Every month is a little different here at Vista Verde Ranch so check out what it might look like at the ranch when you are looking to travel.

What to Expect During Your Ranch Vacation in Colorado

Snow cap, Ranch resort vacation at Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado

January

January

  • FYI: Adults only starting right after the New Year’s holiday.  January is the time for romantic getaways, girlfriend weekends, and solo travelers looking to enjoy a winter ranch experience in the company of other adventurous folks.
  • Average hi/low temps: 36/16
  • Average days of snow: 16
  • Guest count: typically 20-30
  • Activities: typically all winter activities are offered

February

February

  • FYI: Adults only until President’s Day weekend, then open for families. This is prime winter season, so there is typically plenty of snow and the ranch is buzzing with activity.
  • Average hi/low temps: 39/17
  • Average days of snow: 13
  • Guest count: typically 20-30 during adult only, 40-50 during family times
  • Activities: typically all winter activities are offered unless there is an extreme late February thaw

March

March

  • FYI: Open for families. March can feel like winter, or it can be slushy and muddy and spring-like. The further into the month, the more likely you will get spring conditions.
  • Average hi/low temps: 47/23
  • Average days of snow: 14
  • Guest count: typically 40-50
  • Activities: with the Spring melt, some winter activities are no longer offered or modified

April

April

While the snow is melting and the mud drying up, we are closed down for the month of April!

What are we doing in April?

  • Tackling the project list.
  • Feeding the horses.
  • Taking our own vacations.
  • Planning and preparing for the summer season.

May

May

  • May is one of those “be prepared for anything” months. There might be snow on the ground or it might be 80 degrees! For this reason, we’re still closed for the month of May. So, that means we’re up to a little bit of everything:
  • Completing lingering projects from April.
  • Gearing up for our busiest season: summer!
  • Meeting and training our new staff who all begin to arrive this month. Orientation week is a buzz of energy and activity after quite a few weeks of rest.

June

June

  • FYI: We’re still in the “be prepared for anything” mindset during the first part of June, as it’s really springtime here at the ranch. Plan on crisp mornings and evenings for sure!
  • Average hi/low temps: 74/46
  • Average days of precipitation: 5
  • Guest count: typically ~50
  • Activities: Early in June the rivers are high, and there is still snow and mud at higher elevations, so some summer activities are limited such as fly fishing, mountain biking, and high elevation riding. Towards the middle of June typically all summer activities are available but fly fishing is still more challenging due to fast water.

July

July

The ranch is abuzz with activity this month! We kick off the month with a spectacle for the Fourth of July including a ranch parade and rodeo. This month is the most ideal time to visit for quintessential dude ranch fun.

  • FYI: Prime summer family dude ranch season
  • Average hi/low temps: 81/52
  • Average days of precipitation: 6
  • Guest count: typically ~50
  • Activities: All summer activities are typically available during July

August

August

Even though we’re still in the midst of summer, up here in the high country August tends to get a little bit cooler during the early mornings and evenings. We (and all the horses) relish in it.

  • FYI: We switch over to adults only towards the end of the month
  • Average hi/low temps: 79/50
  • Average days of precipitation: 7
  • Guest count: ~50 during family times, ~30 during adult-only times
  • Activities: All summer activities are typically offered during August

September

September

  • The aspens are changing, and the weather is cooling down. Plan on frosty mornings and crisp evenings.
  • FYI: Adults only the whole month
  • Average hi/low temps: 70/44
  • Average days of precipitation: 8
  • Guest count: typically ~30
  • Activities: Summer activities are all available, but dependent on weather as we can get more variation in weather this month. Trail rides and mountain biking may be adjusted if conditions are muddy and slick.

October

October

  • FYI: Adults only until we close towards the end of the month. October is a “be prepared for anything” months. It might be snowing and it might be warm and sunny! Plan on frosty mornings and crisp evenings.
  • Average hi/low temps: 57/34
  • Average days of precipitation: 10
  • Guest count: ~30
  • Activities: Water sports (paddle boarding and the pool) are not offered due to cooler temperatures, and some activities will be adjusted if conditions are muddy and slick.

November

November

It’s time to relax by the fire and stay out of the mud and snow, so we are closed until Thanksgiving!

What are we doing in November?

  • Getting the trails and paths marked before the snow arrives.
  • Feeding the horses.
  • Planning and preparing for the upcoming winter season and our robust Thanksgiving stay.

Thanksgiving can look very different year-to-year based on the weather and what activities we’re able to offer, but a couple things remain the same: plenty of family time and the most bountiful Thanksgiving feast from our fabulous Chefs!

December

December

  • FYI: We open middle of the month, and often times the snow is still accumulating so it might feel like fall or it might be a winter wonderland!
  • Average hi/low temps: 35/16
  • Average days of precipitation: 15
  • Guest count: ~50
  • Activities: As the snowpack is building in December, we offer winter activities as they become available based on snowpack and temperatures.