Little house in the valley. (Courtesy, San Juan Ranch)
MacTiernan's San Juan Guest Ranch CAPACITY 35 guests
SADDLE UP Ride from the Uncompahgre Valley up to ridges above 12,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The daily rides last from an hour to all day; after riding, linger near the barn for steer-roping lessons.
OUT OF THE SADDLE Fish for trout in the ranch's stocked ponds or join a wrangler to fly-fish the nearby Uncompahgre River. Hike in the San Juans or just soak in the Ouray Hot Springs, five miles from the ranch. A hot-air balloon ride is offered for $125.
LODGING The lodge is painted to resemble a barn and has nine suites, each with private bathroom and small refrigerator, that accommodate two to eight people.
Multisport Dude Ranching
The New Dude: At Colorado's Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, the horse might take a backseat to rafting, fishing, or hiking.
GRUB HIGHLIGHT The peach cobbler baked over an open fire.
KIDS Free program includes trout fishing and panning for gold near an abandoned mining cabin (ages five to ten).
COST $1,495 per adult per week; $1,195 for kids five to ten; $350 for kids under five.