Dude Ranch Retreat in Colorado

Employees from Black Mountain Ranch will pick you up straight from the airport. Take some time to settle into your cabin tonight and get ready for the adventures to come.

Let’s cut straight to why you’re here and ride some horses! Whether you’ve never been on a horse or you’re a seasoned rider, you’ll be paired with a horse to match your needs. Ride fast or slow — it’s up to you!

After your horse has tired you out, take a relaxing dip in the ranch’s hot tub. Just don’t fall asleep before your home-cooked meal!

Get ready to rope some cattle! You’ll get some instruction from a pro, which is good because it’s harder than it looks!

Next is another challenge: you’re going skeet shooting! That’s when a clay target is launched in the air and you have to try to shoot it. It will probably take some practice if you’re not used to using guns, but someone patient will be there to instruct you on how to safely handle the firearms.

Time to get back on that horse! Today you’ll be going on a pack camping trip. These trips let you experience amazing landscapes and wildlife on the back of your horse. You’ll enjoy a long ride to the top of Black Mountain where you’ll gaze out at the gorgeous view.

Then it’s just a little more riding for the day to make it to your camp. You’ll eat food grilled outside and swap stories around the fire.

First thing this morning, you’ll ride in from pack camp. You may be a little sore and tired, so take a short nap or enjoy the natural surroundings for a while.

Now it’s time to volunteer! You’ll be working with a local Native American group to help them set up computers in the homes of the impoverished members of their community. Less than 10 percent of Native Americans have access to the internet, which is of course an important tool for getting jobs and making their way out of poverty, not to mention simply being plugged in to the world. You’ll answer questions about the computers and help to get them all ready to go.

It’s your last day at the dude ranch, but it promises to be the most action-packed! You’ll begin with whitewater rafting, navigating around the rapids. It’ll be invigorating! You’ll get some help from an expert, so don’t worry about getting hurt!

Now, you’ll go to the rodeo! If you’ve never been, they’re an adrenaline rush and completely different from what you’ve seen on TV. You’ll see events like bull riding, barrel racing, and bareback riding.

Your time at the dude ranch might be done, but you’ve learned that you have what it takes to be a cowboy! Remember how strong and brave you are in your day to day life.