Vista Verde Ranch Review Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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Are you interested in a family-friendly dude ranch vacation in the Colorado Rockies? You’ll want to read my Vista Verde Ranch Review in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. What makes this all-inclusive guest ranch unique from other horse riding holidays? The family-owned Colorado Ranch excels in building a strong sense of community. I’d call it a “front porch community” where guests are welcome to sit down, slow down and visit with one another in a welcoming atmosphere.

Five Vista Verde Ranch guests sit in the wood-paneled wagon, while two wranglers sit on the driver's bench hitched to a team of two black Percheron horses. A grassy meadow with trees is in the background with a blue sky and white, puffy clouds.

What to expect at Vista Verde Ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vista Verde Ranch was founded in 1916 and became a dude ranch in 1968. I’d heard good things about this Colorado guest ranch over the years and finally made a visit happen in September of 2024. I flew into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) after a short layover at Denver International Airport. While some folks drove in from Denver, a scenic 3+ hour drive, I opted for a hassle free vacation that started as soon as I stepped off the airplane.

As I travel carry-on only, I opted to wear my cowboy boots and cowboy hat on the airplane. The ranch will send you a list of what to pack for a horseback riding vacation. Vista Verde Ranch also has a selection of boots and helmets to borrow, as well as Fancy’s Mercantile in the lodge. Once fellow guests were rounded up, we took a short van ride to wander the streets of downtown Steamboat Springs before afternoon check-in. Vista Verde Ranch is officially located in Clark, Colorado, 30 minutes north of Steamboat. I’ll reference Steamboat Springs in this dude ranch review, as it has better name recognition.

Vista Verde Ranch great room with high, wood beamed ceilings, large rows of floor to ceiling glass windows, divided by a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. A moose head with large antler rack is mounted above the fireplace. A large brown leather sofa is directly across from the wood-burning fireplace. Two floor lamps are at each end of sofa. Several brown leather chairs surround a square wood table, behind the sofa, on top of a navajo area rug. A large wood circular chandelier is suspended above the tables and chairs in the Colorado lodge.

Perched at 7,800 elevation, the 600 acre dude ranch is located in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area and by the Routt National Forest. The 4-star Vista Verde Ranch is open year-round and offers excellent children and teen programs. While I have two adult children myself, I opted to travel solo during adults only week. My luggage was whisked to my lodge room while I was handed a schedule of the week’s activities. Those of us riding stopped by the barn for our horse assignment, followed by a horse orientation and demonstration in the outdoor arena. The next morning offered a stunningly beautiful orientation ride with a blanket of yellow Aspen leaves carpeting the endless trails.

“As this was my first ranch experience and I was traveling by myself, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” noted Elisa Gladstone. From the moment other guests joined me in the shuttle to the ranch I knew I didn’t have to worry. They were incredibly friendly as was every one else I met. I don’t know whether it was the fresh air, the incredible ranch environment or the type of people ranch experiences attract. However, I can’t say enough about how wonderful the guests and staff were.”

Front Porch Community at Vista Verde Ranch

As you drive up the dirt road to Vista Verde your cell reception fades, while your heartbeat quickens with the sight of the horses, according to Katy Linstroth a repeat guest to the ranch. Her parents have been coming to the ranch for 4 years, while Katy and her husband have enjoyed 2 years here. Upon opening the door to the lodge, you are greeted with a warm hello and smiles from the reception team.

“Immediately you feel this is your home for the next 6 days,” notes Linstroth. “It’s a genuine warmth, kindness and positive energy that create the magical community at Vista Verde. The staff instill a contagious love and happiness for the ranch and creating a lasting experience for guests. The stressors of work are stripped away, filling my spirit with peace, contentment and a sense of well-being.”

Nancy D. Brown sorts black and brown cattle inside a wood-fenced outdoor arena. Another cowgirl on a chestnut horse has her back to the camera. Aspen and pine trees are outside the arena.

Colorado Horseback Riding

Vista Verde Ranch is truly for horse lovers and equestrians. While some dude ranches rely on leased horses, Vista Verde owns their 100+ horses. The head wrangler was very good at matching horses with riders. In fact, there were several first-time riders in the group who can now sort cattle with the best of them.

With a return rate of over 50%, some guests request the same horse each year, while others try new horses. Guests are able to ride morning and afternoon, with the option for an all-day horseback ride on several occasions.

“All ranches and resorts will boast scenery, great food and fun activities,” said Meg Sauve of Richmond, Virginia. “True standouts are the places that make you feel like family. After researching dozens of ranches, we decided on VVR. The countless reviews praised everyone from the housekeepers to the owners, in addition to the healthy herd of horses, mountain vistas, gorgeous lodge and cozy cabins. We visited the first time in 2014 and are now on our 10th visit.”

