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Colorado Family Dude Ranch Vacations

Colorado family dude ranch vacations are the best!

Learn to paint at the Dude Ranch Painting Cllass

When the Lights Come On

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April 9th Painting Party

As the sun sets, and it’s last rays reach across my meadow, I see far away through the valley and down into the high plains of Colorado.  From my vantage, a towering smoke stack sends out a single beacon of light. White swathes of snow break up the greys and browns of winter on the harvested farmlands below.when-the-lights-come-on[1]

Our artist, Amy Brackenbury, has captured this poignant ambiance of dusk in northern Colorado in her painting, “When the Lights Come on”.  From our perspective in the mountains, we enjoy vivid sweeps of color across the sky and the merry twinkling of lights emanating from a distant cluster of humanity on the Front Range.

Come express your own interpretation of “When the Lights Come on” under the expert and kind guidance of our professional artist.  Drink some wine with us, listen to music, enjoy the company of your friends, and paint to your heart’s delight.

When: Saturday, April 9th, 3- 7 p.m.

Learn to paint at the Dude Ranch Painting Cllass
When The Lights Come On

Family style dinner is included. Please let us know in advance if you have dietary restrictions (gluten free, soy free, etc.)

Menu: Parmesan Breaded Chicken, homemade rolls, mixed vegetables, salad, mashed potatoes, chocolate cake with ice cream.

Bed & Breakfast lodging available with optional horseback ride

Find your inner artist in one evening!
Bears and Blossoms

 

Cost $55.00/person, includes tools, supplies and supper

  • Wine is available for sale here at our store, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
  •   Reservations and $20.00 deposit required by 5:00 p.m. the day before the painting session.    Directions
  •  Tele: 970-224-1222 (7 – 12 guests per painting party)

*Gift certificates available

Coming soon on Mothers Day, Painting: Bears & Blossoms, Sunday, May 8th, 3 – 7 p.m.

 

 

 

“Try your hand with a brush”

Painting, Wine, & Supper Parties at Sundance Trail Spring 2016

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Things to do in Colorado

Even if you’ve never painted anything, come find your inner artist in one evening! All tools and supplies (except the wine) are provided. 

  • – Cost $55.00/person, includes tools, supplies and supper
  • – Wine is available for sale here at our store, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
  •  – Reservations and $20.00 deposit required by 5:00 p.m. the day before the painting session.    Directions
  •  Tele: 970-224-1222 (7 – 12 guests per painting party)
  •  * Gift certificates available

    “Try your hand with a brush”
    Tulips in the Breeze

Upcoming Sessions

  • Saturday, March 26th, 3 – 7 p.m. Painting: Tulips in the Breeze
  • Saturday, April 9th, 3 – 7 p.m. Painting: When the Lights Come On
  • Sunday, May 8th 3 – 7 p.m. (Mother’s Day) Painting: Bears & Blossoms
Learn to paint at the Dude Ranch Painting Cllass
When The Lights Come On

Home cooked, family style Dinner

  • – Please let us know in advance if you have dietary restrictions (gluten free, soy free, etc.)
  • – Menu for Saturday, March 26th: Parmesan Breaded Chicken, homemade rolls, mixed vegetables, salad, mashed potatoes, chocolate cake with ice cream
  •  – Menus for other dates available soon

    Find your inner artist in one evening!
    Bears and Blossoms

Artist Amy Brackenbury lives on her family’s ranch in the foothills of the Rockies in northern Colorado.  She studied art and painting at Colorado State University.  When she’s not spending time with her husband & two daughters, her animals, ranch & garden, and a myriad of other creative pursuits, she can be found in her studio painting masterpieces of the Great American West.  Her effervescent personality and joie de vivre plainly show in her joyful paintings of her adored animals and sweeping landscapes. 

family vacation
March 5th painting party a success!

Bed & Breakfast lodging available with optional horseback ride

relaxing and private
Let your inner artist show

Dude Ranch Never Ending Summer – Doncha Wish! August 2014

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Dude Ranch Cowboy and His Horse
A Cowboy and His Horse

 

I have some bad news,
and some good news.

The bad news:
September is right around the corner, and the summer of 2014 is soon to be a memory.

And some good news:
There is still time to book an incredible week of dude ranch living with us in August and September.

Ask us about a 20% discount for the month of August!

small2011-02-08 241
Pepper Loves Being Painted Pretty, and Taking a Bath with Her Cowgirl!

This is also a great time to thank our guests for  the wonderful reviews they’ve shared on  TripAdvisor!

