Why choose Vista Verde Guest Ranch for your luxury Colorado ranch vacation? Let us first say that there are a number of wonderful ranches in Colorado and the West, and we understand how hard it is to research and pick the right one. Each is in a pretty setting, operated by nice folks and provides a real getaway out here in the West. But there are differences, nevertheless. So what makes us different from the rest and perhaps the one that is just right for your ranch vacation?  Here are our thoughts:

Our return guest rate hovers between 40-50%, with another 10-20% guests who heard about us from a previous guest.  That gives us a nice mix of people who have fallen in love with Vista Verde and had to come back, and those who are experiencing our Colorado guest ranch for the first time. 

These guests are from all over the world.  They are families coming out to Vista Verde Ranch to experience a variety of adventures and trying to keep everyone in the family happy.  They are singles looking for a safe and friendly place to unwind.  They are couples looking to share an active, yet romantic escape.  But, what they all have in common is a sense of adventure.  While we welcome lounging around the fireplace and taking naps so you go home refreshed, most of our guests just want to get out and try it all.  And, at the end of the day, well actually three times a day, they appreciate fine food.  Our guests have high expectations, but we enjoy getting past that and having the service be a given, but the friendships be a suprise. 

Our cabins and lodge rooms are authentic log structures, to be sure, in keeping with our Northwest Colorado locale. But rustic stops at the front door. Our guests tell us our lodging is much more modern, elegantly furnished and spacious than they have experienced on other ranch vacations or anticipated even after taking our detailed Virtual Tour.

Private cabins, master suites, divine linens, spa robes, complementary snacks and beverages... even your own hot tub.  You might be out in the woods, but there's no need to give up the comforts of home!

This is not what you remember from City Slickers!

Our professionally trained chefs are adept at every offering from checkered tablecloth cookouts to white tablecloth fine dining, from cowboy coffee to crème brulee, and from what pleases the kids to what satisfies mom.  Our dining experience strikes the balance between ranchy and fancy.  We mix it up so some meals are casual and served family style while others are more formal, multi-course dining events.  What is the same is the high level of attention to quality, freshness and creativity. 

See some of the tantalizing selections in the Cuisine section. In addition, our Executive Chef hosts a hands-on cooking class and a fun and fact-filled wine tasting session most weeks, a rarity on the ranch vacation scene.

Secluded, yet accessible, was a key criterion when we found Vista Verde Ranch. Largely surrounded by the National Forest, the ranch offers direct forest entry from virtually all directions. And not a condo or convenience store in sight! The widely known and highly regarded ranching community of Steamboat Springs is just 45 minutes away from major league skiing and golf, and even shopping, if you must.  This part of Colorado has it all!

Like most ranches, our seasonal staff is comprised of college-age young people who are as colorful as the nature around us. They want to be here and it shows.

What may set us more apart, however, is our full-time, year-round management team. This dedicated group of people is key to our success. Their passion and experience add a distinct element of professionalism to our programs, and provide a nice blend of maturity and enthusiasm.

From talking to Stephanie on the phone when you first book your reservation and hearing her "secretary", daughter Maggie, chatting in the background, to skiing with Steve and Kelli and learning how they made a major lifestyle change from corporate to hospitality, to sitting around the the dinner table with Dace trying to figure out how an intellect like him ended up managing a guest ranch instead of the many other options he had, you'll see why this passionate group of people makes such a difference.

Having a committed and experienced team running the ranch also allows us to provide much more depth to your experiences.  Heck, we have our own horse trainer Terry, who came from a background of national level training and judging.  We're not just throwing you out there on a horse or a bike or skis.  With the depth of experience our team has, you will improve your skills more than you ever imagined. 

On top of that, the sheer number of staff is unmatched at many of the finest resorts.  We have a 1:1 staff to guest ratio at our busiest time, and it's even better during the quieter times of the season.  This is how we are able to be so flexible in our offerings, and provide such a high level of service and attention to detail.   

With our diverse offerings, you could easily call this an Adventure Ranch vacation instead of a Dude Ranch vacation. There truly is something for everyone. And due to our smaller size and 1:1 staff to guest ratio, our program is quite flexible, allowing you to tell us what you want to do. As much as any other thing, this last difference really seems to set us apart. You don't just choose to go mountain biking or riding, skiing or snowshoeing, you tell us what kind of experience you're looking for, and we make it happen. We do our best to accommodate most every request, even bordering on the bizarre, to make your stay enjoyable as can be.

The Vista Verde luxury ranch vacation experience has been molded based on what we would want to enjoy ourselves on a Colorado ranch vacation. Then, we have incorporated the good ideas of our guests over the years to continually tailor and tune. And while luxury makes itself evident with the quality of the experience, the amenities of a premier resort, and the attention to detail for which we are recognized, we maintain the relaxed, casual atmosphere of a Western ranch. Said another way, we definitely don't take ourselves too seriously. We have a good time and we think you will, too.  But don't take it from us, check out Tripadvisor for real guest reviews.

Your hosts, Ben & Holly Martin and Dace Starkweather