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About
#1 of 18 Specialty lodging in Buena Vista
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Travelers' Choice
Nestled in the San Isabel National forest with off-the-beaten path charm. Near Buena Vista, Colorado and adjacent to the Browns Canyon National Monument. Weekly package includes meals, lodging and activities - horseback riding, white water rafting, shooting sports, van trip to Aspen, excursion to ropes & adventure park, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hayride, square dance, childrens' program and more. Massage extra. 35 pampered guests.
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Room & Suite (14)14
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot tub
Free breakfast
Archery
Bicycle rental
Babysitting
Books, DVDs, music for children
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Bicycles available
Game room
Hiking
Horseback riding
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Karaoke
Patio
Water park offsite
Board games / puzzles
Children's playground
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Full body massage
Massage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Hotel links
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Reviews
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Popular mentions
Elk Mountain Ranch is amazing, simply put! We have 4 children (ages 8-15) and travel a lot. This has been one of, if not the best, family trips we have ever been on and even the kids didn't want to leave. Owners Tom and Sue have truly made this a remarkable experience, treating every guest as if they are family. Being that we visited during Covid-19, the already small number of guests at the ranch was even smaller, which allowed us to get get to know the other guests as well. We were fortunate enough to be there with a really fun group of people who were friendly, interesting, and became part of our ranch family. The staff at the ranch are an amazing group of young people who are outgoing, motivated, and very talented not to mention super nice- they were so great with all my kids! The activities never get boring- from the beautiful and well mannered horses to the white water rafting, shooting, archery, rope course, corn hole, feeding the baby animals (which my kids did a lot!). The country side is gorgeous and you never go on the same trail ride twice. Even the food was top notch- I have to give a huge shout out to Michelle, the chef while we were there. She hopes to open her own restaurant some day and I will definitely be there when she does! Overall, I can't say enough about this ranch as an experience for your whole family! We will be back for sure.…
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Date of stay: August 2020
Helpful
Response from Sue Murphy, Owner at Elk Mountain Ranch
Responded Oct 26, 2020
Nishi - you have an awesome family. Please tell the kids thank you for all of their help. Future wranglers and petting zoo keepers!
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Property's Favorite Review
This summer we made our third trip to Elk Mountain Ranch. And, as always, it felt like we were coming home. The owners, Tom and Sue Murphy, have run the ranch since the 80's and they truly make everyone who passes through their gates feel like family! One of the best things about Elk Mountain Ranch is it is a "boutique" dude ranch, hosting only 30 guests at a time! Because of this intimate atmosphere, you are able to bond with the other guests and, sometimes, make lifelong friends! The staff is absolutely stellar -- well trained, so so helpful, and some of the kindest, friendliest people you will ever meet. Upon arrival they are all there to greet you by name and make you feel so welcome. Our favorite time at the ranch is spent on their amazing horses -- you get your very own horse for the week, so you are also able to make a special bond with your horse! The location of the ranch encompasses some of the most beautiful lands in Colorado which make for incredible views and photo opportunities! Other fun activities include the thrilling white water raft trip down the Arkansas River and visit to Aspen via the Continental Divide! The food is delicious, and I am very pick about what I eat. LOL. We love it all and would highly recommend if you love the mountains, horses, and the great outdoors! We will be back a fourth time, FOR SURE!…
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Date of stay: June 2020
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Helpful
Response from Sue Murphy, Owner at Elk Mountain Ranch
Responded Oct 26, 2020
We always love having you and are so thankful for your kind words. Hope to see you for number 4!
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7 full days of fun and adventure, Sue and Tom and their family, wranglers and staff made me feel like I was in summer camp again. We stayed in the Elk cabin above the lodge and I awakened to the smell of bacon and breakfast every morning. Everyone was friendly and felt like family. Tom and his wranglers take very good care of their stock and tack. Every ride was well planned. The horses were well trained. Each guest was fitted to their horse. There was rifle and trap shooting (overseen by Tom and his staff), white water rafting on the Arkansas river, line dancing, bonfires with s’mores and over the week all of us came together as a group of friends. Wonderful!!!
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Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Call Sue, she will organize the best room for you.
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Helpful
Response from Sue Murphy, Owner at Elk Mountain Ranch
Responded Oct 26, 2020
Always young at heart Coleen. Thank you for a great time. We enjoyed you - and my mom sure loved your company.
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I spent a week at Elk Mountain ranch in mid July and hated to leave. Tom and Sue Murphy have created a very special place to relax and take in some of the most scenic area in Colorado . The ranch is located in the middle of the San Isabel National Forest so the horseback rides I went on were in areas that looked as pristine as they must have 200 years earlier , views at times were breathtaking . The ranch has a very cozy and family oriented atmosphere and the meals are all family style , food is excellent . The staff are all friendly and helpful , and there is very deliberate attention paid to make sure each horse ride is both fun and safe. There are other things besides horse back riding to enjoy as well as great views to just sit and admire from around the ranch. One of the employees I was most impressed with was a young man named Richard who was the head of the maintenance department , I found him to be very helpful when asked to do something . Overall I cannot recommend this place enough , for families , couples or a single person who just wants to get away to the mountains . A memorable place and trip, I look forward to returning . Nick Bragorgos…
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Date of stay: July 2020
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Sue Murphy, Owner at Elk Mountain Ranch
Responded Oct 26, 2020
Thank you for your kind words. And, yes, the staff was amazing! We are so blessed to have spent the summer with all of these special young folks.
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We visited Elk Mt. Ranch this June and once again found it to be so welcoming with Tom and Sue leading an outstanding staff. The scenery is magnificent and the rides range from easy to challenging. The food is too good and the accommodations just right for a ranch vacation. Lots of activities to keep all in the family interested and all this was accomplished with COVID-19 precautions, cleaning and activities modified to maximize safety. This is our favorite vacation and we suspect it will be yours.
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Date of stay: June 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: The accommodations are all shown online so you can pick which one suits you best.
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Helpful
Response from Sue Murphy, Owner at Elk Mountain Ranch
Responded Oct 26, 2020
So glad we can be your favorite vacation (and that is not taken lightly as we know that you have traveled to many wonderful places). So glad you were ready to get out and travel - we thank you for your trust in us.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
elk mountain ranch hotel buena vista
LOCATION
United StatesColoradoChaffee CountyBuena Vista
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Elk Mountain Ranch
Which popular attractions are close to Elk Mountain Ranch?
Nearby attractions include San Isabel National Forest (4.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Elk Mountain Ranch?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Elk Mountain Ranch?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Elk Mountain Ranch have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Elk Mountain Ranch offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Elk Mountain Ranch?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Does Elk Mountain Ranch have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.