Black Mountain Ranch

Black Mountain Ranch is a family-owned and operated dude ranch at about 8,200 feet near McCoy, Colorado, high in the Rockies halfway between Vail and Steamboat Springs. It takes up to 40 guests from May through September on weeklong, six-night all-inclusive packages arriving Sunday afternoon, and says there are no hidden or extra fees.

The package covers lodging, all meals, unlimited riding with lessons, an overnight pack trip, a longhorn cattle drive, whitewater rafting, fishing, rifle and trap shooting, line dancing, leatherworking, live music, a dinner ride and, from mid-June to mid-August, a rodeo visit. The ranch owns all its horses and matches riders to mounts, from gentle horses for novices to spirited ranch horses for experienced riders; trail riding starts at age 6, with pony rides and a petting zoo for younger children. Some weeks are adults-only.

Guests stay in lodge studios or private cabins, each with a wood-burning stove, private full bath and mini-fridge. Breakfast and lunch are unlimited and dinner offers a menu choice, with allergies catered for. There is a pool, hot tub, saloon and massages. Eagle County Regional Airport is about 36 miles away and Denver about 160 miles. Ask the ranch for current rates.