Why This Century-Old Ranch in Colorado Is Among America’s Most Desirable Retreats

The Dinogo Perspective

Spending a week at C Lazy U, a guest ranch nestled in the mountain town of Granby, Colorado, is truly a transformative experience. Since 1919, this ranch has provided a glimpse into Colorado’s western heritage, set against over 8,500 pristine acres of rolling hills, dense forests, and a gently flowing creek. On a recent June day, as I drove through the beautiful wooden entrance, the hustle and bustle of city life felt worlds away.

“Our original motto from 105 years ago was trout fishing, bear hunting, and all-you-can-eat apple pie,” shared general manager Jeremy Belnap during my recent visit. “We still offer elements of all three activities to this day.”

Although bear hunting is no longer an option, the weeklong program includes opportunities to learn fly fishing (as well as ax throwing and BB gun shooting), savor delicious meals (including pie), and, most importantly, ride horses or enhance your riding skills. The ranch is home to over 200 well-cared-for horses, all expertly managed by Ami Cullen, the director of equestrian operations.

The week centers around the horses, and when guests arrive on Sunday, Ami—who has a remarkable talent for matching the perfect horse with each rider—plays matchmaker. (My horse was a caramel-colored gelding named Duncan.) Throughout the week, there are rides, clinics, and private lessons designed for various skill levels. Riders can range from complete novices to experienced equestrians looking to refine their abilities, so there's no need to worry if you're a bit apprehensive around horses. In fact, helping people overcome their fears is what motivates Ami each day.

“I truly enjoy getting all kinds of people—different ages and sizes—on horses,” she said. “Some guests are hesitant and have never ridden before. Yet by the end, they’re eager to ride again and excited to take lessons back home.”

As confidence builds throughout the week, so do friendships. Guests have the opportunity to bond with one another, particularly over morning cowboy coffee, where staff warm mugs over an open flame before pouring in rich, hot coffee, or during evening cocktails as everyone relaxes after a day filled with riding and other activities. Many guests form deep connections with the ranch and fellow families, with Belnap noting that some families have returned for the same weeks and stayed in the same cabins for over 50 years.

A must-see highlight at the ranch is the evening “jingle.” With access to around 8,500 acres, wranglers guide the horses out to graze every night. So at 4 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, you can witness the breathtaking sight of over 200 horses thundering past you.

Who Is It For?

C Lazy U is particularly suited for families, though couples and solo travelers will also feel right at home. The children's programming is exceptional, offering ample independence: throughout the day, kids are in the capable hands of wranglers who teach them to ride, introduce them to the ranch’s donkeys, and keep them entertained, allowing adults to enjoy their own vacation time.

Families share breakfast and lunch together, but kids can dine separately, giving parents a chance to unwind over a glass of wine before evening activities bring everyone back together. The children I observed seemed to flourish in this secure, independent setting. Belnap noted that, from his experience with his own kids and other guests’ children, the programming is “confidence-boosting and incredibly liberating for them.”

During my solo stay at the ranch for several days, I felt completely at ease—my fellow guests were eager to include me in their conversations and activities, ensuring I never felt lonely or out of place.

No prior riding or ranching experience is necessary, but C Lazy U suggests bringing comfortable jeans for riding and a good hat to protect your face from the Colorado mountain sun. While the ranch encourages guests to don western attire, you won’t feel out of place if you don’t have those clothes (I certainly didn’t!). I simply did my best to follow the suggested dress code.

The ranch features a charming little shop where guests can purchase boots, western-style shirts, hats, and other related items.

The Setting

Nestled in Granby, Colorado, at an elevation of 7,935 feet, this charming mountain town serves as an ideal gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, just a short 20-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park, offering activities like fishing, rafting, hiking, and horseback riding.

This ranch, with a rich history passed down through a few families, spans 8,500 acres. Although its footprint is modest, it feels vast, with cozy cabins hidden among the trees. While modern amenities like a spa and updated lodging have been added, the ranch proudly honors its heritage, featuring several historic buildings, including a main lodge built from local logs in 1947.

In 2021, a devastating fire claimed the ranch's iconic 99-year-old barn, along with several workers’ cabins, though thankfully no lives were lost. The ranch reopened later that year after extensive repairs and renovations.

The ranch boasts a small pond for fly-fishing, alongside guided river excursions, an ax-throwing area, a BB gun range, skeet shooting, archery lessons, and a fun skills course for children. While summer attracts the most visitors, the ranch also offers a unique winter experience, remaining open during the colder months.

From the main ranch, hiking and horseback riding trails weave through stunning landscapes, each turn revealing breathtaking views. The owners are dedicated to preserving these vistas, with 2,600 of the ranch’s 8,500 acres protected by conservation easements. As stewards of the land, they are committed to its care and sustainability, as Belnap notes.

The accommodations

With 38 options for lodging, including single rooms and three-bedroom cabins, all are tastefully designed with a cozy yet refined ranch aesthetic. Expect rich wood accents, buttery brown leather club chairs, vibrant western blankets, and inviting stone fireplaces. Each spacious cabin feels like a home away from home, offering plush robes, freshly baked cookies, toffee chocolates, and top-notch coffee and tea. My welcome basket included a reusable water bottle, bug spray, an energy bar, and oxygen for altitude adjustment.

Dining Experience

Get ready to indulge: The ranch serves three hearty and delectable meals daily, along with a variety of snacks and desserts throughout the afternoon and evening. Breakfast and lunch are generally offered buffet-style, while dinner alternates between family-style, buffet, and multi-course plated meals, ensuring each night brings something new. Chef Ulises Salas curates a menu that is fresh yet elevated. During my stay, the extravagant Sunday buffet featured a chilled seafood selection (including oysters!), vibrant salads with shaved veggies and melon, roasted snapper, bison ribeye, and a delightful assortment of breads. Sommelier Tony Collier presents an impressive wine list filled with international selections, while evenings often include ice cream socials or s'mores paired with cocktails by the pool bar.

Service and Hospitality

Finding a more welcoming and attentive team would be a challenge. Although C Lazy U embodies a relaxed vibe with staff and wranglers often in jeans and cowboy hats, the service exudes luxury. Team members assist with room orientation, luggage handling, and are always on hand to answer questions. Daily housekeeping and evening turn-down service are included in your stay.

Belnap has introduced a convenient texting option for guests to reach staff, simplifying communication for requests like extra towels or inquiries about ranch activities.

Accessibility Features

The property offers accessible amenities, including two cabins equipped with entrance ramps and roll-in showers with grab bars. A wheelchair lift in the main lodge facilitates access to the dining area, and golf carts are available to help guests navigate the grounds. For horseback riding, there is a weight limit of 250 pounds to ensure the safety of both guests and horses.

Wellness Services

The Lazy U Spa, true to its name, is conveniently located just a short stroll from the main cabins, nestled behind the tennis courts and overlooking the serene creek of the ranch. Several massage tents—think of the most luxurious glamping experience—feature glass windows in the floor, allowing you to gaze at the flowing creek while enjoying your massage. In addition to massages, the spa offers rejuvenating facials, scrubs, and relaxing soaks in large copper tubs.

The ranch boasts a pool along with a couple of inviting hot tubs. In July 2024, the Lazy U Hideaway debuted, an exclusive adults-only spa lounge complete with a custom hot tub, a cozy lounge area with a firepit, cold plunges, and a stunning glass-walled sauna offering breathtaking views of the Continental Divide.