Devil's Thumb Ranch

Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a ranch resort rather than a traditional dude ranch. It covers 6,500 acres outside Tabernash in Grand County, a few minutes from Winter Park and about two hours’ drive from Denver International Airport. Instead of a fixed weekly schedule and an all-inclusive rate, you book a room or cabin and choose what to do each day.

The ranch is known for its trails: roughly 74 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking in summer and for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in winter, when the Nordic trails usually open in late November or early December. Horseback riding and wagon rides run from Cabin Creek Stables, the outdoor pool and hot tub are open all year, and in winter guests can take a free shuttle to Winter Park Resort for downhill skiing.

Guests stay in rooms in the Main Lodge or the High Lonesome Lodge, or in cabins with one, two or four bedrooms, and there are private guest houses for larger groups. Ranch Creek Spa includes a yoga studio, Heck’s Tavern is for lodging guests, and the Ranch House Restaurant serves pasture-to-fork cooking that features the ranch’s own Wagyu beef.

Because activities, meals and the spa are charged separately, Devil’s Thumb suits travelers who want a luxurious mountain base with a ranch feel, especially in winter, more than those who want a structured week in the saddle. Airport transfers are not included; the resort recommends private shuttle companies.