Named one of the “Top 10 Adventure Towns in the U.S.” by National Geographic, Carbondale is a picturesque mountain retreat waiting to be explored. Visitors will love the mix of Western heritage and modern adventure with everything from rodeos and historical homes to kayaking and mountain biking. Enjoy tranquil evenings unwinding beneath the star-filled sky at the Cedar Ridge Ranch, just 15 minutes up the road.
Take your pick of charming getaways amid the rolling hills of this working ranch. Try the glamping life in a safari-style tent or spacious yurt, complete with a French press, propane grill, private deck and soft bed. Or opt for ranch-style accommodations with a stay at the restored farmhouse or cowgirl cabin. Cozy up to the wood-burning stove in the evenings, tune in the old-fashioned radio or relax on a plush couch with a good read from the bookshelf. These lodgings are also closer to the pastures, so you’ll have views of cute cows and the opportunity to wake up to the sound of a cockle-doodle-do.
Throughout the ranch are incredible views of the towering Rockies. These majestic peaks are often snow-covered even when the fields are green and filled with fluffy dandelions. It’s a great spot for a photo op any time of year — especially if a few horses decide to pose with you.
Where some places are dog-friendly, Cedar Ridge goes a step further and welcomes traveling horses. Book a comfortable yurt for yourself and a cozy stall or paddock for your trusty steed. Spend your days riding together through stands of aspen and pine on the nearby equestrian trails of the White River National Forest and Basalt Mountain.
The ranch is home to many animals, from dependable horses and friendly dogs to adorable piglets and rambunctious goats. We love all the opportunities to meet and learn about them. Book a farm tour for a guided meet-and-greet of the ranch’s charming residents. Find your Zen during an alpaca yoga class or learn new skills as you ride horseback along the trails.
For those interested in crafting, the ranch offers opportunities to learn how to work with alpaca fleece, including a felting class and a Fiber to Fashion workshop. Plus, you’ll get a chance to meet the fuzzy cuties themselves.
Admire the glory of night as thousands of lights twinkle above you. Look for constellations from the privacy of your tent deck or attend a stargazing party. You’ll get a chance to learn about the glittering cosmos from a local expert and get an even closer view through the lens of a telescope.
“Superb experience from start to finish. Wonderfully warm and generous hosts. The children adored the animals. We all loved the game room. It's also a fantastic base to explore Carbondale or Glenwood Springs. We went to our first rodeo. I rented a mountain bike and found amazing trails close by. We’d stay again in a heartbeat.” — Ben D., Google
Plan your visit around one of Carbondale’s annual events. In summer, Thursday nights (June through mid-August) are reserved for the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo, a family-friendly event for visitors and locals. Parents will enjoy the delicious barbecue, and kids will love participating in fun activities, like the mutton bustin’ and calf scramble (they may need to register). Everyone will love watching the authentic cowpoke competitions, like bull riding and team roping.
The Carbondale Mountain Fair (end of July) offers three days of excitement, including live musical performances, athletic competitions, bake-offs and children’s activities. In October, spud lovers will revel in the Potato Day Parade and Festival. Take in all the tater-themed events like the Biggest Potato competition, the potato dance and much more.
Photos courtesy of Cedar Ridge Ranch.