Elkhorn Ranch was founded in 1922, and in the last 96 years they've learned quite a bit about how to create a great family experience.

The ranch has a recommended structure -- full day rides on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; breakfast on the trail on Wednesdays; dinner on the trail on Thursdays; and a square dance friday night; kids and adults generally ride separately. But there's a lot of flexibility, too. My group opted for more family rides, and cut some of the full day rides down to half days -- it was all easy.

My city slicker kids took to Elkhorn like fish to water. They'd never ridden horses before, but they loved riding and getting to know their horses. While they usually detest "kids clubs" at upscale resorts, they loved hanging at the kids rec hall, or down by the swimming hole, and ditching the adults. In general, they got to experience a freedom at Elkhorn that they don't often get at home -- able to ride a horse, come and go as they please on the ranch, yet operate in a small enough space that they could find us whenever they wanted.

To say the meals were hearty would be an understatement. They were massive three times a day, and I had to learn a bit of self control as the week went along. Being on a horse is cardio for the horse, not me.

Possible negatives: It's not a resort -- the accommodations are rustic in nature, there's no gym or massage option, and there are no TVs or even wifi in the cabins (there is wifi in the central office). Also, if you have dietary restrictions, it can be a bit more challenging. This is not where you go to be pampered.

Overall: Elkhorn Ranch exudes family fun. It's built for kids and grown ups to enjoy together, and has been operated by the same family for generations.

The perfect family vacation, where parents and children go their separate horseback ways and return at mealtime to share their experience. A great string of horses and wranglers, along with some of the most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, make this place special. Lots of great memories are made here.

What an amazing and authentic place offering a fantastic vacation catering to riders of all ages and abilities. We have found a multigenerational community and when we arrive feel as though we are at home. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. I have no idea how they cook such delicious food for a hungry crowd. The horses know what they are doing, even if I still don't. There is wonderful peace and quiet with no mobile phone service and limited wifi; yet our children – now 15 and 18 – keep wanting to go back. We have stayed at Elkhorn seven times and our recent vacation there will not be our last!