Wide Open Spaces
Create Memories at C Lazy U Ranch | By Ronda M. Parag

		Breathtaking panaramas abound

Escape to the mountains of Colorado for a vacation of a lifetime. Discover the cowboy life at the upscale dude ranch of the C Lazy U. Since 1946, generations from all over the United States travel to Granby, Colorado to experience the simple lifestyle of the Old West. Many of the guests return year after year, generation after generation, and consider their C Lazy U friends new found family. The ranch is open during the summer, winter and holiday months.

The C Lazy U combines the luxuries of a modern resort offering daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service, plush robes, snacks and fresh fruit basket replenished daily. A variety of 40 guest rooms offer a combination of size and western décor including children’s rooms with twin beds and bunks. Amenities include heated spring-fed swimming pool and Jacuzzi, sauna, game room and fitness center. The family-friendly ranch offers programs for kids ages 3 -17.

Rush Hour at the C Lazy U Ranch

Most guests stay for a week, arriving and departing on Sunday. Upon arrival, guests are greeted warmly and shown to their accommodations. After a quick rest, the newest posse of cowboys and cowgirls are interviewed by Head Wrangler Bill Fisher to understand their riding ability and personality. Introductions are made to the ride for the week from over 160 available horses. If all goes well, two rides are planned daily. Guests and the wranglers have a pow-wow to decide which trails or areas to discover on the 8,000-acre ranch.

Kids have the opportunity to make new friends and discover the simple pleasures of life on a dude ranch. The children’s programs are supervised based on age groups. After a sumptuous, family-style breakfast with the parents, kids are occupied with planned activities through lunch. The mornings are spent with horseback riding instruction and entertaining games and activities. After lunch, children under 12 go back to their rooms for a couple hours of downtime. Afternoons are planned with activities including fly fishing, hiking and another horseback ride. Parents join their children after dinner for evening activities including square dancing, singing around the campfire, skits, and the special C Lazy U branding. Each family brings items including belts, hats and boots to be branded with the symbol of the ranch—a truly memorable keepsake. At the end of the week, everyone shows their horsemanship skills in the Saturday night “Shodeo.”

The Lodge serves three meals a day and hosts guests around a fire pit on the porch.

Located approximately 85 miles west of Denver, the C Lazy U opens for the summer season on June 8. From July 6-15 and 20-27, a 50 percent discount is available for children ages 3-17 (one child per paying adult). After a one year hiatus, the original Horse Whisperer Buck Brannaman returns to conduct a horsemanship and cow working clinic from August 25-29. Brannaman inspired the book and movie, directed by Robert Redford, The Horse Whisperer.

For more information and rates on C Lazy U,
visit www.clazyu.com or call 970-887-3344.

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