You’ll have a hard time believing you’re only an hour and a half outside Denver when you step onto Tumbling River Ranch in Grant. Nestled in the Pike National Forest, this working dude ranch treats its guests to sprawling mountain vistas as far as the eye can see. Daily excursions offer the chance to explore nearby trails on horseback rides, go on rafting adventures and take good, old-fashioned hiking trips.
With a full slate of activities and beautiful Colorado scenery as the backdrop, the ranch feels a lot like an all-ages summer camp. All you have to do is choose your activities for the day, and ranch staff will take care of all the details. Your entire family can set off on adventures together or split up and enjoy specialized programs for kids, teens and adults. Dedicated wranglers are always on hand to teach you the intricacies of rock climbing, trail riding, fly-fishing and even square dancing.
Tumbling River Ranch’s rustic (yet comfortable) cabins deliver homey configurations for family trips, romantic getaways and solo outings. Smaller parties can choose to stay in a single room or suite, while larger groups can book adjoining rooms and even entire cabins, many of which boast their own private decks and ensuite bathrooms. No matter which room or cabin you choose, you’ll start your day with gorgeous pine-forest views.
When the dinner bell rings, you’ll know it’s time to report to the historical Ranch House for a made-from-scratch meal. Food is included in your stay, served three times per day and family-style. Think hearty cowboy fare — tender pork chops, perfectly cooked sirloin steaks, smoked trout straight from nearby Geneva Creek — alongside fresh-baked bread and steaming cinnamon rolls. If you can’t stand the thought of leaving behind the ranch’s homestyle recipes, pick up a souvenir cookbook to recreate them at home.
You can’t get more Colorado than disconnecting from the daily grind and playing in the mountains, which you can do any time of year at the ranch. Summer is perfect for overnight group excursions and camping out under a blanket of glittering stars. Winter amenities include a shuttle to the powdery slopes of nearby Breckenridge Ski Resort.
And, of course, if you’d prefer to hang back at the ranch, there’s plenty to enjoy without straying too far. Check out the rustic General Store or soothe those sore muscles after a day on horseback with hot-tub soaks and massages in the Recovery Room.
The farewell hootenanny on the final night of your stay features a rodeo, where you and your fellow guests can face off in barrel racing, keyhole racing and other cowboy competitions. Don’t miss a chance to do-si-do around the campfire and attend the award ceremony to see who will be crowned Rodeo Queen.
Visitors shout out Bighorn Cabin for its easy proximity to the pool and main lodge — without sacrificing those exquisite tumbling river views. Consisting of two non-adjoining rooms with a shared deck, the cabin offers a nice mix of privacy and shared spaces. Imagine starting your day enjoying a steaming mug of coffee while overlooking sparkling Geneva Creek, then ending it with a sing-along around the flickering campfire.
“Tumbling River Ranch — magic! Our family of five (kids ages 8, 10, 12) had the most fantastic trip. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting, counselor-led capture the flag, music and s’mores by the campfire, a pop-up fajita lunch in the mountains ... It all happens seamlessly and at the highest level of execution. The Dugan family (including ranch dogs), counselors and wranglers have really created such a special place that we hope to visit again very soon.” — Whitney D., Tripadvisor
Turn the drive from the Denver International Airport (DEN) into a mini road trip. Take an underground tour of Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, then drive to the top of Lookout Mountain near Golden to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is also worth a visit for interactive museum exhibits, like a hands-on playroom for kids. Stroll on serene nature trails that peer down into the tree-lined valley below. Keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks and pocket gophers amid the ponderosa pines.
Back in Denver, catch a show at the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, where the strikingly red, sandstone formations create a bucket-list atmosphere for concerts under the stars. Take advantage of world-class shopping — everything from Hermés to The North Face — in Cherry Creek, or head to RiNo Arts District to admire larger-than-life murals and chow down in hip eateries.
Photos courtesy of Tumbling River Ranch