An award winning ranch, C Lazy U has been featured in the New York Times Best Seller "1,000 Places to See Before You Die."
Colorado Cattle Company & Guest Ranch in Raymer
Denver International Airport 2 hours
This adult-only ranch (guests must be 18+) offers a real working ranch experience. Play cowboy driving cattle, take roping lessons and enjoy helping out the wranglers on this Northern Colorado ranch.
Drowsy Water Ranch in Granby
Denver International Airport 2 hours
This ranch has been named to TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards top All Inclusive Vacations in the world. Under the same owner/management for 38 years, this Colorado dude ranch promises real down home hospitality amidst unforgettable mountain scenery.
Lost Valley Ranch in Sedalia
Denver International Airport 2 hours
Located high in the Rocky Mountains, this working guest ranch is rated 4 Diamond by AAA and offers 26,000 acres of the Pike National Forest for guests to explore.
North Fork Ranch in Shawnee
Denver International Airport 1 hour 30 min
This ranch offers a great combo of fly fishing and horseback riding and is Orvis Endorsed. They offer the flexibility of being close to the Denver Airport and offering both weekly and shorter stays.
On horseback at North Fork Ranch.
Sundance Trail Ranch in Red Feather Lakes
Denver International Airport less than 2 hours
This summer guest ranch and fall, winter and spring bed & breakfast offers horseback riding and hiking the Colorado Rocky Mountains, rock climbing, white water rafting, and more. Ride "your" horse for the week – some folks have been riding the same horse for years!
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland
Denver International Airport 1 hour and 20 minutes
This family-owned horse and cattle ranch specializing in all-inclusive Dude Ranch vacations, including riding adventures, overnight pack trips and trophy trout fly-fishing on 3,200 acres in the Rocky Mountain foothills– great for families, reunions, weddings and business retreats.
Tumbling River Ranch in Grant
Denver International Airport 2 hours
This second generation family run dude ranch in the heart of the Rockies offers two historic lodges with spacious rooms and suites. Guests can take an unusual horseback ride to long abandoned mines and seldom seen ghost towns, ride to cookouts or take overnight pack trips.
And more! Other airports to consider are listed below with each dude ranch's proximity. Some of the above dude ranches close to Denver are also close to other airports in Colorado.
Colorado Dude Ranches Near Durango- La Plata (DRO)
1 hour drive or less
Colorado Trails Ranch in Durango
Durango Airport 40 minutes
Majestic Dude Ranch in Mancos
Durango Airport 35 minutes
Taking a break at Majestic Dude Ranch.
Colorado Dude Ranches Near Vail
1 hour drive or less
Black Mountain Ranch in McCoy
Vail/ Eagle Airport 1 hour
Colorado Dude Ranches Near Colorado Springs
2 hours drive or less
Elk Mountain Ranch in Buena Vista
Colorado Springs 2 hours
North Fork Ranch in Shawnee
Colorado Springs 2 hours
Colorado Dude Ranches Near Breckenridge
2 hours drive or less
Black Mountain Ranch in McCoy
Breckenridge less than 2 hours
North Fork Ranch in Shawnee
Breckenridge 1 hour 30 min
Tumbling River Ranch in Grant
Breckenridge 1 hour 10 min
Check out more great Colorado Ranches on the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association website.
