Sylvan Dale Ranch was started in 1946 by Maurice and Mayme Jessup and has grown to 3,200 acres. Today, the 2nd generation of Jessups, siblings Susan and David, continue their parent's commitment and vision, offering guests an authentic Western Dude Vacation experience. While located in the Rocky Mountain foothills, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch is an easy hours ride from Denver and shares the same elevation, just 5,280 feet, so adjusting to altitude is easy and user-friendly…no headache hassles here.

Sylvan Dale Ranch breeds and raises registered American Quarter Horses right here on the ranch, so guests can count on a reliable, responsive, and handsome mount—every ride! Every guest is assigned their own horse for the week, which provides horse and rider the chance to bond, and enhances the guests experience and overall riding enjoyment on their Colorado ranch vacation. And this Colorado guest ranch's cow-calf operation of registered European cross-bred cattle offers guests a working cowboy experience.

Guest cabins are quaint and cozy, surrounded by towering pines and cottonwood trees, just steps from the Big Thompson River. Cabins, the dining room and amenities (outdoor heated pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and game room) are all centrally located within walking distance to each other. While this Colorado ranch has a full service dining room, they often take advantage of dining outdoors, with spectacular views of both the river and the surrounding mountains.

Sylvan Dale Ranch is an all-inclusive vacation, and one price includes all meals, accommodations and riding activities for the week. The ranch has kids and teen programs and family oriented entertainment every night.

This guest ranch has been named "Best Family Vacation" by Frommer's Colorado guidebook and rated among the "Top Ten Colorado Dude Ranches" by True West Magazine.

Visit Sylvandale.com to find the best deal on a great vacation

-All packages include lodging, hearty & wholesome meals, daytime activities, and evening entertainment. Rates exclude 3.7% state tax + gratuity. Call Karen today at 970.667.3915 

Activities

Horseback riding (beginning riders welcome), riding lessons & clinics, massage, yoga, winter vacations, women only adventures, wine and cheese tastings, tennis, volleyball, fishing, swimming, hiking (multiple trails throughout ranch), square dancing, horse shoes, hayrides, talent night. mountain biking (bike rentals available), horse pack trips, budget travelers welcome, cattle drives on designated weeks, fly-fishing, golf (multiple courses within minutes of this ranch), daily horse drives, kid-friendly activities, basketball, rock climbing, dude ranch conferences & business retreats, ranch family reunions.

In addition to riding adventures, this dude ranch offers exceptional fly-fishing on the Big Thompson River and exclusive access to private fishing lakes, deep in the Ranch’s “Big Valley”, where guests enjoy ½ day and full day guided fly-fishing for trophy-size trout. There are also fun spectator Events, including the Larimer County Rodeo on select weeks.

Winter Ranch Vacations- During the winter months, Sylvan Dale Ranch operates a Bed & Breakfast with optional horseback riding available, weather permitting.

Commitment to Eco-Tourism

Sylvan Dale Ranch is committed to land preservation for future generations. 

Our sustainability mission: "To apply practices in our daily work routine that support a sustainable operation in harmony with the natural environment through the principles of ‘Reduce-Reuse-Recycle’."

Sylvan Dale Ranch has been recognized locally for it’s environmental efforts:
• Awarded the 2008 Environmental Business Award by the Ft Collins Chamber of Commerce, recognizing Sylvan Dale Ranch's outstanding efforts to enhance the environmental performance of the organization.
• Awarded the 2008 Conservationist of the Year by The Big Thompson Conservation District, acknowledging techniques utilized that conserve land and water.
• Working with the Legacy Land Trust, Sylvan Dale has placed 60% of the 3,200 acre ranch in land trust conservation easements to ensure continued protection and freedom from development.

Accommodations

Cabins are clustered in the main yard amid giant cottonwoods and blue spruce, and are warmly decorated with comfortable country furnishings and antique accents. All have private baths and porches, carpeting, refrigerators, coffee makers and air conditioning. Some have fireplaces. Guest houses are perfect for larger families or groups and feature 3 or more bedrooms, 2+ baths, kitchens and outdoor patios. 

Ranch Food

All meals are included in your vacation package, and food is plentiful, hearty and home-style. Some meals feature Sylvan Dale's Heart-J grass-finished beef! Sylvan Dale specialties include fried chicken and meatloaf welcome dinner, outdoor steak fry, Thanksgiving dinner and a Mexican Buffet. Home-baked goodies are a delicious tradition. Meals are served in the RoundUp Room, outside at the Heart-J Grill, on the Heritage Porch or on the trail. This guest ranch is happy to accommodate special diets.

Area Attractions

Loveland
Golf at multiple local courses
Mountain Biking rentals nearby
Museums, Dining in Loveland

Ft Collins
Dining and Brewery Tours in Fort Collins

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Estes Park- 15 miles east
Shopping, dining- Estes Park
Spectacular hiking- RMNP

Sylvan Dale Ranch is a family owned horse and cattle ranch, offering horse riding adventures and trophy trout fly-fishing on 3,200 acres in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Location

west of Loveland, Colorado, 1 hour north of Denver and 15 miles east of Rocky Mountain National Park

Airport

Denver International Airport

Riding Style/ Ability

Western style/ beginner to advanced

Season

Dude Ranch season operates from mid June through late August. Sylvan Dale is open year round for weddings, retreats and B&B stays.

Capacity

30 guests
Corporate Groups, Retreats, Weddings, Meetings Welcome
 Wheelchair Accessible: Most of Sylvan Dale Ranch's accommodations have limited accessibility.

Rates/ Payment methods 

Now Taking Reservations! Learn more.
• Payment method- Cash, Personal or Traveler Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Travel Agents: Sylvan Dale Ranch works with Travel Agents