The base rates can be found at     https://www.sundancetrail.com/rates
– be sure to subtract 20% for August!

And please don’t hesitate to call or text any time.
970-224-1222

If we’re out on horses, we’ll call you back the    minute we are back inside.

You can start booking your reservation at  https://www.sundancetrail.com/contact- us/guest-ranch-reservations

Colorado_Dude_Ranch_Hummers

Colorado Dude Ranch Wildfires and Wildflowers

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Humming Birds are here!
Humming Birds are here!

Sundance Trail
is up to our
knees in wildflowers!

Boy what a difference a year can make!

A year ago we were worried about wildfires, this year we are enjoying wild-flowers.

I just received a call from a soon-to-arrive guest, asking if the smoke was bad. She had

Flip is charming a new friend!
Flip is charming a new friend!

seen some sensational reports of the South Fork and Prescott evacuations.

South Fork is 350 miles from here!

Prescott is more than 900 miles away.

No smoke here! Just sunshine and blue skies!

Our hearts go out to our neighbors in the south, and we pray for their safety every day.

Eight week old filly, Aspen, makes friends with Lukas.
Eight week old filly, Aspen, makes friends with Lukas.

North Colorado dude ranches are having the greenest summer that we’ve seen in years!

Our neighbors have started their first hay cutting, and it looks like a bumper crop year.

Our horses are grazing our pastures.

I even saw a mosquito!

So come on up! We have bug spray,  just in case she (the mosquito) ever comes back!

New kitty: "Murphy"
New kitty: “Murphy”

In the meanwhile here’s a few pictures I took this week with our new camera.

Oh! I almost forgot!

Ellen is offering a further 10% off for July!

With a poke from Aspen, Naomi says: "Hello!"
With a poke from Aspen, Naomi says: “Hello!”

Sundance Trail Ranch

970-224-1222

SundanceTrail.com

Momma Jazzy and baby Aspen are mowing the lawn.
Momma Jazzy and baby Aspen are mowing the lawn.
Dude_Ranch_Sundance_Trail_NamelessFilly_20130412

Colorado Dude Ranch: Hello’s and Good Byes

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New Arrivals and Sad-Joyful Departing’s

Hello Nameless Filly!

Welcome! One day old!
dude ranch mommy horse
Jazzy is now pretty thanks to Justin

Last summer, Justin rescued a very skinny and remarkably ugly little gray mare named Jazzy.

Under his skillful watch, Jazzy blossomed into a fat and loving all-around children’s horse  –  a favorite!

dude ranch spring baby
Filly, age 10 days

In March, Jazzy started looking “funny.” You know, this big bulgy

dude ranch mom and baby
Mom & Baby taking a walk while their shed is getting housekeeping

tummy started sticking out. Not worms, not

melanoma, not too much beer. The obstetrical experts (Justin and Ellen) examined her to find…. a kick! ANOTHER kick! A BABY!

Little nameless filly was born April 12th. Then it snowed, and snowed and its still snowing! So the tractor shed was renovated into the mom and baby nursery, where they are both doing quite nicely, thank you!

Baby is now old enough that she will approach us and allow us to hold her head and pet and generally love on her.

Justin: Best Wishes on your New Dude Ranch Adventure!

Due Ranch Barn Manager Justin
Due Ranch Barn Manager Justin

Sad for us, a

Great and Joyful Adventure for You!

Although he told us: “I have a dream that when I grow up I will be the CEO of Wal-Mart or NASCAR,”  it came as no surprise when Justin told us that he is buying his own dude ranch.

He’s a cowboy through and through, and it will be heart warming to watch his dreams grow and unfold.

On the secret staff Page, Justin introduced himself to his staff with these words:

Hello there my future minions… So Justin Ripley here (Believe It Or Not) I am your Barn Manager but I do anything and everything needed on the ranch. I have a dream that when I grow up I will be the CEO of Wal-Mart or NASCAR until then I am just playing..

I am from Indiana, a Vet Tech, horse trainer, and former Military. I needed a break from the real world so I moved to Colorado a few years ago to follow my childhood dream of working on a dude ranch for a summer. Ends up I refused to leave so I took over managing the ranch for awhile. Then I was off to AZ to play with the rattle snakes and cactus at another ranch. I would not recommend taking up Rattle Snake Charming anytime soon.

Guest Ranch Barn Boss!
Boss!

