The first photos of Lost Valley Ranch date from about 1884 and since then the ranch has played host to generations of returning guests. Located approx. two hours southwest of Denver, (between Denver and Colorado Springs), the last nine miles are on an un-made road. Accommodation is offered in a number of one, two or three bed-roomed fully serviced cabins and, unless you take an all day ride and are picnicking in an alpine meadow, the three meals a day are served in the main dinning room. Lost Valley does not hold a liquor licence so drink is only available in your cabin.

The best way to see the Rocky Mountains is by horseback riding. There are more than 26,000 acres of the Pike National Forest here for you to explore. Well-marked trails follow old logging roads, criss-cross wooded ridge tops and wind through strands of shimmering aspens. You'll feel at home in the saddle in no time as Lost Valley's wranglers custom-fit you with a saddle and mount especially selected from Lost Valley's remuda (string) of 140 ranch raised and trained quarter horses. Every age and riding ability is carefully accommodated. With instruction for new riders and personal attention for all, you'll ride with new confidence and skill.

Lope through colour-splashed meadows of wildflowers. Follow deer and elk trails up into heavy timber. Round up stray cattle from the ranch's own herd. Take a break beside cool clear mountain streams. For the more adventurous, Lost Valley Ranch offers special horsemanship training weeks and cross-country cattle drives during the spring and autumn.

Accommodation is provided in deluxe one, two and three bedroom cabin suites with separate living rooms, one or two full bathrooms and daily maid service. You'll enjoy many of the niceties of home with plenty of over-sized towels, a refrigerator, king and queen beds, non-allergenic pillows and an electric coffee maker.

Accommodations are very private - many are scattered in the woods and on the hills. You can enjoy the unforgettable views on your porch swing or in front of the fireplace (wood is delivered daily).

All meals are included and each and every one of the meals is home-cooked, wholesome and made from scratch. They are carefully prepared from family recipes by cooks who just love to tantalize your taste buds at very meal. Most meals are served in the dining room, but you'll be surprised to discover how lunch in a meadow or from your saddlebag on the trail makes something good taste even better.

Although the ranch can take up to 100 guests at a time, many of them are repeat customers so we strongly suggest an early booking at this property.

The ranch is open from the end of April until the end of November. Stays are from a Sunday to a Sunday. Transfers are available from Denver or Colorado Springs.

• Children's counsellors
• Entertainment
• Riding
• Rodeos or Gymkhanas
• Spa, Jacuzzi or hot-tub
• Western dancing
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Fishing
• Skeet range or riflery
• Guest capacity - 100
  
  

  Prices available from Just America on request.  Please call 08448 806 802 or email enquiries@justamerica.co.uk