Is the anticipation of summer’s heat & humidity already getting you down? Does the prospect of spending another summer cramped around the air-conditioner have you a bit on edge? While places like Arizona, Texas, and Florida are a true oasis for snow dwellers around the country for a bit of warmth during winter, you might consider Colorado your summer oasis to get a break from the heat and still enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.
Our Colorado Dude Ranches have lots of ways you can beat the heat. Here are just a few of our favorites…
Ride or Hike up to the Timberline
Average daily temperatures can drop 15 or 20 degrees (and sometimes even more) as you climb a few thousand feet in elevation. That’s why visiting a Colorado ranch can be a great way to escape triple-digit heat. Daytime temps hover around 80-85 degrees and the night time temps drop enough to enjoy a cool mountain breeze through your open window at night. To get even more relief, you can take a hike, or horseback ride, up above the timberline and the surrounding mountains. You’ll see crystal clear glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains in July, and you can view it all in a short shirt.
Lounge by the Pool or Natural Hot Springs
Instead of fighting crowds and noise with a trip to the beach, you could change things up by spending a day in a picturesque mountain pool or natural hot spring. With large Ponderosa pine trees that act like nature’s umbrella you’ll be able to enjoy the privacy and serenity that comes from a more ‘down to earth’ kind of vacation. Some of our ranches also have natural hot springs which are true bliss for an afternoon soak after a long ride or to star gaze at night!
If you prefer to be a bit more old-fashioned, you can visit one of the mountain streams or lakes close to our ranches. There aren’t many things as invigorating as stepping (or horseback riding) into refreshing alpine water on a warm summer afternoon.
Visit Your Favorite Fishing Hole
Summers are great for mountain fishing, and we have lots of idyllic streams, lakes, and ponds where you can catch some of the state’s prized fish like Cutthroat Trout, Lake Trout, and Mountain Whitefish. The private waters on our dude ranches feature some of the best fishing in the world, regardless of whether you’re a serious angler or someone who’s just looking for a fun way to spend a few hours on a cool mountain stream, river, or lake.
Explore Colorado’s White Water
Whether white water rafting through class 2-5 rapids or taking a relaxing tubing trip down the ranch’s creek, you’ll find that Colorado dude ranches have no shortage of rushing water to keep your movin’! It’s amazing how a few inner tubes and a trip down the creek can make kids (of all ages!) forget about their electronics and learn to live in the moment!
Stargazing is Perfectly Paired With Cool Colorado Craft Beverages
As wonderful as our Colorado guest ranches are during the day, you’ll never forget the nights you spend with us. That’s because the cool temps at elevation, lack of light pollution, and clear skies make for the perfect setting for stargazing. Pair that with an ice cold raspberry lemonade or Colorado Craft Beer and you have the perfect recipe for a perfect vacation.
Don’t let the summer keep you indoors because of the heat. Explore a Colorado Dude Ranch and allow your sense of adventure for the great outdoors last year round.
Click here for a FREE BROCHURE & DVD to start planning a ‘cool’ summer vacation like none other.
Travel Agents/ Receptives: All of our CDGRA member ranches work with Travel Agents! Visit our TRAVEL AGENT page to answer common TA questions. Be sure to check the box on our BROCHURE REQUEST FORM indicating you are a “Travel Professional: to receive additional info just for you!
