Summer Weekend Escape: Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado

The Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch is considered the oldest continually operating guest ranch in Colorado. It is located southwest of the Rocky Mountain National Park in a peaceful valley along the Colorado River. They can accommodate 42 guests to enjoy a true west experience.

The Bar Lazy J Ranch has a long history of providing lodging for wayward travelers. In the early days, many travelers would stop at ranches and ask for lodging. Many business savvy ranchers decided to start charging for these services. This eventually evolved into what became "Dude Ranches" - a ranch that took in guests.

All activities are included in the cost of your stay at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch. These activities include horseback riding, fishing which includes fly-fishing, the children's dude ranch program, breakfast horseback rides, spa horseback rides, and evening rides. There are also jeep rides, guided hikes, and a sightseeing van trip available.

You can lounge around in the 20 x 40 heated swimming pool or soak your tired bones from all the activities in the warm Jacuzzi. There are mountain bikes available to take trail rides in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. The recreation barn is always open for a game of ping-pong, shuffleboard, air-hockey, or foosball.

Some of the many evening activities include hayrides, campfire sing-a-longs and western dance. The staff also puts on a show for quest. If you are into rodeos there is one nearby to take the family to also. Walks under the clear open skies are also a great choice.

The horseback rides provided take you through the Arapaho National Forest hills and rocky mountain terrain. Twice a day they offer scenic, moderate and adventure horseback riding on the many trails in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The guest staff carefully matches you riding skills with the right horse for you. They have a herd of over 70 horses to select from and riding instructions are provided.

The Kid's Dude Ranch program allows your children to ride along with other children their own age. There are also arts and crafts activities. They can also swim, hike, play games along with learning how to ride and take care of horses. The program is flexible and designed to meet the needs of children of all age groups. It is designed for safety and fun.

The Kid's Dude Ranch program id broken up into Range Riders (ages 7-12) where they are assigned a horse for daily trail rides. Children's counselors supervise the Lil Buckaroos (ages 3-6) on horseback rides in the back pasture.

Guest meals are served in the historic lodge. Lunches are buffet style on the screened in porch, which gives you a great view of the Colorado River. With advance notice, meals can be provided for quests on special diets.

The rental cabins sleep two to eight people. They all have screened in porches facing the Colorado River. The cabins are cleaned daily and beds are made. Free laundry services are also available for quests.

For more information on reservations and rates, please contact the Lazy Bar J Guest Ranch at:

Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch

P.O. Box N

447 County Road 3

Parshall, CO 80468

Ph: 970-725-3437

800-396-6279

www.barlazyj.com