Family Vacations at C Lazy U Ranch
THE PREMIER ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY VACATION IN COLORADO
For more than a century, families from all over the world have chosen C Lazy U Ranch as their place to reconnect, slow down (or gallop), and share in the kind of memories that last long after the vacation is over.
Our all-inclusive luxury dude ranch offers an authentic Western experience blended with modern resort comforts, but we also feature something even more rare: quality family time paired with room to breathe. Kids adventure with new friends, parents enjoy time to recharge, and everyone reunites for breakfast, lunch, and stories shared together.
Why Families Choose C Lazy U
Every family finds their own favorite experiences on the ranch, but they return year after year for one important reason: This place feels like home the moment you arrive.
Since 1919, C Lazy U has welcomed generations of families to the Rocky Mountains. Today, we continue that legacy with a truly all-inclusive experience devoid of surprise costs or hidden fees, letting you focus on being present over counting expenses.
With over 200 horses, 8,500+ acres of preserved mountain landscape, and a reputation as one of the top luxury dude ranches in the world, toddlers, teens, grandparents, and every age group in between can find their place and their passion here. Come see why we’re consistently named one of Top Resorts by Condé Nast Traveler and escape to the legendary American West.
Your Family, Your Way: Together & Apart
A perfect family getaway is one where valuable family time is balanced with protected personal time.
Time Together
Share the moments that bring families closer, like:
- Scenic family horseback rides across the Rockies
- Hearty meals around the same table
- Campfires & s’mores under a sky crowded with stars
- Activities that appeal to every age
Time Apart
While the kids sink their teeth into age-specific programs led by trained counselors (from wrangling basics to nature discovery and team games), parents can:
- Join advanced riding clinics
- Slip away to the Lazy You Spa
- Take a romantic trail ride
- Enjoy a peaceful morning coffee in the Lodge
Kids get a place to spend their boundless energy, parents get as much adventure or relaxation as they want, and everyone gets to come together for magic moments you’ll talk about decades later.
Horseback Riding Adventures for Every Family Member
Horseback riding is a signature experience at C Lazy U, and the heartbeat of the ranch. Here, we strive to create riding experiences fit for all ages and experience levels, all the way from “never even seen a horse before” to “have a few rodeo medals on the wall back at home.”
From a diverse herd of over 200 horses, our world-class wranglers carefully match each rider to the right animal based on ability and personality. Adults and children ride and learn at their own pace through separate programs, allowing everyone to gain confidence and fully enjoy the experience.
Families can join together for scenic trail rides along aspen groves, open meadows, and snow-dusted forests. At week’s end, the unforgettable “Shodeo” gives kids the chance to show off their new skills while families cheer them on.
Seasonal Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations for Families
Summer: The Classic Ranch Experience
(Memorial Day through mid-August)
Summer at the ranch is the Western mountain vacation most families dream of, with warm days for riding, fishing, swimming, and mountain biking, and cool nights for campfires, hot tubbing, and stargazing. It’s our most iconic season for good reason: tons of fun to fill the long days, outstanding weather, and maximum family energy.
See All Summer Ranch Activities Learn More About Summer Vacations at C Lazy U
Winter: Mountain Magic
(December, MLK Weekend, Presidents Day through late March)
Winter at C Lazy U takes the magic of a holiday painting or postcard and renders it fully real. Families can spend their days snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or riding through frosted forests (on horseback or by sleigh), and then gather for cozy lodge evenings and warming meals. Christmas and New Year’s are especially remarkable with holiday programming and festive ranch traditions the whole family will love.
Families can also take our complimentary shuttle service from the ranch to both Winter Park Ski Resort and Ski Granby Ranch for the perfect balance of ranch fun and ski-day shredding.
Spring & Fall: Uncrowded Beauty
Don’t forget about the shoulder seasons! Some of the ranch’s most stunning vistas take shape during these mountain weather shifts. Gorgeous wildflowers and plenty of animals fill the fields and woods in spring, while aspens glow brilliant gold and orange in the fall. Smaller group sizes and more flexibility in activity scheduling are bonus perks that make these ideal times to visit for families seeking peace, comfort, and more mild temperatures.
Spring Getaways Fall GetawaysAn All-Inclusive Luxury Dude Ranch Vacation
Shouldn’t every vacation come with all of the details ironed-out?
At C Lazy U, families don’t need to plan, coordinate, or juggle minutiae. Everything you need is included, so you can fully sink into your Colorado escape.
Your all-inclusive stay includes:
Luxury accommodations with real fireplaces, plush robes, and Western accents
Gourmet dining, with three daily meals and kid-friendly options
Twice-daily horseback riding (seasonal)
Full activity schedule (weather allowing)
Equipment and gear for activities
Just show up. We’ll handle the rest.
What Families Are Saying
The best ranch experience for families and kids. Amazing staff, wranglers, food, and drinks. Nonstop fun for the kids: horseback riding, fly fishing, biking, archery, BBs, hiking, razors, games, bonfires, karaoke. A great escape for the whole family!
Some of the words our family of 6 used to describe our Christmas week at C Lazy U ranch… Majestic. Fresh. Beautiful. Magical. Relational. Experiential. Serene. Engaging. All in all, our time was full of fun, food, and fellowship. A beautiful place to connect with one another and the outdoors.
Our family had an unforgettable stay at C Lazy U! … Both adults and kids had an amazing time.
Our family had a wonderful time—great trail rides, perfect accommodations, and stellar food. Staff friendliness was 10/10.
Family Vacation FAQs
How does all-inclusive pricing work?
Your stay includes lodging, meals, horseback riding, kids programs, gear usage, and most activities.
Can our family ride horses together?
Yes! Adults and kids learn separately but can reunite for planned family trail rides.
What’s the best season for families?
Summer is iconic, winter is magical, and spring/fall offer a quieter ranch with tons of natural beauty. Families honestly can’t choose wrong!
How long should we stay?
Bookings are typically a week long in the summer and 2-5 nights for the rest of the year, depending on the event or special.
Do I need to bring any gear?
We ask that you please pack appropriately for the season in which you’ve booked your stay. For all of our ranch activities, gear is provided (either at the activity space or upon request form the Outfitter’s Cabin). For more questions about what you may want to bring, call the Ranch Concierge at 970-887-3344.
What if we’ve never been to a ranch before?
No trouble at all! Many guests are first-timers. Our wranglers, counselors, and staff will guide you every step of the way.
The Family Vacation
You’ll Talk About for Years
At C Lazy U Ranch, families can trade their screens for sunsets, busy schedules for horseback rides, and stresses for the rejuvenating freedom of the West. Out here, you’ll have plenty of excitement to fill your days and enough peace to take stock of what really matters.
Ready to saddle up?
Holiday weeks and popular dates fill quickly, so if your family is ready for an adventure with heart, the West is calling.
Speak with the Ranch Concierge: 970-887-3344
