Activities at the Dude Ranch
A myriad of things to do (or not to do).
When you are on your Dude ranch vacation, it's your call. Young and old alike can soak up the sun in our heated Olympic-scaled swimming pool, ride the range till your butt gets sore, fish for trophy trout, lose to someone you love on the tennis court, shoot a round of trap (extra charge) or help the wranglers with their daily chores. And, we can't forget our activties for the kids. For the adventuresome, the hiking is spectacular and there's white water rafting with Noah's Ark Outfitters (extra charge). Some of our Colorado dude ranch vacation activities include:
HORSEBACK RIDING
Daily rides, rain or shine, for children and adults. Rides are planned based upon your ability – beginners through advanced. See here for more info on horseback riding, or learn more about our horses.
HORSEBACK RIDING INSTRUCTION
Daily instruction, with special Horsemanship Instructional Weeks scheduled in the fall season. Taught by visiting professional trainers.
CATTLE ROUND- UPS
These are scheduled seasonally and are for the more advanced riders. Adults only. Learn more about our Cattle Weeks.
CATTLE PENNING
Try your skill under wrangler supervision in our corrals.
RODEOS
Opening day rodeos by our staff wranglers. A weekly guest rodeo for all ages tests newly learned horsemanship skills. Available only during summer.
SWIMMING
Our Olympic-scaled swimming pool is heated for all seasons.
FISHING
Fly fishing and spin-fishing is excellent for rainbow trout in our streams and lakes. Orvis instruction and guide service is available optionally. Rods and reels are provided at no charge.
HIKING
Well- marked trails bring you into 40,000 acres of the Pike National Forest.
Some hikes are guided and lunch is provided for all day treks.
TRAPSHOOTING
Official 5 station range. Instruction and shotguns provided. Charge for clays and shot shells.
RIVER RAFTING
Check out Noahs Ark Colorado Rafting if you are interested in Arkansas River Rafting. It is about 2 ½ hours away, but worth every minute. Please contact them for rates and times.
TUBING
Down on our own Goose Creek; fun for all ages.
COOK OUTS
Cowboy breakfasts, lunches and steak fries are regularly scheduled.
SQUARE DANCING
Professional caller and staff instruction makes this a memorable evening for everyone.
CHILDRENS PLAYGROUND
Always open and well supervised.
TENNIS
Two all-weather hard courts are nestled in the ranch’s foothills. Bring your own racquets or borrow ours.
CRAFTS
The kids love ‘em! Fully supervised and scheduled by age groups.
HAYRIDES
The all-time favorite! Complete with cook out and cowboy entertainment.
HOT TUBS
Conveniently located in the cabin areas to soothe those achin’ parts of the body
MASSAGE THERAPY
Scheduled by appointment and performed in the privacy of your cabin by a fully licensed therapist.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jim Carlson has been part of creating Lost Valley Ranch memories, with professional family photography, for 3 decades. He will corral the family into a casual fun pose with the beauty of the Ranch as your background. His ability to find the best light, pose and expression will become a fun part of your Ranch experience. Call Jim at 303-941-8400 for additional information and scheduling your photography session. Make sure your little cowboys and cowgirls ask about his furry friend Rocky. Click here to visit his website.
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
We make our own...the cowboy way. Kids love the Olde Time Melodrama presented by our talented staff. Scoot your boots at square dance night; then sing-a-long at our campfires, hayrides, ice cream socials and cookouts. The way it was is the way it is - fun for all ages.
