All-Inclusive Family Dude Ranches

What “all-inclusive” means at a dude ranch

At almost every all-inclusive ranch the rate covers lodging, three meals a day, horseback riding and the ranch’s planned activities, plus the children’s program. Beyond that it varies. Some include alcohol, airport transfers and specialty activities; others charge for drinks, guided fly fishing, spa treatments or rafting. Gratuities and taxes are often added on top, so ask for a full quote.

What to compare

• Kids’ program ages and hours. Some programs run all day, others mornings only. Ask whether young children can ride on the trail and from what age.
• Family riding. Many ranches split riders by age and ability but schedule family rides too.
• Arrival day and length. Most run Sunday-to-Saturday or Sunday-to-Sunday weeks in summer, with shorter stays in early June and September.
• Getting there. Ranches near Granby, such as Drowsy Water and C Lazy U, are about two hours from Denver International Airport. Others need a regional airport or a longer drive; see the table above.

Small or big?

Smaller ranches such as Western Pleasure, with room for about 20 guests, feel like staying with a ranching family. Bigger ones such as C Lazy U or Paws Up have more facilities and age groups. Both work well for families; it comes down to the atmosphere you want.