Sylvan Dale Ranch

Named "Best Family Vacation" by Frommer's Colorado guidebook and rated among the "top ten Colorado Dude Ranches" by True West Magazine, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers year 'round outdoor adventures. Family owned and operated since 1946 our summer season runs from June 14 to the end of August. Lots to do...no pressure to do it! Guestamonial I took my 3 kids (18, 17, 13 )and we had a fabulous time. The riding was great. They made a big effort to tailor rides to individual skill levels and interests of the group. We were able to actually herd cows - I mean really move them from one place to another and it was lots of fun. There is a really nice breakfast ride and the overnight trip option to Cow Camp should not be missed. The food was really good. Plenty of it, nicely presented, and really yummy - not too gourmet - just good home cookin comfort food. Lori R. Latka - Virgina ranch@sylvandale.com

Guest Capacity: 50
Meeting Capacity: 50
Dates Open:
Jan 01 2009 to Dec 31 2010
Riding Dates: Jan 01 2009 to Dec 31 2010
Minimum Age For Independent Riding: 6 years old
Minimum Age Accepted at Ranch: 0 years old
Nearest Airport:
DIA-Denver,1 hr/20 min-shuttle to Loveland-courtesy pick up
Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport - http://www.fortloveair.com/

Lodging Description:
Cabins, clustered in the main yard amid giant cottonwoods and blue spruce, are warmly decorated with comfortable country furnishings and antique accents. All have private baths and porches, carpeting, refrigerators and coffee makers. Some have fireplaces and most have A/C. Guest houses are perfect for larger families or groups and feature 3 or more bedrooms, 2+ baths, kitchens and outdoor patios. The Wagon Wheel Bunkhouse right on the river, is a two-story lodge offering the best of home and hotel. Each unique room has plenty of western flair and a private bath. A three-bedroom suite and two rooms with an adjoining door are available. A kitchen, fireplace and gathering room are in the common area, and folks enjoy a covered deck on the second story and a large patio.

Recreation Description:
Our ranch-raised quarter horses are at the heart of our program. You'll also find fishing, swimming, tennis, extensive supervised youth program, game room, nature walks, birding, Western arena activities and much more. Each evening features an event such as a campfire sing-along, horse-drawn hayride, cookout, live Western entertainment, square and line dancing, a "field of dreams" softball game or a rollicking Ranch Party. Our riding program is designed to offer a challenge to every rider. Whether you are an experienced rider or a first-timer, you will appreciate the quality of our herd and the competence of our wranglers. As a Heart-J Rider you will be assigned a horse for the week.

Food Description:
All meals are included in your vacation package, and food is plentiful, hearty and home-style. Some meals feature our own Heart-J natural beef! Sylvan Dale specialties include our fried chicken and meatloaf welcome dinner, outdoor steak fry, Thanksgiving dinner and a Mexican Buffet. Home-baked goodies are a delicious tradition. Meals are served in the Antique Dining Room, outside at the Heart-J Grill or on the River Porch. We are happy to accommodate special diets.

Rates

• Adult Rate: 2010 Rates: Heart-J Riding Package (ages 13+) $2195/wk; Rancher non-riding package (ages 13+) $1765/wk
• Children Rate: 2010 Rates: Buckaroo youth package (ages 6-12) $1475/wk; Li'l Cowhand package (ages 3-5) $955/wk; ages 2 & under no charge
• Service Charge/Tip Rate: Because our service is genuinely caring and gracious, most folks add 15-20% to their total bill to be shared among the staff.
• Tax Rate: 3.7%
• Accepted Payment Methods A deposit is due within 2 weeks of reservation; final payment is due at checkout, but you are welcome to prepay. Personal checks are cheerfully accepted, as well as MasterCard, American Express and Visa.
• Travel Agents Accepted: Yes
• Non-Riding Rates Available 

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Accomodations

• Lodge Accommodations
• Cabin Accommodations
• Weekly Stay: 6 nights, Sunday through Saturday
• Partial Week Stay During Peak Season

