Property
A working cattle and dude ranch in Colorado on over 1,000 acres with pastures full of horses. The property has 3 stocked fishing ponds, a heated swimming pool, hot tubs, and (my personal favorite) the Saloon with a full bar, pool table, ping pong, music and foosball. There is a roping arena, barn and stables, petting zoo for the children and a main lodge and dining room where you enjoy your meals.

Location
McCoy, Colorado is between Vail and Steamboat Springs. It’s stunning here in the summer months and there is plenty to do (but you won’t leave the ranch). BMR is accessible by flying to the Denver Airport and driving 150 miles west (about 3 hours) or flying into the Eagle/Vail airport and the ranch will pick you up. You can also make arrangements to have the ranch pick you up in Denver. The wranglers are more than happy to take you anywhere you’d like to go, however, we never wanted to leave. You do go to Steamboat Springs one afternoon for shopping, dinner and the rodeo and also to Glenwood Springs for white water rafting on the Colorado River.

Sleeps
The rooms at BMR are all western themed with hand-hewn log beds and beautiful views of the mountains, ranch or gardens. There are cozy suites as well as private cabins. We had a two bedroom suite with a sitting area, queen bed, fireplace downstairs and a loft with three twin beds upstairs (which was perfect for our family). The ranch is full at 35 guests – it would be an incredible place for a family reunion, or gathering of 6 or 7 families.

Highlights
My children have consistently stated that this was “the best vacation ever”. The staff are wonderful, and are dedicated to making you happy – their motto is do what you want, when you want and with whom you want. The ranch has 85 horses and takes care to place you with one that has the appropriate disposition. These are not drugged, trail horses, they are spirited, lively animals and your rides will be memorable. The river rafting was class three and perfect for all skill levels with stunning scenery. There is an overnight pack trip and fishing – both spin casting and fly fishing.

Good to Know
The ranch is open during the months of June, July and August and runs from Sunday to Sunday. The rates include unlimited activities and meals. Get a good friends’ family to join you for the fun. We are convinced that our group size of 9 really made the trip special. The youngest child in our group was 5 and that was a good age. They discourage children younger than 5 but do offer babysitting services. The dining bell rings at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and they have a great kids menu. The meals vary from cookouts in the wilderness to gourmet meals and breakfast is the best meal of the day. Be prepared with your clothes. Our stop at the Boot Barn paid off – you will want good riding jeans, good cowboy boots and hats among other things.

Contact
www.blackmtnranch.com

October 7th, 2008 | by Mari Chazen