tarryall river ranch

I turned 65 this year and going to a dude ranch was on my bucket list, (as well as white water rafting, which was also included at this ranch). After going thru many dude ranch descriptions, I decided on Tarryall RR. What a GREAT choice. I can't say enough good things about it. The operator, Bex, and her staff were OUTSTANDING!! It is their goal to make your vacation fun & memorable and that's exactly what they delivered. The horseback riding was great, food was excellent (all made from scratch) line dancing, campfires, you name it & it was delivered with that western hospitality. It's in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains & pine trees, which make the horseback rides breathtaking beautiful (but phone service & internet can be sketchy). The rustic cabins are well spaced apart (which does require a good walk to the dining hall) but after the great meals we were served, a good walk was necessary. There are no TV's or radio's...but you don't even miss them, as you fall, exhausted, into your comfy bed, from the mountain air and ranch activities. This truly is a relaxing vacation geared for all ages, singles, families, couples. It's a small ranch which is nice because within a few days, you know all the folks there. The ranch motto is "You'll leave your heart with us in the heart of Colorado" and that is so true. I hope to go back next year.

6 cowgirls visited this ranch for 4days from the 27th to the 31st of August. I am a travel agent and spent many hours researching dude ranches before coming up with the perfect place.We all loved it, from the wonderful owners, to the beautiful mountain scenery, great food, excellent facilities. The 6 of us were in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath cabin which suited our needs perfectly.In the evening, there are always activities, music, square dancing, hayrides and much more. A heated pool and hot tub await you after your daily rides on horseback. All in all, a perfect get away for families with children, cowgirls on the loose, couples just wanting to get away for peace and quiet. Also, river rafting, trap shooting and fly fishing on the Tarryall River running through the ranch.Hope the new owners will be accommodating as the Tesch family, it will be difficult to match their hospitality and kind ways.

This is a nice ranch. The owners are friendly, and overall the riding is good. Here are some things I didn't see in the other reviews I read before going to Tarryall.The area around the ranch is hilly. Be prepared to walk up and down hills to get from your cabin, to barn, dinning or friends' cabins (if you can drive if you have a car).More important, I think this ranch should be advertised as a Christian ranch. The rooms have Bibles and pamphlets “Learning from the Parables of Christ”. The centerpiece of the dining tables is a large sculpture of a cowboy kneeling at a cross. Very nice sculpture, BTW. On the first ride a guest asked the wrangler why she came to Tarryall, and she said that it was because of its Christian values. And so on. As hospitality business I think the ranch should either advertise itself as a Christian ranch, or recognize that they need to be welcoming to all.Re the food: Most people really enjoy it. But there’s meat 5 out of 7 days, and the food is really ‘hearty.’ If you have food requirements do let them know in advance.Last point. When a guest requested a different horse (was uncomfortable on horse was riding), was told no (‘you’ll get used to it’). Never saw this in my many years of ranch vacations.

This was the best vacation ever. Lots of horseback riding, fishing, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The homemade food was phenomenal, and it was cleaner than I can ever remember anyplace I've ever stayed. The staff was unbelievably friendly and helpful, and they were willing to make sure you were able to be matched up to a horseback ride that was within your ability level. There were many rides to choose from; from the very beginning rides to an overnight ride where you can camp out under the stars. Even white water rafting was available, but we chose not to participate in that. The heated pool and jacuzzi with no closing time was a pleasant place to relax, and the fireplace in our cabin was always stocked with plenty of firewood and kindling for a nice fire each night. The nightly activities were very fun, and the hayride and bonfire were a nice touch. The clay shooting was also great. No TV or radios in rooms, VERY QUIET and peaceful! Loved it, wished I was there right now!!