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Activities

Children's Program:
The SDR Youth Program is carefully designed to fill your child's day with a variety of age-appropriate horseback riding and non-horseback riding activities which will: reawaken their innate creativity; boost their self-confidence; and help them develop more awareness of the wonders of the natural world. Parents often join in on the fun, and children sometimes join trail rides with their folks -- so there's plenty of "together time." Horsemanship for Buckaroos includes daily riding instruction, trail rides, general horse care, mare and foal care and ranch chores! Off-the-saddle activities include Nature Center fun, tubing, hiking, games, and crafts. Older kids enjoy an overnight campout with campfire fun, including stories, games, stargazing, s'mores and more! Two different programs: Buckaroos ages 6-12 and Li'l Cowhands ages 3-5.
Minimum Age: 3     Maximum Age: 12

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Other Amenities

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Other Seasons

Winter:
We are open year-round for "bunk and breakfast" stays along with many of the same activities listed for our summer program, handled on an "a la-carte" basis and weather-dependent. Many folks enjoy horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more in our typically mild winter-time environment. Our holiday traditions are the perfect time for family reunions -- consider Thanksgiving and Christmas! And how about joining us for Spring Break?

• Winter Season: November through March
• Cross-Country: No
• Downhill: No
• Snow Shoe: No
• Sleigh Rides: No
• Snomobile: No

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Bed & Breakfast:
We call it "Bunk and Breakfast" at Sylvan Dale! More commonly referred to as a Bed & Breakfast, an overnight stay here is followed by a hearty Ranch breakfast and is a great getaway! Only Saturday nights are available during the Dude Ranch season. Spring Break is a great time to enjoy a getaway here! Many folks use our B&B for a homebase to explore nearby Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Many antique and gift shoppes, theaters, museums and golf nearby.

• Capacity: 50
• Season: Year-Round
• Activities: Horseback riding with trail rides & lessons, fishing, hiking, cattle chores, hayrides, campfires, tennis, horseshoes, volleyball and game room.

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Special Events

Conventions, Meetings & Retreats:
Sylvan Dale is your Mountain Retreat Center ... when it's time for a fresh perspective and new ideas, our setting is a natural! At the heart of many meetings and business retreats is the original Jessup Lodge. The Red Ridge Room, Loft and large deck overlooking the river create an ambiance for productive work sessions. Our Heritage Building offers a larger meeting space with a stone fireplace, log ceiling trusses, breakout rooms and a porch overlooking the ponds. We can help you to coordinate with facilitators for team building & leadership retreats.

• Activities: Horseback riding with trail rides & lessons, fishing, hiking, hayrides, campfires, tennis, horseshoes, volleyball, game room. Evening entertainment.
• Capacity: 50 for lodging
• Minimum Nights: 1
• Season: Spring, Autumn, Winter

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Weddings:
Known throughout the area as a romantic and beautiful wedding facility, we provide convenient and affordable arrangements for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners. Indoor and outdoor facilities are available. We are open year 'round (but summer dates fill quickly). Rehearsal gatherings at Sylvan Dale are casual and private, a perfect way to wind down before you gear-up for the big day. Special discounts for Winter Weddings!

• Planning: Our on-site wedding coordinators are available to assist you in your planning!
• Officiant: Yes, we provide a list of local officiants with whom we've worked before.

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Family Reunions:
Sylvan Dale was featured on the cover of "Reunions" magazine in 2002 because we have hosted family reunions for over 60 years with our unique, heart-warming brand of hospitality and the extensive activity list for all ages. Plan your family reunions during our summer dude season (mid-June through late August) for 6-night stays, or choose other dates for shorter visits. Thanksgiving and Christmas are ideal, and Spring Break is, too!

• Capacity: 50+
• Discount: 10% off dude packages if 10+ guests; Call about our September Cowgirl Roundup special package!
• Book Entire Ranch
  To book the entire ranch, we require reservations for 50. By doing so, we are able to customize your activity program as well as menu requests.

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