GR Bar Ranch

The G R Bar Ranch has been one of the most fun vacations we have spent in Colorado. Located near beautiful Paonia, the ranch offers 4 cabins for a week long stay; cabins are a mile to a mile and a half from each other so you feel like all the ranch belongs to you. Each cabin comes with 2 horses and their tack. (You can get more for an additional price.) When the husband and I checked into the ranch and Arrowhead cabin, their ranch hand brought us a matching set of ponies and started to show us basic horse care. Once he realized I was an experienced horse person, he said for us to come get him if we needed any help. Other than the ranch hand coming back the next day to ask if I would trade my pony because they needed an easy horse for another family for Smitty, the ranch's pack horse who had not been ridden all summer but knew Smitty and I would be fine together, we had the ranch to ourselves. There are tons of trails to ride on, lakes to fish in, boats to paddle in, and 4 wheel roads to drive on (all inclusive). We did not see any of the other families the whole week. Now, if you are not such an isolationist as we are, you can go down to the main lodge for a visit with other families or the owners. The cabins are run by propane and slightly rustic. You have all the comforts of home except a TV and telephone which is what we wanted for our vacation escape. We did go into town to get fresh peaches and other food but basically spent an incredible week catching up with each other and pretending Arrowhead was our private cabin. From reading the guest book, families come year after year even leaving some personal items such as games and sports equipment doing the same thing we did, pretending this was their private get away. The only reason G R Bar gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because they advertise the great fishing in their lakes. Since we were there at the end of the season, most fish had been fished out and eaten. This made the husband a bit cranky as he is a catch and release man. Other than that, I cannot even begin to tell you how fabulous the G R Bar Ranch is for a family vacation. And once you go, you become their family and receive a Christmas card every year.

I have stayed at GR Bar Ranch several times, and each time was magical. If you love nature and the outdoors, and you're looking for a private slice of heaven, this is the place for you. It is literally off the beaten path (you should have 4 wheel drive) and not one of those places where there are ten cabins next to each other and you wave to one another from your individual fire pits in the evening. No, this is the real deal! You are alone, you have no neighbors, and there is endless abundant nature to explore. I loved my early morning cup of coffee on the front porch. The air smells so good and just listening to the little sounds around me, the rustle of the leaves, the small animals and birds, was so soothing. It is rustic (everything runs on propane), but you will have everything you need in one of the most beautiful places there are. I was actually worried about my teenage son on a recent visit (there is no "free wifi" and cell reception is spotty or nonexistent), but he loved it! This is a wonderful place for families to connect the old fashioned way - play a board game, hike, fish, go horseback riding, or just relax. I have heard they also have great hunting for those so inclined. My family and I will definitely be back for another visit, and I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful place to anyone looking for a very special vacation spot. Five stars!!