The Vista Verde Ranch is more than just a riding ranch. The wide array of adventure is one of its hallmarks and provides challenge and opportunity for all. The menu of activities are perfect for the family or group where he wants to do this, shw prefers to do that, and the kids, of course, want to do something else. So in addition to the riding, fishing, hiking, and biking, there’s more, as you will see. And to be sure, we are more than willing to let you do nothing at all. Nothing, that is, but kick back, read a book, soak in your hot tub and not miss a meal.

Are you frustrated that your pictures aren’t turning out as well as you’d like? Do you have a new camera that you don’t understand how to use? Would you like to be able to take better nature pictures? Local photographer Carla Jones joins us weekly to help you work out the kinks and helps you better capture the beauty of the area surrounding the ranch, or maybe just your kids!

We are thrilled to have Karen Vail returning to entertain and educate us with her knowledge of our local natural world. Karen, a lifetime local, is exceptionally well trained about this area’s flora and fauna. She joins us once a week for a scenic walk and talk. This trip is a special experience for those interested in the natural world. Karen talks with unbridled enthusiasm about plants, wildlife and the geographic wonders of this area.

Each evening at the ranch there is an activity offered. Some nights are more active than others like the barn dance, while other nights are more relaxed like roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Some nights are pure entertainment as local musicians strum their guitars, but every activity is totally optional and you are always welcome to just relax on the porch and enjoy being able to actually see the Milky Way.

Vista Verde is more than just a riding ranch. These exciting adventures can be added to your vacation at an additional cost.

BALLOONING: If you’ve thought about ballooning, this is the time to do it! The trip begins up the road a ways, and you float over the National Forest, looking down on the ranch where you eventually land. Keep your eyes out for wildlife, check out the peak you hiked, and swoop down and pick pine cones off the tops of the trees.

GOLF: Two excellent 18 hole golf courses are located in town:

The Sheraton Steamboat Resort and Golf Club is a Robert Trent Jones II designed golf course. Fish Creek flows near five of the holes, and the course is flanked by aspen and evergreen trees. The course has a total of 6,906 yards and is equipped with a driving range, putt/chip green and sand bunker.

Steamboat Springs Haymaker Golf Course is a Championship par 72 Scottish (Links) Style Layout. Designed by noted golf course architect, Keith Foster, this course gives beautiful views of the Yampa Valley. The course has 7,308 total yards and was nominated by GOLF DIGEST as “Best New Course Design” of 1997.

MASSAGE THERAPIST: Emmanell, a Certified Massage Therapist and recognized by the AMTA for 20 years, likes to work with our guests as she thinks you all are in a perfect place to relax! She will soothe your sore muscles and free up your stress related tension with a mixture of deep tissue massage, pressure points, and stretching. Emmanell also works with the energy of the body to allow balance and healing. She is usually available given 24 hours notice.