If you're itching to lose cellphone service and get a little dirt under your fingernails, look no further than Sundance Trail Guest Ranch! Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is an all-inclusive dude ranch located just northwest of Fort Collins. During the summer, guests can pick from either a four day stay or a seven day stay. From fall to spring, guests can escape just for a night! Sundance Trail has many events throughout the year, including murder mysteries and photography workshops, and if you just want to do a trail ride, they accommodate that too! A perfect location for a getaway, wedding or reunion, Sundance Trail is a place of connection, relaxation and rest.
We spoke with Barb Batt, an employee at Sundance Trail, to learn more about her Fort Collins favorites and what makes Sundance Trail Guest Ranch unique!
What do you love about Fort Collins?
Being in the peaceful, scenic area of Red Feather Lakes is a dream come true, but having Fort Collins just 45 minutes away means we never have to compromise on essentials or variety. Fort Collins offers everything we need, from specialty supplies for the ranch to fantastic dining options that we just can’t get in our little corner of the mountains.
What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins is a fantastic escape for us, offering the best of city conveniences with a laid-back vibe that still feels close to home. We love spending time at the local breweries, where the craft beer scene is unmatched—sampling unique flavors and seasonal brews is always a treat. There's also something special about catching live music in an open-air amphitheater, where the mountain views make every concert feel unforgettable. And, of course, having access to great shopping is a big plus; Fort Collins has everything we need and more, making every trip as convenient as it is enjoyable!
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
(Shameless plug…) For a first-time visitor, a trip to Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is a must! Whether it’s a scenic trail ride or a full dude ranch vacation, it’s the perfect way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty up close. Beyond the ranch, rafting the Poudre River in the summer offers an exhilarating adventure and stunning views that are hard to beat. Fort Collins is also a prime spot for fishing, with serene lakes and rivers nearby. And, of course, no visit is complete without a brewery tour! Fort Collins’ craft beer scene is world-renowned, making it an unmissable experience for anyone who appreciates a great local brew.
What makes Sundance Trail Guest Ranch unique?
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch stands out as one of the most welcoming and authentic dude ranches in Colorado, where guests truly feel like family. Our laid-back, unplugged atmosphere allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Rockies without the distractions of modern life. What really sets us apart is our small size and personalized approach—we limit our guest count so we can offer a more intimate, tailored experience, from guided trail rides and cozy campfire nights to hearty, home-cooked meals shared around a communal table. Plus, we’re one of the few dude ranches where dogs are welcome, making us a perfect getaway for families who want to bring every member along, including their four-legged friends!
What is the story behind how Sundance Trail Guest Ranch got its start?
After 25 years in nursing—Dan in home care and hospice, and Ellen in oncology and women’s health—they realized they both shared the same dream: to take their passion for caring for people beyond the hospital walls and into the mountains, where they could combine it with their love for horseback riding and the outdoors. So, 25 years ago, Dan and Ellen took a leap, bought Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, and created a place where guests could feel like family, unplug, and connect with nature. This year is extra special as Dan and Ellen celebrate both our 50th wedding anniversary and 25 years of welcoming guests to share in the joy they've found on the ranch.
What do you want visitors to experience at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch?
At Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, our mission is to help families connect in the most genuine way possible—by spending quality time together, unplugging from the distractions of technology, and creating lifelong memories as they accomplish activities side by side. We want our guests to laugh, bond, and feel the joy of trying new things, whether that’s horseback riding, rock climbing, throwing a tomahawk, or simply hiking our beautiful mountain trails. As former nurses, we also ensure that this experience is accessible to families of all abilities, making outdoor adventure possible for everyone.
We believe in letting people truly experience life here—getting a little dirty, tired, maybe even sore, and discovering how invigorating that can be. Evenings at the ranch are just as special, with guests singing around the campfire, square dancing, or relaxing with coffee and fresh-baked cookies on the porch. Our goal is for visitors to leave feeling recharged and fully connected, having had time to simply be in nature, and—especially for kids—discovering the wonder of the outdoors.
At the heart of it all, we aim to delight each guest so they leave not only with joyful memories but also as part of our extended ranch family, eager to share their experiences and bring new friends to share the magic of Sundance Trail.
(Photos courtesy of Sundance Trail Guest Ranch)
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
Business Hours: 24/7 Year Round
Address: 17931 W County Rd 74e, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
Phone: (970) 224-1222
Email: office@sundancetrail.com
Website: https://www.sundancetrail.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SundanceTrail/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundancetrailguestranch/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sundancetrailranch
