Grand County, Colorado -- Known as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the US,” Grand County, Colorado, boasts six world-class dude and guest ranches. Most offer all-inclusive packages that include lodging, meals, trail rides, and other activities such as tennis, golf, swimming, hayrides, and cookouts. Each establishment also has its own unique approach to the authentic Western experience, from down-and-dirty cattle drives to square dance dinners, and rustic cabins to elegant lodges.
The oldest, continuously-operated guest ranch in Colorado is located on the Gold Medal trout fishing waters of the Colorado River near Parshall. Since 1912 the Bar Lazy J Ranch has been a favorite destination of fishermen and, more recently, visitors interested in exploring the adjacent 30,000 acres of state and federal forestlands on horseback or foot. Relaxation is the password here and the staff specializes in personal attention. The owner even keeps a supply of hats and boots for visitors who arrive without them, and during the summer the staff puts on a Friday night talent show for the guests.
Built on an original pioneer settlement on the Williams Fork River near Parshall, Aspen Canyon Ranch today covers more than 50 square miles of private and leased land, encompassing pristine pine forest, rugged valleys, and rushing rivers and streams. Whether a greenhorn on your first trail ride, or a seasoned rider ready to take on rodeo action, visitors are given personalized instruction and attention, leaving with greater skills and an appreciation for the West.
Just up the road from Granby is the C Lazy U Ranch, offering luxury accommodations, elegant dining, and first-name-basis service. Riding is available on 8,000 acres of trails and in the 10,000-square-foot indoor arena. Other activities available include; tennis, cross-country skiing, and shuttles to nearby ski resorts. The ranch caters to families by offering extensive supervised programs for children aged 3 through teen. Horse enthusiasts also enjoy horsemanship clinics by well known horse clinician, Buck Brannaman.
King Mountain Ranch, on Highway 125 north of Granby adjacent to the Arapaho National Forest, features a number of unique offerings. In addition to an excellent riding program, ranch facilities also include a skeet and trap shooting range, lighted tennis courts, and Olympic-sized heated swimming pool. The private 50-acre lake and the children’s pond are stocked with rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout; Willow Creek, which runs through the property, offers the best in Rocky Mountain fly-fishing. Another unique feature is the recreation center with its centerpiece: an antique two-lane bowling alley. The ranch is a favorite destination for corporate retreats, family reunions, and mountain weddings.
Nestled in its own private mountain valley, the 600-acre Drowsy Water Ranch has specialized in providing authentic western vacations for over 70 years. The approach is decidedly informal, with horseback riding, meals and entertainment as the main activities. Adult and children’s programs also include swimming, horseshoes, steak fries, trout fishing, square dancing, jeep trips, hayrides, movies, pack trips, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips, golf, and more
Latigo Ranch, near Kremmling in the western part of the county, strives for a personal and intimate feel. Arriving guests are welcomed with a jar of homemade caramel corn. Accommodations are limited to 35 guests, and the focus is on horsemanship. Each guest and horse are matched as to temperament, ability, and physical requirements, and progress through the various levels of skill at their own pace. During the 3rd week in September, experienced riders can sign up to work a real cattle drive with a local rancher.
Grand County’s dude and guest ranches are located in the central and western part of the county, an approximately 90-mile drive from Denver. For additional information on Grand County and an online Trip Planner check out www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821. 
