What makes Sundance Trail Colorado Dude Ranch “Special?”
People sometimes ask: “What makes the Sundance Trail Guest Ranch different from other Dude Ranches?” or “What is a Dude Ranch vacation?” These are very good questions! It can be a challenge to decide which dude ranch is the best for your adventure vacation.
We have visited many of our Colorado Dude Ranch neighbors, both big and small dude ranches, and each is unique. Here are some of the aspects of Sundance Trail that make us little bit different:
- Sundance Trail is the smallest guest ranch in the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association.
- Our smaller size allows us to be relaxed, flexible, and to truly connect with all the guests who visit us.
- We are open year-round:
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- During the Summer, most of our guests stay for an entire week – experiencing an entire range of activities and connecting as a family.
- During the Fall, Winter, and Spring – guests usually stay for a few days or a weekend – to experience quiet, play in our open spaces, take in the views and UNPLUG, ride horses, and relax.
Who Are We?
Dan and Ellen have been partners in life for over 50 years, sharing not only a personal bond but also a professional commitment to caring for others. Both have had distinguished careers in the medical and nursing fields, serving individuals and families with expertise and compassion. Dan specialized in home care nursing and hospice, providing critical support to patients and their loved ones during life’s most challenging moments. Ellen dedicated her career to oncology and women’s health, offering guidance and care tailored to the unique needs of her patients. After 25 years in their respective fields, Dan and Ellen discovered they shared a common aspiration: to extend their legacy of care in a setting aligned with their favorite leisure pursuit – horseback riding and Dude Ranching. This vision combined their professional ethos with their passion for creating meaningful, restorative experiences, allowing them to offer care in an entirely new and innovative way.
Why are we here?
1. To help families play together and “connect” with one another.
- Create lifelong memories accomplishing various activities together
- Unplug from technology and really see and laugh with each other
- With all the added help of our combined nursing background, this mission is real for ALL families with physical challenges
2. Help folks to get dirty, tired, and maybe a little sore.
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Shooting a gun
- Throwing a tomahawk or learning to throw a rope
- Riding their horse in a barrel pattern
- Hiking our local mountain
- Playing a game of Disc Golf
3. To help them rest, relax, and recharge:
- Enjoying a night of square dancing
- Singing around an evening campfire
- Hanging out on the front porch – sharing conversation over a cup of coffee fresh from the oven
- Dressing up to play a Murder Mystery Game during a weekend away
4. To teach the “Last Child in the Woods” the wonders of being outdoors:
- RDD – “Recreation Deficit Disorder” – you be amazed at how even the most introverted or nervous of kids will flourish in this environment!
- Many of our guests have never seen the milky way, slept outdoors, or seen deer grazing!
- We allow families time to just be outdoors. Not all the time here at Sundance Trail needs to be structured. Folks have time to explore/experience nature on their own.
5. To Delight each guest so they will return and, by word of mouth, do our marketing for us!
We want to help our guests to find JOY in being up here in the mountains, whether that is:
- At our meals
- On our rides
- Finally sticking a tomahawk in the post
- Sharing a story about their ride
- Sharing a story about Lady Moon
Come Visit Us:
- This is our home! We live here and we’re open year-round.
- You are very welcome to come visit our Colorado dude ranch and meet all the staff and horses. Just give us a call!
If these differences attract you, then the Sundance Trail may be a great fit for your Colorado family vacation. If not, feel free to give us a call, and maybe we can direct you to a neighboring Colorado dude ranch.
This article may be useful: How To Choose the Right Dude Ranch For Your Family