For some, a love of the outdoors and a deep connection with nature becomes a lifelong tradition—one that brings friends and families together year after year. For three couples—Sue and Alan, Bob and Jennifer, and Sue and Jay—that tradition began over 30 years ago with their shared love for guest ranching. Starting in 1991, their journey has taken them across some of the most beautiful dude ranches in Colorado and Wyoming. But today, it’s Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado, that they call their favorite retreat, returning time and again for its stunning mountain setting, welcoming ‘front porch’ community, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Sue and Alan’s love for guest ranching began thanks to Sue’s youth experience working at a kids’ ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. This is what lit the spark, so to speak, and once she met Alan, they found themselves planning trips to ride horses. Years later, they find themselves riding some of the same trails with Jay and Sue, along with Bob and Jennifer. Their first adventures were with their children, discovering the joy of horseback riding, fishing, and exploring together as families.
Check out the images of Alan and Sue riding in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness in 1977! Over the years, their ranch vacations became a cornerstone of their friendship, growing from trips with their kids to experiences shared with grandchildren. The couples have visited various ranches, from Colorado’s majestic mountains to Wyoming’s wide-open plains, always seeking out new adventures and embracing their traditions.
In the last decade, these three couples found a place they now consider a home away from home—Vista Verde Guest Ranch. It’s easy to see why they’ve fallen in love with this luxury guest ranch. From the unmatched horseback riding experiences to world-class fly fishing, Vista Verde offers everything these longtime ranch adventurers seek.
In September, in their third trip back to Vista Verde, Sue, Alan, Bob, Jennifer, and Sue and Jay returned to reconnect with each other, their love of the ranch, and the awe-inspiring nature that surrounds the ranch. The horses they’ve come to know by name, the peaceful fishing trips along the Elk River, the heart pumping vertical hikes and the friendly faces of the Vista Verde staff keep them coming back for more.
For these couples, guest ranching is more than just a vacation—it’s a way of life that has been passed down through generations. Their love of nature, horses, and fly fishing has fostered special memories that span decades, and it’s a joy they now share with their grandchildren. Vista Verde provides them with the perfect backdrop to continue creating unforgettable moments, surrounded by the same beauty that captured their hearts in 1991.
Each year, as they gather at the ranch, these friends reflect on the countless trails they’ve ridden, the fish they’ve caught, and the laughter they’ve shared. And while they’ve loved and explored other ranches, they say it’s Vista Verde that feels like coming home.
As their third trip drew to a close, Sue, Alan, Bob, Jennifer, and Sue and Jay say that they can’t wait to return once again to Vista Verde. They know that the horses will be waiting, the rivers will still teem with trout, and the ranch will welcome them back like family.
Plan your next adventure at Vista Verde and experience the beauty and excitement that has captivated generations of guests. Get started today by calling 970.879.3858.