Colorado dude ranch with kids?

[rosie_one]

We are looking to go on a dude ranch type vacation in early August. We'll be in the Vail/Aspen area in CO and flying into Denver. Our kids are 6 and 9 and we want lots of family fun type activities. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Chefzhat]

No help here, but I'm going to be watching this thread. I've been considering doing this type of thing with the boys.

[Andrea_2]

My parents took us to one in Durango when we were kids. I don't know if that is near where you are going or not, but I remember having a great time there. I don't remember the name of it anymore, but I might be able to find it if I look deep enough (and if it is still there!).

[Laura]

Although I live in CO, I have never been to a dude ranch. Are wanting to do that only or is that in conjunction with your trip to Vail/Aspen? I would think that either Vail or Aspen would have alpine slides that are fun, and hiking and mountain biking trails. Remember you will be at 8000 feet (at least). The sun is very strong, and there is not a lot of oxygen :p. Allow yourself to acclimate for a few days before you get into any hardcore activities. Although I live at about 6500 feet, I still can get winded hiking up another 1000 feet. Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.

[rosie_one]

We will be spending a few days at a hotel in Vail at the beginning of our trip, to get acclimated to the altitude and we'll definitely look into Alpine slides while we are there. My kids love those. (me too, whee!)

I went to Durango as a kid too and loved it, but it really is too far for us to travel this time. It is in the far southwest corner of the state and we will be north/east/central, more in the Denver area.

Via our internet research we found this place that appeals... anyone been there? Are these prices about average for an all inclusive or are they pretty high?

http://www.ranchweb.com/listing.html?destination=www.northforkranch.com&top=northfork/listingframe.html

I'm excited. Looks like so much fun. :D

[Robyn1007]

Good tips Laura, I know when I would visit while living elsewhere the altitude in Vail was really tough on me. Other activities might include river rafting (depending on water level and kids age), horseback riding, riding the lift/gondola to the top of the mountain for some great views and I'm sure the resorts and towns of Vail and Aspen have plenty of kid activities. Durango is nowhere near Vail but also a nice area.

Also, Vail and Aspen are about 2 hours apart so if you are going to add them on to your dude ranch trip you might want to choose one or the other. Vail is typically less fancy and closer to Denver though they are going through major upgrades right now (like heated cobblestone streets in Vail Village).

Let me know if you need more info or want me to check anything out for you. I was up there this weekend and will likely be up a couple more times this summer.

Robyn

[Robyn1007]

We were posting at the same time Rosie! In looking at the place you're considering (I don't know anything specifically about them) you might want to consider spending your extra couple of days in Breckenridge. Its a really cute town and with Frisco next door its more old west than froufrou. Just a thought....

[erinsue]

I went to this one: Waunita Hot Springs Ranch - listing here, w/link to website included (http://www.coloradoranch.com/ranch_info.cfm?ranch_id=34) - when I was 12 or 13 with my brother and my grandparents. We had a great time - quaint ranch, nice people, beautiful setting. Fabulous riding. *Sigh* It's not a "fancy" ranch, but it is very kid friendly.

ETA - it's near Gunnison, CO. I didn't check where that is in relation to where you will be. :o

HTH!

Erin :)

Haha...editing AGAIN to add this direct link to their page on kids activities. Link! (http://www.waunita.com/children.htm)