Posted: 30th November 2016 | Back to news feed
The Colorado Tourism Office launched its Year of Summer Adventure campaign earlier this month, so Ranch Rider’s brochure news is well timed. The riding holiday specialist will be introducing the Elk River Guest Ranch in 2017 and the Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch will feature a new tented camp, both properties situated in the Centennial state.
Colorado's Elk River Guest Ranch is located just outside of the resort town of Steamboat Springs, the property backing onto the Routt National Forest with gorgeous views of Big Agnes and Little Agnes.
Owner, Becky “Bex” Damman, recently claimed the title of "youngest ever dude ranch owner in history." After falling in love with Colorado and horses when she was eight years old, Becky dreamed of living and working out West. To date, she has never forgotten that wide eyed sense of awe from her first ranch holiday, her memories helping to her craft an unforgettable family friendly experience.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider comments, “The latest addition to our Colorado collection, the ranch is ideal for multigenerational groups, the wide range of pursuits suited to “tweens” through to “outdoorsy” grandparents.”
The daily rides and all day horseback adventure are complimented by archery, hiking, fly fishing and kayaking. There is also an optional weekly pack trip where guests can camp out under the stars, and white water rafting and visits to the Steamboat Rodeo are available over the summer months.
Daly comments, “Authentic travel is booming, with families choosing to experience the less familiar locations as opposed to more famous sites in their chosen destination. From that perspective ranch holidays are in vogue: kayaking on Pearl Lake with local guides and saddling up on the all day ride to Floyd Peak with expert wranglers popular pursuits at the Elk River Ranch. Cookouts, campfires, live country music and line dancing also appeal to families in search of the real Western experience.”
Taking a surprisingly low number of guests for a dude ranch - a maximum of 15 - the property appeals to families seeking a cowboy holiday with a hint of tailor-made luxury.
Six nights from £1,759pp (no single supplement) and from £1,580pp (seven to 12 years) including accommodation (one and two bedroom ensuite cabins), meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes transfers (available from Steamboat Springs), gratuities left to discretion and return flight. (NB. Child rate only available with minimum of two adults booking). Departing 04 June to 23 September.
The Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch is located on the eastern wall of the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. In 2017, guests will have the option to stay at a new tented wilderness camp in the middle of the ranch’s 50,000 acre wild bison pasture. Guided hikes to the Zapata Falls with the ranch’s naturalist, horseback rides amongst the resident elk and 2000 strong herd of wild bison and in-camp massages will be available to glampers.
Daly comments, “After a day in the saddle, what could be more relaxing than enjoying a massage while listening to the peaceful sounds of nature from your own tent.”
A truly atmospheric escape, in the evening campers will be able to kick back around a fire while enjoying the night sky, recently noted as one of the darkest in the world.
Six nights from £3,100pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities (including riding close to the bison herd and across the Great Sand Dunes National Park), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes guided hikes with naturalist, in-camp massages, transfers, on request and return flight. Departing 23 July and 30 July.
The Colorado Tourism Office’s Year of Summer Adventure campaign hopes to increase the record 77.7 million visitors who came to Colorado in 2015 and will focus on both new and existing activities across the state – all with the aim of creating an unforgettable holiday for those who visit and bringing travellers 'to life’.
Ranch Rider is scheduled to release its 2017 brochure in December.
Ranch Rider (01509 618811; ranchrider.com) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.
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