Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, meadows, creeks and woods, Vista Verde Guest Ranch is a picturesque vacation spot just north of Steamboat Springs, Colo. From the moment you arrive in the nearby town and are transported to the ranch, you are treated to five-star service and accommodations that encourage you unwind and relax.
With many opportunities to experience nature, including on horseback, in a sleigh, while Nordic and backcountry skiing, hiking or simply meandering, you’ll leave your vacation refreshed—and full of good food.
The Green View
Tucked into the Routt National Forest, Vista Verde Ranch is scenic and serene. The site was first homesteaded in 1916. The place was named in the 1930s by Jennie Tufly, sister of then co-owner Salome Tufly. She said “Vista Verde!” when she saw the ranchland’s newly irrigated hay fields over what is now the Sunday pasture.
Vista Verde became a guest ranch beginning in 1975. In 2016, Laura and Chris Jones purchased the ranch and have continued the vision of the previous owners into today. Each cabin is outfitted for guest comfort with features such as hot tubs, rain showers, bathrobes, kitchenettes, plush seating, and comfortable beds that make it easy to recharge during down time. The panoramic views of forests and meadows invite you to quiet your mind and encourage you to step out into nature.
Creating Traditions
Dale and Judy Willis are from Palmetto, a town just south of Tampa on the Gulf coast of Florida. Dale retired from a career in crop protection and agriculture two years ago. This was their seventh time to Vista Verde. They love to travel for their January 29 anniversary. They took turns selecting an all-inclusive location—years ago, Dale picked the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. The next year, Judy picked a resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Then Dale found Vista Verde online and decided to book it for their anniversary trip.
“We came out here, fell in love with it, and we’ve been here every year since for our anniversary,” Dale says. “This is just our traditional anniversary week.”
Guests enjoy creative, gourmet meals three times a day, with happy hour appetizers and freshly baked cookies in the Great Room to boot. Director of Food and Beverage Jonathon Gillespie and Executive Chef Ben Huston ensure each bite is a delight for the senses.
Meals are held in the Lodge at communal tables that nudge guests toward good conversation. Indeed, these times are a highlight of the trip for many visitors. Staff are friendly and engaging, and as your days progress, you’ll feel right at home, even if it’s your first visit to the ranch.
The Willises gushed about the “world-class food” and the friendly staff they often see year after year. Connecting with other guests is also a highlight for the retired couple.
“We’ve met so many different people, but we’ve also met people that we stay in contact with,” Dale said. “You just feel plugged in here. It’s all about interacting and having a fun time talking. It’s a relaxing atmosphere. Everybody’s coming up here for a retreat to get away and enjoy the beauty of it.”
Build Your Own Adventure
Ben Martin is Vista Verde’s Executive General Manager. Originally from Terre Hill, Penn., Martin has worked at the ranch for over 18 years. Martin says the “50,000-foot level” mission of the ranch is to “breathe life into people.”
“We try to be intentionally authentic,” Martin says. “I like to think of this as an oasis place to get away and connect with other people. We want them to leave here feeling renewed and restored.”
Throughout your stay, staff will help you plan your days’ activities. There’s no hurry or stress, you’re presented with options—or you can simply rest for one or more time slots.
If it’s winter, perhaps you feel like taking a snowshoe trek, sleigh ride, ice-fishing expedition or dogsled experience. In the warmer months, you can go hiking, fly fishing, do archery, get a massage, and more. Horseback riding is an option year-round. Yes, even in winter, an hour-long trail is cleared to allow guests to take in the scenery covered in snow aboard a gentle equine.
The large herd of horses at Vista Verde are friendly and gentle. Riders of all ages, sizes and abilities can find the perfect partner for an adventure. Before setting out for a trail, you can participate in riding instruction—or even choose to attend a horsemanship clinic on site. When you’re comfortable, your guide will point your group into the ranch’s plentiful acreage for your ride.
A Magical Experience
The Willises, both 70, are celebrating their 47th anniversary this year. They love many things about Vista Verde Guest Ranch, particularly during their wintry week. They go first for the snow.
“We don’t get to enjoy this kind of stuff, so we’re loving it,” Dale says. “Last year, the snow was over our head. It was so high, it was unreal. This is unique for us.”
The picturesque setting is something they look forward to every year.
“We love the scenery—you’re looking out over the mountains and seeing all this beautiful snow,” Dale says. “At night, the lights are in the trees—that’s one of the things that draws you back.”
Relaxing in a hot tub and lounging around the impeccably appointed cabins—intentionally without television or internet—offers an opportunity to unwind and disconnect from the grind of everyday life.
“It’s pretty nice to come in after a day of activities and jump in the hot tub and relax—no TV,” says Dale. “And cell phone is limited, so it’s nice. It’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle of everything we go through every day.”
They enjoy the variety of activities available, including snowshoeing and horseback riding—and even ice fishing and dogsledding.
“You can do two or three things a day, and every day you can do something different,” Dale says. “We’ve tried it all.”
Social activities such as trivia night, poker night and live music bring light-hearted entertainment to the schedule.
“I am tickled to death to watch the band on Thursday night, to do the line dancing and all of that,” Dale says. “It’s just fun.”
When it’s time to head home, bags packed and loaded, don’t forget to take a look around to imprint the scene in your mind where you can recall it during a hectic day. There’s nothing like spending time at a place like Vista Verde to reorient your spirit.
Plan your visit at vistaverde.com.
This article about Vista Verde Guest Ranch appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
