There’s nothing quite like arriving at your destination and not having any work or planning to do for the rest of the vacation. Everything is already taken care of, from the food to the adventures, and everything in between. That is the beauty of dude and guest ranches, and Mesa Verde Country has no shortage. Choose your ranch based on who you’re here to spend quality time with, what kind of experiences you want to have, and how pampered you want to feel.
Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch
Cortez
Located in McElmo Canyon, this private, luxurious space is just the getaway your soul needs. With plenty of room to roam, you’re likely to come upon some of the thousands of archaeological sites. Even better, we recommend letting your hosts and the ranch owners give you a personal tour enriched with their personal knowledge and stories.
Majestic Dude Ranch
Mancos
Majestic dude ranch is great at lists, meaning you don’t have to worry about your to-do list while you vacation with them. The list of activities they offer on their ranch is endless (great for active families), the adjectives are powerful, and the connections to the beautiful Mancos area are plentiful.
Circle K Ranch
Dolores
The folks at Circle K are all about meaningful connections—with your family, with the wilderness, and with their ranch family (horses and humans alike). As a non-structured guest ranch, they make it easy to plan your own tailor-made stay in the San Juan Mountains with easy access to all kinds of adventures.
Rustlers Roost Ranch/Mesa Verde Stables
Mancos
Rustlers Roost is all about the horses and the places they can take you. Ride Southwest Colorado with knowledgeable guides both on the ranch and beyond (even to ancient dwellings!). Saddle up and learn a bit about Colorado cowboy culture, even if your group has members as young as 7!
Willowtail Springs
Mancos
Luxuriate and rejuvenate. Willowtail Springs is about finding calm in their rental cabins and lingering on the extensive 60-acre property for experiences like Tai Chi, garden walks, meditation, birding, boating, and more. Though not a full guest ranch, the hosts provide unique settings and experiences. Surrounded by lush gardens and wooded with ancient forests, fields, streams and a private 4-acre lake offering stunning views of Mesa Verde, Willowtail provides guests with an elegant location for a deeper connection with environment and art. And, no matter which of the three artistically appointed cabins you select, the hot tub is mere steps away—perfect for dark sky viewing.
Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place
Cortez
Kelly Place provides a very special experience, though it is not a guest ranch. Located in McElmo Canyon, with an apple orchard and surrounded by ancient dwellings and classic southwest landscapes, they provide unique lodging and a retreat center with new offerings regularly.