Dan and Ellen decided to rescue me from a horrible death from snake bite.. I have been at Sundance since Nov 2010 and have fallen under its spell.

And now the spell of his own place!  Yee-haw! Here are his websites:

http://www.1880sguestranch.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RbarSminiatures?fref=ts

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-cowboys-dream-the-1880-s-guest-ranch

Justin & Cyril dancing
Justin & Cyril dancing
Dude Ranch Justin Graduation
Dude Ranch Justin Square Dance Graduation

Justin is now working on fleshing out his Business Plan, Balance Sheets,  PPM Offer and all that other fun stuff.

Not sure if Ellen’s “town job” gives us enough income to invest, but we sure do plan on being customers. We can’t wait for the opportunity to visit. Yes, dude ranchers tend to vacation at dude ranches! And summer in Montana is beautiful; both weeks!

Happy trails, Justin. We welcome you into the neighborhood of dude ranchers and wish you all the happiness in the world.

Happy Trails

Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here’s a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again.
Happy trails to you,
Keep smilin’ until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we’ere together?
Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you,
Til we meet again.

flatstanley

A Unique Sundance Trail Guest

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Introducing Flat Stanley to Our Dude Ranch Life:

Flat Stanley is a pal of our friend Julian Byrnes from New York. He loves to travel and Julian suggested that he might enjoy  experiencing a Colorado Dude Ranch vacation. Flat Stanley arrived and immediately threw himself into the excitement of winter in the Rocky Mountains.

He had to be a little careful on his first few days because it was very windy and blustery up here and he doesn’t have a whole lot of body mass. He was afraid he might blow away!

He braved the wind in the afternoon though to help me feed the horses.

Flat Stanley also helped me feed the chickens.

Finally the wind died down enough for Stanley to go riding with me. He was very excited when he learned that we had a horse named Stanley on the ranch. So here is Flat Stanley riding Little Stanley. We went up into the woods so that Flat Stanley could look out at the Mummy Range of the Rocky Mountains and check out some Aspens and Ponderosa Pine trees.

After a long day on horseback, kicking back in the hot tub is the perfect way to relax.

And even better if it’s followed by an evening in front of a roaring wood fire.

Just before he had to leave, Stanley was lucky enough to meet another ranch friend. Madam Moose stopped by to check on us.

Unfortunately, Flat Stanley had to be on his way. We’ll miss him but we’re sure he’s having a great time in South Carolina with Ellen and Dan. I’m sure there will be more stories of his adventures upon their return. From the staff at Sundance Trail, we hope you had a fabulous winter and have exciting plans for the coming summer. Maybe we’ll see ya up on the mountain!

www.SundanceTrail.com

970-224-1222

A very BIG special thanks to Ms. Marian, who was Stanley’s wrangler!

Sundance_Trail_Dude_Christmas_3

Christmas at Sundance Trail Dude Ranch – 10% Discount!

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Family Christmas Dude Ranch Vacation: 10% Discount

December, 2012

Riding in the snow is romantic!Details and rates here.

Come join us and relax over a long Holiday weekend. Let us cook and clean! A  Christmas Eve Seven Course Dinner, a Family Style Christmas Dinner of Turkey carved at the table; a Champagne Breakfast on Boxing Day: family fun, including for mom!.

Some typical Morning Activities:
Trail Riding, maybe in the snow! With lessons available.

Your hostess, Ellen

And available Afternoon Activities:
Trap and rifle shooting
Trail Riding, maybe in the snow!
Horse back riding lessons & coaching available
Make and decorate Holiday/Christmas cookies
Decorate the tree (help us find and bring home just the right  tree)
Hiking
Pool Table & Foosball Table
Disc Golf?
Sledding?

 

Trap and rifle shooting every afternoon

Evening Activities we are planning:

Square Dance (if we have sufficient number of guests)
Cowboy Christmas Music with Lars & Amy
Star-gazing with our family telescope
Evening soak in hot tub
Parlor fireplace
Pool Table & Foosball Table
Hot chocolate & cookies
(Murder Mystery Possible!)
Wine, spirits and beer available at our liquor store.

Details and rates here.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree & Red Feather Art Fair!

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Looking for a week-end get-away between the madness of Thanksgiving and Christmas?
How about December 1st & 2nd or 8th & 9th? Two week-ends, two opportunities for fun!

Ride a horse, maybe in the snow!
Ride a horse, maybe in the snow!
  • Morning horseback riding?
  • Maybe a chance to cut your own Christmas Tree? (We will have a few bow saws you can borrow.)
  • Or a few relaxed hours at an old-time Christmas Market and Craft Fair to pick up gifts?
  • Come back to the lodge for hot chocolate and cookies?

