Colorado's Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch

If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring natural wonder to explore in Mesa Verde Colorado, then a stop at Canyons of the Ancients Monument should be on your bucket list. This incredible geological formation is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. But what makes it even better is choosing the perfect place to stay after a long day of exploring. And that place is the Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch.

Aside from its convenient location near the monument, the unique working ranch with the various activities (like collecting eggs from the chicken coop!) will add more memories to your trip.

About the Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch

Ever wanted to stay on a working ranch? Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch in Cortez, Colorado offers just that opportunity. This ranch is home to a variety of animals including the cutest dogs! Guests can stay in one of the ranch’s cabins and help with the animals, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the country.

About the animals

A ranch is not without the farm animals that are part of their owner’s family. Here at their guest ranch, you can get up close and personal with various animals like longhorns, cows, chickens, and more (with their cute and whimsical names, though!).

From Quasimodo to Liberty the 4 horn sheep to Mickey the cute cow, her dogs Dolores, Booger, Trigger, puppy DJ and the whole gang, their company (along with hosts Garry and Ming) will be yours certainly make you feel welcome during your stay.

Lodging at the ranch

Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is a unique lodging option for those looking to experience Southwest Colorado in all its beauty.

Guests can stay in one of the ranch’s many cabins, furnished with authentic antique decor and local crafts, and offering stunning views of the surrounding canyon. Their farm-fresh produce, like the basket of eggs you keep in your fridge, garden vegetables, and grass-fed beef/lamb, offer a unique flavor of the ranch.

Cowboy Log Cabin

A trip to a guest ranch is definitely a taste of the Wild West, and the Cowboy Log Cabin is just the place. The cabin is cozy and comfortable with stunning views of the red rock canyons. It also features a beautiful queen bed, leather rocking chair, vintage dresser, kitchen cabinetry, and an outdoor propane BBQ grill for your roasting needs.

Wagstaff Hut

The Wagstaff Cabin is one of the most popular cabins at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch (and is the one I stayed in during my trip to Mesa Verde, Colorado!). It is perfect for couples or families who want to experience the beauty of the canyon peacefully while still having access to modern conveniences such as WiFi.

This cozy Appalachian-style cabin is made from 200-year-old logs and features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a living room with a fireplace to cozy up in during the cooler months. It also has a spacious veranda overlooking the canyon, which you can see while sipping your morning coffee (or tea).

Elden stone house

The Elden Stone House is a unique abode in the ranch’s arsenal. This fully restored and renovated 3 bedroom home was built in the 1880’s and offers guests a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, gazebo with BBQ, and spacious living room with rock walls. Guests can also enjoy their mornings on the terrace watching the sun rise over the canyon walls. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Elden Stone House is sure to exceed your expectations.

ranch house

The Ranch House, the largest residence on the property, is perfect for extended family gatherings, intimate workshops, retreats or even wedding receptions. It comfortably sleeps eight guests and features four bedrooms, a master suite, living room, dining room, charming sunroom with scenic pasture/mountain views, and a covered porch with swing set. Wow!

It also has a stunning Saltillo floor, several family antiques and an eclectic collection of furniture from around the world. And did I mention that prominent figures such as President Lincoln, General Grant, and Col. Alfred Wagstaff (owner Garry’s great-grandfather) once dined at the very old indoor dining table in Long Island, NY in the 1860’s?

About the Canyons of the Ancients Monument

Of course, when staying at the ranch be sure to visit the nearby attractions and the Canyons of the Ancients Monument is an impressive piece of natural history well worth a visit. The memorial was erected in 2000 to protect and preserve the rich archaeological resources of the area. It covers an area of 176,056 acres and contains the largest concentration of archaeological sites in the United States!

With canyons and mesas abounding in ancient ruins, petroglyphs and pictographs, there is much to explore, whether on foot (many trails!), bike or even horseback.

How to Explore the Canyon of the Ancients Monument

Visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients Monument will find a wealth of hiking opportunities. The first step is to choose the perfect trail (like the Sand Canyon Trail). Once you’ve decided on a trail, it’s time to hit the road. And no hike is complete without a tasty picnic lunch, so pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey ahead.

Another fun way to explore the area is to do so on horseback. Dizziness! There is just something special about seeing the archeological sites of the ancient Pueblo Indians on horseback, which makes the experience truly epic. Canyon Trails Ranch can add to your Mesa Verde Country Bucket List by offering a truly unique experience for those wanting to explore the Canyons of the Ancients Monument with a four-legged friend.

Nestled between beautiful red rock formations and towering mesas, the ranch offers visitors access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Southwest. With experienced guides leading the way, even novice riders can feel safe exploring this amazing landscape. And if you’re looking for something really special, don’t miss to stay in one of their tiny wagons at their campsite.

. . .

Some places are just special, and Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is definitely one of them. With thousands of acres of peace and quiet and a chance to unwind, it’s the perfect location from which to explore all the area has to offer (like Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyons of the Ancients Monument).

I 100% loved my stay at the ranch, from the friendly and helpful owners Garry and Ming, to the beautiful scenery, to enjoying the fresh eggs in my cabin, and activities like horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the Colorado area.

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