I loved the fact that we were riding in the Colorado Rockies in the fall. Our horses stopped to sip water from a clear flowing stream while we marveled at a double rainbow beyond the Homestead cabin. Closer to home, we moved cattle from one pasture to the next. My favorite equestrian activity was team penning in the outdoor arena.

Whether you are a new rider or accomplished equestrian, you’ll learn something new at the horsemanship clinics. For those of us who can’t get enough horse time, sign up for the 6-day Fall Cattle Drive. Be warned, rumor has it there is a long waiting list!

No interest in riding? Take a wagon ride around the ranch – with or without a glass of wine or beer in hand.

A female fly fisherman mends her line in the Elk River while holding her fly rod in her right hand. She is wearing a Vista Verde Ranch baseball cap, aviator sunglasses, plaid fishing shirt and Simms fishing waders.

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall Activities at Vista Verde Ranch

In addition to horseback riding, the 4-star ranch offers mountain biking, hiking, 3D archery, wild yoga, line dancing, photography workshops, leather working and fly fishing. A private pontoon boat ride at Steamboat Lake State Park is not to be missed. I caught (and released) a rainbow trout as an eagle and osprey soared high overhead.

I would be remiss in mentioning that this summer camp for adults offers plenty of quiet time. Grab a book and sit on a boulder next to the Elk River. Swing in a hammock by the lake, soak in your private hot tub or take a nap in one of 12 cozy cabins and 3 lodge rooms.

While I have yet to experience the ranch in the winter, I’m told VVR transforms to a wonderland. With 9 miles of Nordic trails, winter horseback riding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, beer tasting and cooking classes, I’m up for the challenge.

Wrangler with dark shirt, belt buckle and dirty blue jeans holds a plate of food with a huge piece of fried chicken on a hamburger bun, topped with cheese. a green salad is beside the sandwich. Under the cowboy is a plate of brownies with white chocolate chips and a vat of cream soup.

Cookouts, culinary, wine and dining options at Vista Verde Ranch

As mentioned previously, Vista Verde Ranch is open year-round and offers all-inclusive packages, as well as extended stay a la carte pricing mid-October until December 1. Meals are a culinary extravaganza at Vista Verde Ranch. Meat eaters, seafood lovers, vegetarians and gluten-free guests will be well fed. Beer and wine are included in nightly happy hour, as well as lunch and dinner. Additionally, we had an afternoon wine tasting class, paired with meats and cheeses, that was an optional activity at no additional charge.

I’ve had the pleasure of recommending dude ranches for several publications. Besides the quality of the lodging, horses and activities, I confess that I judge a guest ranch by the contents of their cookie jar. Pastry Chef Melissa Margason excelled in this area. “It’s my goal to make the baked goods worth the calories,” Margason said with a grin.

Cookie jar at the ranch is on a wood buffet table. In front of the table sits an old western saddle on a saddle rack inside the Colorado lodge.

Guests have the option to enjoy cowboy eggs and thick cut bacon at a breakfast ride, as well as a steak dinner ride later in the week. There is no need to ride horseback if you prefer a shuttle. Additionally, vegetarians and pescatarians will have a wide selection of options at all meals.

This is Jennifer M’s second year at the ranch, but not her first dude ranch vacation. She noted that while she and her husband come with friends, it’s always fun meeting new people.

“Vista Verde has been amazing to me in several specific ways. First of all, I’m gluten free. They always label the dishes so that I know what I can and can not have. There are always gluten free options when needed.

As far as the riding programs, they have accommodated my needs. I’ve had 2 hip replacements. I am able to ride because I get the type of horse I need and the extra help needed to get on an off. Overall, this is a great ranch. I can’t wait to come back.”

If You Go:

Vista Verde Guest Ranch (970) 879-3858 or (800) 526-7433

Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80477

Vista Verde Ranch review Steamboat Springs, Colorado, YouTube video and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Vista Verde Ranch in Clark, Colorado for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

5 thoughts on “Vista Verde Ranch Review Steamboat Springs, Colorado”

  2. Nancy D. Brown

    Scott,
    Thanks for your comment. It’s true that Vista Verde Ranch starts with a strong sense of community and wraps all guests into the “herd” so to speak. Great riding with you!

  3. Barbara Terrell

    I’ve been a guest there 12 times, and can’t wait until next September. It is also wonderful in the winter time.

  4. Sue Rothstein

    Great review Nancy. You’ve really captured the feeling at the ranch, warm and friendly with so many options of activities. The staff really works hard to give all guests a positive experience. It was really nice sharing the week with you!

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