To book your reservation, call or text us at 970-224-1222

The Greening of Red Feather Lakes Dec 1st & 2nd!!!

This HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE will highlight craft booths offering

Get silly!
    Paintings,
    Carvings,
    Pottery
    Photography,
    Jewelry,
    Soaps,
    Hand-crafted Christmas items,
    Cutlery
    Seasonal Gifts
    and home-baked goodies

SATURDAY 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SUNDAY 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Also, You can cut your own WILD Christmas Tree

Truly knarley disc golf!
Truly knarley disc golf!

December 1st & 2nd  or December 8th & 9th in the Roosevelt National Forest.

Christmas Tree cutting in our Red Feather Lakes Ranger District has been a holiday tradition for nearly 40 years!

Permits are $10.00 and can be purchased during the week at

  • Canyon Lakes Ranger District office (2150 Centre, Ave., Building E, Fort Collins),
  • Pawnee National Grassland office (660 “O” Street, Greeley, Colo.),
  • Boulder Ranger District office (2140 Yarmouth Avenue, Boulder, Colo.)

Or you can purchase the permit here at the cutting area on the weekends (cash only).
To book your reservation, call us at 970-224-1222

Hot chocolate waits inside!
Hot chocolate waits inside!

If you want to volunteer to work on the cutting site for one day, (and get a free tree in exchange):

  • Work with Forest Service folks to greet tree cutters
  • Hand out Maps of the tree cutting area
  • answer questions about prices and road conditions
  • check that vehicles have chains or four wheel drive

call the the Forest Service folks at 970-295-6701.

To book your reservation, call us at 970-224-1222

Colorado Dude Ranch 2012 Discounts

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Cooling off in the pond: Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
Hot where you are? Dani & Alex & Montee cooling off in the Sundance Trail pond.

We are actively booking the 2013 season,
but there are still some rooms available the weeks of
7/15/12
7/22/12
8/5/12
8/26/12 and
9/2/12 (Adult Only week)
and we are offering deep discounts!

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call us at 970-224-1222.

Colorado Dude Ranch: Sundance Trail & High Park Fire

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Goodbye, Daphne Duck! Rest in Peace, High Park Fire. You are now just an Adventure Vacation chapter in our Colorado Dude Ranch History!

colorado dude ranch horse smoke
We still have Smoke (a very old horse), but no fire!

Joy and Gratitude!

  • So many folks have called or emailed – we are deeply moved by your friendship and concern. Thank You! Feel free to reply below.
  • The High Park fire is no longer news. More than half of the fire fighters (and TV vans) have all moved on to other parts of the state, with our prayers and gratitude.
  • The fire met the containment perimeter cut by fire fighters and stopped dead in its tracks, miles from here.
  • It stopped growing about three days ago.
  • And then a bit of rain cooled it off. Remaining fire fighters are mopping up.
  • Yesterday almost all of the evacuees went home.

    dude ranch fire 6/10/12
    In the beginning.... Pyro-cumulus clouds, about 27 miles from here, June 10th, 7:30pm
  • Our ranch family is now smaller by five humans, five dogs, four cats, two horses, and a very awesome DUCK.
  • Gary, Carol, Jeanie, Penny & Ron, we are so glad to have gotten to know you better! You are no longer good neighbors, now you are dear dear friends.
  • For the dude ranch, very little changed.
  • Sundance Trail continued on with our guest ranch life, always watching closely and fully prepared with fuels mitigation, sprinkler and foam throwing systems (& a few miles of
    Dude Ranch Duck
    Daphne the Dude Ranch Duck!

    hoses!), strengthening defensible space, staff training, evacuation plans, back-up vacations with neighbor ranches for guests, safe pasture for horses…. and, of course, groceries!

  • We have been preparing for this for more than 5 years, since long before the beetle kill adventure began.
  • Thanks Dave, for getting us started with those Colorado Forestry Service fuels mitigation grants so many years ago! And thanks to our friends and neighbors who were there for us; Dickie & Christine, Luann, Jim Beck, LeAndra, Patti & Dennis.
  • A HUGE big thanks to our Glacier View Fire Department and Greg and Andrea. You folks left your homes, livestock and businesses to lead the crews to protect our homes. We are grateful to you and will not soon forget your generosity and dedication.
  • We’d love to hear from you! Send us a reply here.

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