Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch

Bar Lazy J sits at about 7,500 feet beside the Colorado River near Parshall in Grand County. Founded in 1912, it describes itself as the oldest continuously operating guest ranch in Colorado, and it is one of very few with the river running right past the cabins, including three-quarters of a mile of private Gold Medal fishing water.

The all-inclusive weekly program runs Sunday to Saturday, with room for about 42 guests. Riders choose between scenic, moderate and adventure rides twice a day in the Arapaho National Forest on a herd of more than 100 horses; trail riding starts at age 7, and children’s programs cover ages 2 to 12. Anglers get a fly-fishing clinic early in the week, and there is also a 1,500-foot zip line across the river, white-water rafting, trap shooting, archery, mountain biking, guided hikes, rock climbing and gold panning.

Guests stay in private log cabins for two to eight people, with daily housekeeping and evening turndown. Breakfast is made to order, lunch is a buffet, and dinners alternate between cookouts and plated meals. There is a pool, hot tub, game room, massage and babysitting. Denver International Airport is about 124 miles away. Ask the ranch for current rates and season dates.