Colorado dude ranches: Drowsy Water Ranch

This is the second article in a series on the guest ranches of western Colorado.

Taking your family to a Colorado dude ranch is still considered the “great American vacation” after 100 years of these ranches being in existence. People can trade in their modern world of cell phones, internet and Ipods for horses, cowboy boots and blue jeans. These ranches also provide a spectacular setting for friends and families to connect and allow them to build lasting memories.

The Drowsy Water Ranch in Granby, Colorado is one such dude ranch that understands what family means. Owned and operated by two generations of the Fosha family, they invite you to “put your everyday life behind you for a week and connect in the cowboy way”. Guests traditionally stay for a full week starting on a Sunday night through the following Saturday. A few times a year there are also “adults only” and “cowgirls only” weeks offered for a slightly different experience.

There are a lot of things to consider when planning your dude ranch adventure, but the Drowsy Water does an excellent job of getting you organized. Once you’ve booked your trip (or are still deciding) you have several brochures sent to you outlining typical weekly schedules, clothing suggestions, alternate ranch activities, weather considerations, gratuities and rate schedules. So even if you’ve never been to Colorado or a dude ranch, you won’t be caught unprepared.

Having owned the ranch since 1977, the Fosha’s know a little about providing good old fashioned western hospitality and are fortunate enough to call western Colorado their home. The ranch is located near Rocky Mountain National Park and sits in a forested valley at 8300’ on the western side of the Continental Divide. This location combines the rich evergreen forests and open sage brush hillsides with cooler summer temperatures. Fall asleep to the sound of the wind rustling an aspen tree or the stream that rushes through the ranch. Guests have a choice of accommodations ranging from individual cabins to a large lodge with multiple rooms. The riding stables, dining hall, fishing pond, swimming pool and barns are all within walking distance so your car is left at the front entrance. Meals are all included, served in the main dining hall and are prepared from recipes that have been handed down for generations. There are a few highlights per week when you can participate in a sunrise outdoor breakfast or a chuck wagon lunch.

The main attraction, though, are the horses. The Fosha’s own the 100+ herd at Drowsy Water and have handpicked or raised the majority of their animals. This care is evident when they select the perfect mount for your weeklong stay. These horses have been trained to match the capabilities of all riders, from beginner to advanced, so it is true when they say “anyone can be a rider even if they come here not being one”. Once you are on your horse, the best part of your vacation is waiting outside the corral gates. Trail rides! Wind amongst dense sage and aspen groves or lope across flowering meadows and then stop to take in the mountain vistas.

If bringing your family together is your main focus, the Drowsy Water has plenty to keep the kids challenged and learning. Children are placed in groups according to age level and participate in riding instruction, hikes, storytelling, fishing or swimming in the pool. Children over 6 are taught proper riding techniques and safety so they can take advantage of the trail rides. Children 5 and under can enjoy supervised horseback riding and counselor led activities.

To find out more about the Drowsy Water Ranch, call 1-800-845-2292, go to www.drowsywater.com or email questions to dwr@drowsywater.com.

Winner of TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice award for 2010.

Drowsy Water Ranch is a member of the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association, the Dude Rancher’s Association and the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association.