At Latigo Ranch, 17 miles northwest of Kremmling, sun-splashed valleys are the backdrop for this award-winning dude ranch. Trot along hundreds of miles of sagebrush-dotted trails with a horseback guide, then delve into rustic mountain fare in the ranch’s prized dining hall.
As one of Gene Kilgore’s Top 50 Ranches of 2022, first-rate services and lodging are to be expected here. Choose from either a single- or three-bedroom suite where you’ll have access to a wood-burning fireplace, bathroom, sitting room and a communal porch. And when you’re not trekking through Colorado’s unspoiled wilderness, enjoy some downtime in the game room, which offers table tennis, foosball, board games and a piano.
Whether you like to stick to a plan or go wherever the wind takes you, the itineraries at Latigo are flexible. Meet up with a professional guide for a horseback ride or nature walk across northern Colorado’s rugged terrain. Or channel your inner-frontier person with skeet-shooting, archery and fly-fishing classes. Don’t hold back because you’ll want to work up an appetite for the culinary delicacies ahead of you: Colorado lamb chops, bison-flank steak roulade and rich dark-chocolate torte are all fair game.
It’s the unwavering Western hospitality you’ll find. Whether you’re indulging in homemade caramel corn in your suite or sampling a curated wine at the restaurant, the friendly staff are always on call to top off your favorite treat.
This authentic dude ranch doesn’t come to a screeching halt at the slightest sign of snow. In fact, some of the ranch’s most exciting activities come alive in the heart of winter. Latigo maintains over 30 miles of groomed Nordic-skiing and fat-biking trails, and snowshoers have access to miles of fresh backcountry powder.
How does a herd of yaks sound? This lot of shaggy, affectionate bovines made their appearance several years ago, and they’ve been a crowd-pleaser ever since (especially the adorable calves).
Take a dip in the hot tub or kick back on the porch swing, knowing all your worries are far, far away.
“We recently returned from Latigo Ranch, and we have been sad ever since! It was the best family vacation we have ever had. My three children would have stayed the entire summer. The George family was incredibly hospitable, and all of the staff and wranglers were outstanding. The food was amazing, the setting was beautiful and the horseback riding was a fantastic experience.” — Hmg4, Tripadvisor
Nearby Kremmling is a boon for outdoor enthusiasts. Venture out on foot to explore the fortress-like mesas alongside the town or head to Wolford Mountain Recreation Area for access to 120 miles of OHV-designated trails. Whitewater rafters will delight in the meandering tract of the Colorado River south of town, and the steep rock formations found throughout Gore Canyon.
In winter, head north to Wolford Mountain Reservoir for the annual ice-fishing tournament. With prizes aplenty, this event sees fishers reeling in everything from splake to rainbow and cutbow trout.
Photos courtesy of Latigo Ranch
