The G R Bar Ranch has been one of the most fun vacations we have spent in Colorado. Located near…read morebeautiful Paonia, the ranch offers 4 cabins for a week long stay; cabins are a mile to a mile and a half from each other so you feel like all the ranch belongs to you. Each cabin comes with 2 horses and their tack. (You can get more for an additional price.) When the husband and I checked into the ranch and Arrowhead cabin, their ranch hand brought us a matching set of ponies and started to show us basic horse care. Once he realized I was an experienced horse person, he said for us to come get him if we needed any help. Other than the ranch hand coming back the next day to ask if I would trade my pony because they needed an easy horse for another family for Smitty, the ranch's pack horse who had not been ridden all summer but knew Smitty and I would be fine together, we had the ranch to ourselves. There are tons of trails to ride on, lakes to fish in, boats to paddle in, and 4 wheel roads to drive on (all inclusive). We did not see any of the other families the whole week. Now, if you are not such an isolationist as we are, you can go down to the main lodge for a visit with other families or the owners. The cabins are run by propane and slightly rustic. You have all the comforts of home except a TV and telephone which is what we wanted for our vacation escape. We did go into town to get fresh peaches and other food but basically spent an incredible week catching up with each other and pretending Arrowhead was our private cabin. From reading the guest book, families come year after year even leaving some personal items such as games and sports equipment doing the same thing we did, pretending this was their private get away. The only reason G R Bar gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because they advertise the great fishing in their lakes. Since we were there at the end of the season, most fish had been fished out and eaten. This made the husband a bit cranky as he is a catch and release man. Other than that, I cannot even begin to tell you how fabulous the G R Bar Ranch is for a family vacation. And once you go, you become their family and receive a Christmas card every year.

I have stayed at GR Bar Ranch several times, and each time was magical. If you love nature and the…read moreoutdoors, and you're looking for a private slice of heaven, this is the place for you. It is literally off the beaten path (you should have 4 wheel drive) and not one of those places where there are ten cabins next to each other and you wave to one another from your individual fire pits in the evening. No, this is the real deal! You are alone, you have no neighbors, and there is endless abundant nature to explore. I loved my early morning cup of coffee on the front porch. The air smells so good and just listening to the little sounds around me, the rustle of the leaves, the small animals and birds, was so soothing. It is rustic (everything runs on propane), but you will have everything you need in one of the most beautiful places there are. I was actually worried about my teenage son on a recent visit (there is no "free wifi" and cell reception is spotty or nonexistent), but he loved it! This is a wonderful place for families to connect the old fashioned way - play a board game, hike, fish, go horseback riding, or just relax. I have heard they also have great hunting for those so inclined. My family and I will definitely be back for another visit, and I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful place to anyone looking for a very special vacation spot. Five stars!!

A little north of Eldorado Canyon State Park, this Walker Ranch Park with several different…read moretrailheads are tucked in as if they never want to be discovered by anyone. How I found this hidden gem was solely based on the luck I had today. I simply wanted to go on a hike where I would avoid other people. And this place is exactly that (or I picked the right day with very few hikers and bikers.) Cloudy Sunday afternoon, the temperature was in its upper 60's. When I got to the Ethel Harrold trailhead, there were only two other cars parked. And this is a very small trailhead (just so you know.) This Walker Ranch loop is a loop but it's QUITE lengthy. if you take the whole loop, it'll eventually take you to Eldorado State Park. I didn't go that far as I started late (past 2pm.) I took the right turn simply based on my instinct when the trail split on the way. If you take the right turn, you'll come to a very tiny (mini) cascade to your left. There is a good elevation gain so it's a great trail to get your cardio going. I occasionally jogged where the trail wasn't so steep. When I reached this vantage point where there was a bench, I made a u turn to come back to where I started. But the view at that vantage point was absolutely breathtaking. During this time (mid June), all kind of colorful wildflowers decorate both sides of the trail so you'll have ample opportunities for photo taking. I'd say it's beginner and family friendly especially the first mile or two. Since I didn't get to see the rest of the trail, I can't really speak for the rest of it, however. If it gets too difficult for you, you can always make a u turn.

