While Vista Verde calls itself a Dude Ranch, it is better described as a Resort. The property stands on just 500 acres but in an area of unspoilt aspen covered valleys and clear mountain streams. Located north of Steamboat Springs, the ranch offers all the fun of a true Western experience with all the luxury of a Five Star hotel. Denver is the nearest international airport - approx 175 miles.

Vista Verde has deluxe lodge rooms and private cabins. In the lodge you will find spacious accommodation with an area for sitting and relaxing, a snack bar and a balcony. The rustic exterior of the cabins hides a beautiful interior. All are decorated with American antiques and western art, lodgepole pine beds and handmade furniture of the highest quality. And to make each cabin special, all have a hot tub out on the deck - great for star-gazing at the end of a busy day. When the cold mountain air nips - you are provided with a wood-burning stove.

To compliment this luxurious accommodation, you will also find a Spa building for those who want to burn off a few more pounds. For those who don't mind putting a couple more pounds on there's Sweethearts Parlor, a recreation room where you can join your new friends in a cool beverage.

Kids have their own fun at Vista Verde, the Coyote Corral will keep them busy from morning until night and when the ridings done, there is fly-fishing, white water rafting or hiking to well above the timber line. Optional extras are hot air ballooning and, during the winter, cross-country skiing is available.

During the summer, riding is done in small groups under the supervision of the wranglers. These groups are tailored to the ability of the riders and horses are permitted to trot and canter where the terrain permits it. Riding is of a reasonable standard in some truly beautiful countryside. In early June and mid September, Vista Verde run a cattle drive for a week, there are periodic clinics during the season to improve riders abilities. As the ranch is open in the winter as well, riding is permitted in the snow, usually along prepared trails but often through powder snow that has recently fallen.

As mentioned, Vista Verde is one of the few ranches on Colorado to remain open during both the summer and winter seasons. It's open from June to mid September and again from mid December to mid March. Stays are generally from Sunday to Sunday although there are 3 and 5-day packages available at certain times of the year. Transfers are included from Steamboat Springs.

• Children's counsellors
• Licensed bar
• Entertainment
• Western dancing
• Riding
• Rodeos or Gymkhanas
• Credit cards accepted
• Spa, Jacuzzi or hot-tub
• River rafting
• Pack trips
• Fishing
• Tours or 4x4 trips available
• Winter activities
• Mountain bikes
• Guest capacity - 40