“What a wonderful place for a family reunion! In our 60+ years, last week at the ranch was the best vacation of our lives. Thank you! You delivered everything you advertised and more. The wranglers were
genuinely friendly, helpful, caring and above all safety conscious. Staff personnel responsible for the children's program were excellent. We never had any concern for the welfare of our grandchildren. Food preparation, housekeeping, and the service personnel were outstanding.
Meals and entertainment were great. Accommodations were comfortable and charming. Horse school taught by Tom was tremendous and we attribute his instruction to our lack of soreness. Sue you were a delightful host. The ranch was perfect for the family reunion of our diverse family.
The other guests were an overall bonus to our enjoyment and memories.
” |
The Weavers - Texas
|
“Holiday of a lifetime! If you are a couple, friends or a family, you will have the time of your life at Elk Mountain. The place is made even more special by the owners, Tom and Sue, and their professional, friendly and hardworking staff
who cannot do enough for you. The cabins were spotlessly clean and the food plentiful, freshly prepared and excellent quality. The scenery was breathtaking both at the ranch and on the rides. We rode most days, but there are also activities for non riders or if you feel like a break, such as white water raft trips or trips
to the hot springs. There is always something to do in the evening too. You are encouraged to do as little or as much as you like . . . we only sat down to eat! We truly enjoyed every minute of our week and will definitely return to enjoy the amazing hospitality again.
” |
R. Carter and M. Herbert - United Kingdom
|
“Thank you for working with me on my merit badge. Please thank the wranglers that helped me with my merit badge. I had a great time at the Ranch. I really enjoyed the 20 gauge shot gun shooting, 22 rifle shooting, white water raft trip, and the
hours and hours of riding. Thank the cooks for me for their great food.
” |
Ryan T. - age 13
|
“Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful week with my family. It was so nice to breathe such clean air, drink such good water and meet new people. We loved the entire staff, they could not have been more cordial, helpful and fun loving. All the children said
it was their Best Vacation Ever! Thanks again for the great memories and the kindness shown by the staff. All three grandchildren were crying when they had to leave.
” |
Krumpelman Reunion - Kentucky
|
“Thank you for such a special trip. It fulfilled a dream I've always had of riding a beautiful horse through the woods, over the meadows and up the mountains. It was such a special, special time for mother and son to share what we love to do.
I have such warmth in my heart for the staff. What an extended family you have become in one short week. Thank you for a beautiful experience!
” |
J. Tanaka
|
“Thanks for a fantastic week which exceeded our expectations. We never would have believed we could have trotted and cantered after just one week. The staff made us feel part of the family and we've been at home here. Your website was
what attracted us here and what a great find it was too! Sorry to leave, but we hope to be back.
” |
H. & M. Flicos - United Kingdom
|
“What an awesome vacation! You obviously love what you do -- and it definitely shows in the warmth and hospitality you extend to your guests. We immediately felt at home and couldn't have felt more welcome.
” |
The Parkhurst Family
|
“WOW! Any expectations I had were shattered. We truly
had the time of our lives. I've never seen such beautiful country. The horses were great. We truly could not
have had a better time. To say the staff was superb is an understatement. We will take away life long memories:
the beautiful people - staff & guests, food, fun and friendship.
” |
Craig S. and Family - August, Georgia
|
“Every expectation was blown away! Every detail of the week put a smile on our faces,
and we'll remember this week forever. The entire staff was incredible, the food terrific, the cabins adorable . . then there were the
horses . . . thank you for much more than a vacation - it was a life memory.
” |
The Shinskie Family - Kansas City
|
“The ranch has ruined me for civilization forever. How can I ever be satisfied looking at flat land and traffic after this, the greatest week ever lived?
You have restored my faith in humanity with your kindness, humor and work ethic. I've never felt more connected
with my family. This place is magic.