One of my fav hikes…read more 8.5 miles 1740 elevation gain One of the most interesting and diverse hikes thru forests, canyons . Open spaces Views to die for Great workout especially the stair ascent Try it you'll like it

Oh, the sheer joy of it! For over a year now, my wife and I have been on this delightful journey of…read moreprocuring eggs from the English Rose Farm. And what an experience it has been! Whether the sun is blazing or the breeze is cool, we find our precious cargo chilling comfortably in a cooler, waiting for us. And oh, the eggs! Each carton is a treasure chest, unveiling a beautiful array of spotless, perfect eggs that are nothing short of a visual treat! We are absolutely smitten by them! They have become a staple in our kitchen, starring in numerous recipes that we whip up constantly! We usually get 2-4 cartons at a time, and the payment process is a breeze with Venmo. Right before the eggs are put outside for pickup, we make the payment. It's as simple as that! So here's to many more years of this wonderful egg-venture with English Rose Farm!

At English Rose Farm, enjoy procuring fresh-from-the-roost duck and chicken eggs whilst surrounded…read moreby a coterie of winsome mountainside beasts both resident and volunteer. Our time in Boulder County was brief (just shy of two years), but we spent much of it at English Rose delighting in Rachel's collection of rescues (of note, a wild donkey and spirited mare), prattling goats, and Scottish Highland mamas whose calves enriched our visits and guaranteed the unexpected. Our drives to-and-from similarly offered wildlife sightings, particularly springtime's nursery of kits and cubs and the odd awkward moose calf! If you are a Boulderite or live out at Lefthand, don't miss English Rose.

My daughter has been involved with the equestrian program for 6 years. The Urban Farm taught her…read morewonderful horse care skills and fostered her interest in pursuing a career as an equine vet. The Urban Farm offers opportunities urban youth would have to travel hours for,right in the city,from 4H to community gardening and sustainability practices. Thank you TUF.

The Urban Farm is such an amazing place right in Denver! My kids love being able to visit and see…read moreall the animals. The camps for kids during the summer can't be beat! We also like attending the fundraising events they host each year. 5 stars!

Triple Creek Ranch is a beautiful place . Lynn is the nicest person to deal with…read more Definitely would recommend you to go there for lessons and horse shows

If you're looking for a place to ride or learn. This is the place…read more They have great school horses for learning and there's always fun activities at the barn. It's definitely a place where you feel home.

Amanda trained my miniature gelding to drive. She did a phenomenal job, and got him safely trained…read morefor me - an amateur, and my child. It has been some years now, and we are still happy and grateful for the solid training she put on him!

Amanda has helped me so much with my horses and riding. I have learned so much from her. Whether…read morepreparing for a show, trail riding, parades or a musical performance she has helped me gain confidence and knowledge in so many areas. Amanda was instrumental in teaching me how to drive my Haflinger pony. A day I will never forget! I always feel safe with her around the horses which is very important.Her training techniques are confident,kind and FUN. I have had the privilege to ride a few of Amanda's horses in various events and they are so well trained and well mannered. I have also purchased a Peruvian mare from her that my teenage daughter rides on trails,parades and shows. We couldn't be happier!

8 mile dirt road into the mountains...what did I get my sister and myself into? Let me tell…read moreyou...something I had never experienced before, at least not all in one place. Amazing views, kind and accommodating people and lodgings, so much riding and so much good food all for what was a ridiculously low cost. The horses were obviously well kept and enjoyed their time with us, I hope, almost as much as we enjoyed ours with them. The food was clean, healthful and almost too much for my 5ft self. Nothing goes to real waste there as they do there best to be sustainable. It is a working ranch so there is a lot going on. Before anyone goes off on the animal cruelty thing, check yourself. They care for and about all of the animals on their property, the domestic and wild ones the same. If I lose some of you on this part, so be it: there is a feeling of faith there...nothing shoved down your throat but a simple reminder to be good to this land and to each other. Check on the pricing as they have summer months and a few other options. We went just as Labor Day was ending and got everything for what I think was less than their summer prices.

Disclaimer: I married into a family that loves this place and has been coming since 50 years ago,…read moreso there has been a heavy bias and favorable context for this place in my kind even before I went. I had seen the damage the fires had done and the lack of trees on the mountains were not a turn off for me, EXCEPT when I forgot to apply sunscreen. I finally went for myself with said family and extended family and it was a blast. Food, activities, entertainment, scenery, it was all fantastic. Staff is wonderful and treat you like friends. They have lots of stuff for kids aged 3 to teens and all those kids had a blast. Made a ton of great memories. Would recommend for anyone who likes active outdoorsy vacations/retreats.