This is another in a series on the guest ranches of western Colorado.
In 1912 the Buckhorn Ranch opened its doors to guests from all over the country. It was a pretty stylish place to go, for roughing it. High society took trips to the Buckhorn where they had private cabins built specifically for their families and found the beauty and ruggedness that is the Rocky Mountains. That same ranch still exists today, only by a different name; the Bar Lazy J. Considered the oldest continuously operating guest ranch in Colorado, the property is just southwest of Rocky Mountain National Park along the banks of the Colorado River. The original log cabins and main lodge still stand but have enjoyed some modernizations for today’s guests.
Cheri and Jerry Helmicki have owned the ranch since 1995 and are there to greet you the minute you pull up to the main lodge. “Fifteen years in the dude ranch business and we still have to pinch ourselves that this is a reality and not a dream…The ranch has given to us beyond our expectations and we think it has done the same for all our guests.”
These guests seem to come back year after year as 70% of the bookings at the Bar Lazy J are from past visitors. There is nothing like true western hospitality to get you settled in for a week full of activities.
It’s obvious what the draw is to this special place along the river; it’s like a playground for children and adults. There are teepees, a swimming pool, “gold medal” fishing, cattle drives, hay rides and a specific kid’s program by age group. Your accommodations range from 1-2 bedroom cabins along the river or maybe rent out the Guest House for a larger group with its own kitchen. Each cabin is separated from the next with intimate covered porches to view the water rushing by. If you manage to drag yourself away from the serenity there, head down to meet your horse at the stables.
Now this is what coming to a dude ranch is all about. The horses and where you get to go once on horseback. After the wranglers have assessed your riding ability and matched you with the best horse, guests have a choice each day on the type of ride they would like to take. Scenic or adventurous? What a choice. The Arapaho National Forest surrounds the ranch and provides spectacular scenery and variation for your ride. Wade through the Colorado River on your way to an outdoor breakfast or wind down through a steep hillside covered in aspen trees, all in a day’s work. There is also riding instruction available every day so you could be a novice that wants to learn how to mount a horse or an avid horseperson looking for a little challenge.
Since the rate of returning guests is so high, the Bar Lazy J is always adding something new to their ranch activities. Round up the cattle for a nearby rancher, head out with the wranglers to find strays and get them back to the ranch. Or saddle up for a “Spa Ride”. This is unique to the Bar Lazy J with their close proximity to a mining town that also happens to have a natural hot springs. Ride up and over the Parshall Divide, stop for lunch atop Byer’s Canyon and then soak in the mineral springs. Perfect for those sore muscles that are used to sitting at a desk instead of on the back of a horse.
If all this has worked up your appetite, then you are in luck. Elk medallions, pan-fried Rainbow trout or fresh blueberry pancakes. All meals are included and fit for a gourmand. Also, don’t forget the famous “cookie box” located in the main lodge which is always full of freshly baked goodies. The best!
Come celebrate 100 years of ranch history in 2012 as the Bar Lazy J plans a celebration to match the memories that have been created here. Also, check out the website or call 1-800-396-6279 for more information and specifics about their weeklong vacation packages.
The Bar Lazy J Ranch is a member of the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association and the Dude Rancher’s Association.
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