” |
K. Lingenfelter - Michigan
|
“I spent the week after our departure mentally noting the time of day and what activity would be underway
at the ranch. I made the BBQ brisket and cowboy cookies, and my boots are still sitting in our entryway with a little coating of Elk Mountain Ranch
arena dust. I cannot bear to put them away. A nice vacation gives you a break from life, but a great vacation changes your life.
I have more peace and more daring because of my time on your trails.
” |
K. Burnson & Emma - California
|
“We had a great week! Loved the trail rides especially
through the aspen forest. The wranglers have lots of patience with "cowboy" guests. Whitewater rafting trip was awesome!
Wonderful food - a special thanks for the "special diet" needs. Great housekeeping staff . . . never allowed us to lift
a hand. Thanks for a memorable week, hope to return some day!
” |
The Kesslers - Atlanta, Georgia
|
“This vacation was definitely a "more than expected"
experience. The horseback riding was absolutely amazing! The overnighter was great. I wish I could take LaMour home with me, she will be very missed.
But the staff members will be impossible to forget! You guys (and girls) made everything possible and it is very appreciated.
I don't want to go home. But I do promise to come back one day.
” |
Ashley - 16 years old
|
“We had such a vague idea of what a Dude Ranch would mean when we got here. It has defined
itself in so many unexpected beautiful ways in the week we have been here that words really do it no justice. The vistas, the warm loving people, the great meals
and animals who show the love and care they have received are only a small part of what it means to be here. It has been an honor and a pleasure to share
your exquisite piece of God's best work - Colorado.
” |
The L. Reunion - Saginaw, Michigan
|
“We have truly enjoyed our time with all of you this week. The time and energy
you give to your guests makes this place so special. You've been blessed with the gift of hospitality. It has been a joy to get away from all
the digital conveniences of home. Thanks again for the commitment and sacrifices you make. It made our vacation one we will never forget.
” |
Michael, Kelly, Chris and Nathan
|
“Thank you to Tom, Sue, and the entire staff for providing our family with a truly great vacation!
It takes us 51 weeks of running around, checking emails, faxes and answering cell phones and 1 week of enjoying beautiful scenery, meeting great people and enjoying the wonderful
people that work at the ranch to realize that the best things in life are free. Thanks for taking us out of the rat race for a week and allowing us to enjoy the natural beauties of
Elk Mountain Ranch. We look forward to our next visit.
” |
The Santilli Family - Rhode Island
|
“What a vacation! You all "wowed" us with your service and hospitality. When I decided to come to a Ranch, I didn't expect a
world class vacation. I enjoyed every activity, and I am thankful for each opportunity this week presented. All the staff were more than great hosts; you all have become friends. Thanks to all the wranglers
for a fabulous overnight trip.
” |
Naomi & Mandi
|
“Picture a 9 year old girl begging her parents every year for a horseback riding vacation - - now 35 years laters that dream is realized.
I'm sure it was fate that I had to wait that long, because I can appreciate that much more. Over every hill and turn on my trusty steed, Josey, I marveled and awed over what is an artist's painting come to life - - each flower, rock, shrub and tuft of grass, the smell of sweet sage, the clouds making shadows over the mountain side.
At the top of Katie's Peak, I found my heaven. There are not words to describe my feelings. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
” |
L. Thomas
|
| “What
a wonderful time we had at the ranch! Never dreamed it would be
so great! Yours is a "first class" operation, and we're looking
forward to a return visit.” |
The Stovalls - Orange, California
|
“What a great week.
You and your wonderful staff put together a great experience for our family.
There were too many highlights to name them all. Maybe the best thing was that we
stepped away from computers and TVs long enough to share some great family experiences.
” |
The Lackner Family
|
“What
an intelligent, patient, loving, articulate and exciting group of people. You
are an inspiration to all of us and you all remind us of how much we have in common
with one another.” |
Bob and Family
|
“Merci beaucoup!
