Remotely located in the heart of the Rockies, Elk Mountain Dude Ranch hosts fewer than 45 guests at a time within the San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista, California. It’s about a two-hour drive from Denver or Colorado Springs. Guests come in the summer for a week-long, all-inclusive adventure that includes horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, riflery, fishing, mountain biking and more, staying in cozy cabins that sleep four to six. The Bighorn Cabin is one of the most spacious, with a king bed, a second bedroom with a bunk bed and bath and a large sitting area with a day bed. The front porch overlooks the pond. This is a good bet for families with young children. The ranch offers a week of supervised activities for children aged 3 to 7; those 8 and older typically participate in regular ranch activities, but can also join the children’s program. Meals include trail ride cookouts, steak fry and country candlelight suppers. There are kids’ menus and snacks always available. Minimum stay is three nights.
Check-in time is 3 p.m., with check-out at 10 a.m.
