Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Vista Verde
About the ranch
Vista Verde Ranch offers a diverse array of activities both summer and winter, but what guests love is the flexibility and personalization that goes into each experience. And, unlike a resort, we're still just a ranch with down-to-earth people who treat you like family. We're ideal for families, but you can also choose our adult weeks if you're not traveling with children.
Our broad selection of summer activities can make it hard to choose what to do each day. We come around at mealtimes and you tell us what you want to do. Your day, your way! Do you want to hike? Ok. How long, what kind of terrain would you prefer? Do you want to pack a lunch and go all day? The wranglers and guides will go out of their way to tailor each experience to your interest and ability. Top-notch gear and equipment are provided to make these summer activities all the more enjoyable in our cool Colorado climate.
Affiliations
Dude Ranchers Association, Colorado Dude Ranchers Association, Orvis
Ranch type
Also offers
Guest capacity
52
Best for
Kids - all ages
Months open
Jan-Mar, Jun-Dec
History & hosts
Vista Verde – literally 'The Green View' – was named by a relative of the Tufly family in the 1930’s. Hollis and Jean Tufly took over some early homesteads in the depths of the depression and built a cattle ranch that continues today. The old Homestead cabin located southeast of the Lodge was hand built by Hollis for his bride in 1936. In the 1950’s the Tufly’s added a couple of cabins – now Dome – to create a small and very rustic hunting and fishing camp.
Frank and Winton Brophy purchased Vista Verde in 1975 and built the guest ranch business as we know it today. When John and Suzanne Munn became the owners in 1991, they took the ranch to the next level. The characteristics of the ranch that distinguish it – attention to detail, fine food, authentic log cabins, the diversity of activities both summer and winter, the feeling of a ranch not a resort – were developed by them. Peggy and Jerry Throgmartin took over ownership in 2006 and have put us in place as stewards of this fine property. In 2016 Laura and Chris Jones became the owners of Vista Verde Ranch. We now we have a tradition to uphold. We intend to preserve the small and special nature of Vista Verde Ranch and to maintain its position as one of the premiere guest ranches in the country.
Ranch founded
1920
Guest ranch since
1970
Owners
The Jones Family
Managers
Ben Martin
About the managers
Originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Ben has taken a career path that led from professional soccer, to head wrangler, to foreman at another Colorado ranch, and then to working with high school kids in Denver. With that diverse background, Ben is just the guy to chase down, wrangle, and guide the management team.
Staff qualities
Accommodation types
Luxury 5-Star
Gene Kilgore's notes
When to go
September is our favorite month in the summer. It is adult only and such a beautiful time of year! Christmas is also very magical in a totally different way. It’s just what Christmas should be.
Why we love it
- Outstanding riding facilities, including an indoor heated arena for winter riding, lessons and clinics geared toward all riding levels, and their high-end horse program means you know you're riding top horses
- Children's program designed by a mother who knows what children enjoy and takes into consideration their attention span
- Full-time, year-round management team ensures they truly know the ranch inside and out
- One-to-one guest-to-staff ratio ensures premium customer service
What to consider
- Although it's one of the pricier ranches, it's all-inclusive so you don't have to worry about a thing
