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Intimate capacity ~ From a guest perspective one of the best features about Elk Mountain Ranch is our limit on number of guests ... 35. We believe that you do not want to be lost in the crowd of one among many. We want our guests to get the most out of their vacation experience in the Rockies and believe that can best be achieved in a more intimate atmosphere. Our limit upon number of guests allows us to have plenty of activities tailored to the groups particular interests, but large enough to meet and make new friends. You will not find long lines of riders, nose to tail glued to a trail at Elk Mountain. Our rides are small, tailored by interest, ability and family group. We could be bigger, but we happen to like concentrating on being better.

Off-the-beaten path horseback riding ~ Perhaps the most outstanding feature about our program at Elk Mountain Ranch is the superb quality of our riding. The nature of our remote high mountain location offers you a unique opportunity to ride through miles of aspen forests, with spectacular vistas of the finest the Rocky Mountains has to offer, down through rock canyons, and across open high mountain plateaus. There are always wildflowers, interesting geological formations and signs of abundant wildlife along side every trail. We purposely keep our rides small in size, and attempt to tailor each ride to the particular interest and ability of the group. Most of our rides offer the opportunity to  discover the forest and unspoiled beauty of the mountains. We offer an instructional program in riding technique, tack, feed, and care. Experienced and competent wranglers accompany you as your instructor and guide.

Spectacular scenery ~ To give our guests a chance to appreciate our region, we offer a weekly vehicle trip to Aspen. Aspen, formally Ute City, is perhaps the most famous ski resort in the U.S. During the summer it offers the visitor a day filled with tours of historic buildings, fine shops, boutiques, and quaint restaurants. The spectacular drive to Aspen will take you across Independence Pass, the Continental Divide, and Mt. Elbert ... Colorado's highest.

Thrilling whitewater rafting trip ~ Ride the rapids of the roaring Arkansas River through the heart of some of the most beautiful canyon scenery and white-water rapids that the Rocky Mountains has to offer. A picnic lunch at the headwaters of the Arkansas, instruction on safety and how to get the most out of your run, and you are off to an experience you will treasure forever.

Overnight pack trip ~ Included in our peak season rate package is a night under the Colorado stars 'cowboy style'. We ride to a secluded campsite, set up tents, roll out the sleeping bags (we provide), and tend to the horses. A roaring campfire provides the heat to fix up a "trail boss size" supper and help take the chill off the evening air. When the dishes are done, it's time for stories and songs around the fire. When the flames subside to glowing coals it's time to climb into your sleeping bag and marvel at the show of stars put on for free. Sunrise will bring groans, laughter and a hearty breakfast followed by a ride back down the mountain. You wouldn't want to miss the cowboy experience.

Superb menu ~ Don't plan to take meals for granted; at Elk Mountain Ranch they are a main event. The fresh air mixed with healthy activities produces some mighty big appetites at this altitude. Fresh baked breads and pastries, steaks, roast turkey, and desserts that are very special. We have a trail ride brunch cookout, picnic lunch, or outdoor cookout about every day. And, on Saturday evening a candlelight French Country dinner. Enjoy!

Varied activities - riding, rafting, trapshooting, marksmanship, fishing, archery, hayride, square-dance, jacuzzi, van trip to Aspen, and more.

Children's program for ages 3-7 - Get more info HERE...

Down home western hospitality