Branded Rock Canyon

This area of Western Colorado boasts a richly diverse history of Native Americans (Utes), Spanish explorers and fur traders, mining, ranching, wild Spanish mustangs, railways and of course it served as a hideout for a few of the American West's most infamous outlaws and notable figures, such as Butch Cassidy, Doc Holiday, Wyatt Earp and Tom Horn.

Homesteaders first laid claim and settled Brush Creek canyon, where our main lodge sits, in 1897, scraping out a harsh living by raising livestock in the rugged landscape. Over the years, the property changed hands several times, before ultimately becoming the popular 5-star Marriott Hotel resort known as Kessler Canyon Ranch. In 2017, the property was sold and converted back to a private estate, offering limited availability to outside guests by advance reservation only.

Today, the exquisitely appointed 20,000 square foot Homestead Lodge and 12,000 square foot Guest House grace the homestead cabin site. The original homestead apple orchard still produces succulent heirloom apples and remnants of the early settlers can still be explored across the property.

The namesake for the ranch is an ancient boulder that tumbled off the canyon rim eons ago and has been 'branded' by area cowboys and wranglers etching their livestock brands and initials into Branded Rock since the late 1800s.

Amy Martin Shaffer has managed Branded Rock Canyon Ranch since the property changed ownership in January 2017. Amy is the General Manager and also oversees all marketing, reservations, guest services and hospitality, and fills in as a guide for their adventure and hunting programs. Amy is a former US Olympic Rower (2000 Games) with a background in wildlife management, videography, writing, marketing, travel, communications and hospitality services. She has traveled to more than 20 countries and continues to seek adventure and ideas to improve upon the guest experiences at Branded Rock Canyon Ranch. Amy is truly living the dream!

Go Green: Branded Rock Canyon makes all attempts to minimize environmental impact on the surrounding landscape and in landfills.

This is an arid semi-desert climate and they make all attempts to conserve their precious water resource.

During years of plentiful winter snow pack, there is a constant flow of water from Brush Creek through four fishing lakes, past the lodge, and down to the irrigate the farm fields and garden, eventually mingling into the mighty Colorado river, 18 miles downstream.

Although the ranch offers daily laundry and room service, they ask guests to consider the environment, and reuse linens and towels whenever possible. Filtered water and refreshment stations are available in multiple locations throughout the lodge, so please use your personal water bottles whenever possible.

They provide all guests with reusable custom Branded Rock Canyon aluminum drinking bottles that they can use for the duration of their stay!

Pet policy: they love pets as much as you, but in consideration for the safety of the local wildlife and of the pets themselves, pets are not permitted at the ranch.

Safety: The ranch's most important policy! Guests signed up for shooting and hunting activities will be asked to abstain from alcoholic beverages until the activity has been completed for the day.

The expert guides and instructors will supervise all planned outdoor activities, and they ask you to please adhere to their safety rules and regulations for your chosen activity.

There are no lifeguards on duty at the lakes or hot tub. Lifejackets are available for water-related activities, but parents are expected to supervise children at all times.

Most activities are available April through December 31st. In January, February and March you can try winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing at nearby resorts, visiting the famous Glenwood Hot Springs, or just simply escape to a quiet winter wonderland for some spa time and pampering.

Best time for maximizing outdoor activities is May-October. The springtime bloom in May and June is simply beautiful, with opportunities to also view wildlife babies such as mule deer fawns, ducks, geese and turkeys at play across the property. September and October offer amazing wildlife viewing during the elk rut and migration.

Summer can be warm, but also presents incredible afternoon thunderstorms that wash away the dust and heat, and bring with them the memorable smells of wet sagebrush, juniper and a renewed feeling of 'life' that you can only experience in these semi-desert type environments.

Colorado is known for its colorful fall, and the trees and brush at Branded Rock Canyon are awash with brilliant hues of reds, yellows and oranges, during September and early October. Truly a photographer's and artist's dream landscape!