Enjoy cross-country skiing, sleigh and horseback riding, snowshoeing, hot tubs, and so much more!
Just a little over an hour out of Denver and about two hours out of Colorado Springs lies an all-season playground that is nestled in thousands of acres of Colorado wilderness just waiting for you to explore.
Devil's Thumb Ranch, in Tabernash, has a history spanning back to the early 1900s, and the current resort has been in operation over 15 years. It truly offers some of the best of all things Colorado, from authentic ranch life to modern luxuries. In fact, USA Today named it one of the Top Five Cross Country Ski Resorts in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The publication ranked it as the No. 1 Cross Country Destination resort in 2018.
"Welcome to a tucked-away haven of pure, untamed wonder – a place where yesterday’s views and values intersect with today’s adventures and comforts," says the resort's website.
Courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch (Facebook).
It's a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle, get back to nature, and immerse yourself in the winter season.
So, head up to Tabernash for a ton of adventure options and cozy amenities. Here are just a few of the activities the ranch has to offer:
Nordic Skiing: Nearly 120km of pristine snow awaits. Strap on your skis, and glide your way down groomed trails to beautiful scenery and a great workout. Daily passes are available, dogs on leashes are welcome, and rentals are also offered if you don't have skis of your own.
Snowshoeing: If you find yourself on the ground more than gliding on your Nordic skis then may snowshoeing is more your speed! Take a leisurely trek across a meadow or an adventurous walk through the woods. There are more than 20km of marked snowshoe trails to explore. Rentals are available.
Courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch (Facebook).
Hiking: Yes, even in winter taking to the trails on your own two feet is a beautiful way to enjoy the great outdoors. Concierges are available to recommend routes.
Fat Tire Biking: Coloradans love their bikes, and even a little snow on the ground won't deter us from taking a ride. Rent a fat tire bike and check out special sections of the Nordic trail system.
Ice Skating: Begin or end your day with a trip around the ranch's ice skating rink. Skate your cares away in the outdoor rink surrounded by a beautiful view of nature and the good-for-your-soul crisp mountain air.
Sleigh Rides and Horseback Riding: Let majestic horses do all the leg work for you, and experience the ranch's 6,000 acres by wagon or horseback. Please note that the horseback-trip availability is subject to weather conditions (and trust me, riding a horse in a blizzard isn't a whole lot of fun for either of you).
Courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch (Facebook).
There is also so much more to experience at the ranch. Enjoy the hot tub after a day of activities, take a yoga class, catch a movie in the 37-seat theater, play a round of pool, or book some relaxing and soothing services at the Ranch Creek Spa.
Lodging is available, and the resort's restaurants are award-winning. All in all, no matter how much time you spend, it's a perfect place to explore, enjoy, and indulge. Check out all of the year-round offerings at the ranch here.
Happy adventuring!
Where: Devil's Thumb Ranch, 3530 CR 83, Tabernash
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What do you think? Have you been to Devil's Thumb Ranch before? Tell us about your trip in the comments.