Many thanks for an absolutely fantastic week - our family of 14 had an unmatchable
week of riding, shooting, walking, relaxing, and just enjoying the colorado mountains and
all of the Elk Mountain hospitality.” |
The Valette Reunion
|
“Thank you so much for such a great
time. The beauty of the mountains can only be mirrored by your kindness and hospitality. I feel
truly blessed to be able to spend a truly magnificent week with my daughter in a place as beautiful
as this. We will be back. Thanks for all you've done to take care of our needs.” |
Kym - Indiana
|
“This
was a true miracle for our family. I thank you deeply. You amaze me with your solid
structure, attention to safety and flexibility to meet the needs of everyone.” |
Nancy and family reunion - Ohio
|
“On behalf of the whole family,
I would like to say thank you for making our first trip to Colorado our best vacation ever.
Your family and staff captured our hearts with your hospitality. One of the nicest things in life is to see
your children happy and that they were. Now all I need to figure out is what to do with a little 10 year
old city slicker who wants to grow up to be a cowgirl!” |
Jan & Duke
|
Rich and 10 year-old son, Brody - Rhode Island
|
“We arrived with
high expecations (from earlier testimonials!) but you all have exceeded every one of them.
We feel like we have been welcomed into the life of a large and happy family. You have made us feel so
totally at home, completely relaxed and thoroughly spoiled. Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation.
We can't wait to be back.” |
The Goodfellow Family - Louisiana
|
| “Thanks for turning
our fantasy vacation into reality - beyond our wildest expectations. Tom, Sue and
the staff are the best!” |
Steve & Janet
|
“This
is one vacation that we thoroughly enjoyed and will never forget.
You'll be in our hearts forever. To us the ranch is like heaven;
the best place on Earth. The good Lord willing, we'll be back next
year.” |
The Edmunds - Maryland
|
| “Thanks
for a great week at Elk Mountain Ranch. We enjoyed meeting all of
you as well as the other guests during the week. The week will be
remembered for friendship, adventure, service, humor and great fun.
Thank you all.” |
The French Family - Angola, Indiana
|
| “Once
again, thank you so much for a FANTASTIC week! We definitely had
"ranch withdrawls". Well, you were right when you commented on how
we will leave saying, "this was the best trip I have been on!" Thanks
to you both and your hardworking staff. We had a wonderful, enjoyable
and relaxing week. We could not speak more highly of Elk Mountain
Ranch.” |
The Warlicks - Chevy Chase, Maryland
|
| “For
about a week or two after our return home our heads and hearts were
still at Elk Mountain. Checked our lottery ticket as soon as we
hit Florida, and if we had won, we would have packed up our cats
and headed West. Too bad — we had to face reality.” |
The Fagans - Pompano Beach, Florida
|
| “We
wanted to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful vacation. We
all had a wonderful time and have many great memories to look back
upon. The first evening we said we were at Elk Mountain for fresh
air, vistas, and fun. There's no question our wishes were fulfilled.
What we didn't expect was how much we'd enjoy the outstanding staff
& other guests. Your staff was ALWAYS friendly, fun loving and welcoming.
Our enjoyment felt like a priority, and we're all grateful! Thanks
for your Dude Ranch hospitality and the great Food - - diets for
the rest of the summer.” |
The Turcot Family - Peoria, Illinois
|
| “You
run a wonderful ranch, and our week at Elk Mountain was everything
we ever dreamed of . . . and more. At least once a day someone will
check the time and comment on what's going on now at Elk Mountain.
I think this will continue for a long time. Thanks again for everything.” |
The Gullotti Family - Jamestown,
New York
|
| “You
made me feel welcome — like family. What a terrific bunch
of young people you have. Each and every one is very competent with
the patience of a saint and a great sense of humor. The food was
outstanding. Everything was delicious. My compliments to the chef.
Your program of activities was great. Enough to do so I was never
bored, but not so much that I needed a vacation to recover from
my vacation. I even had time to pick up my feet and relax with a
good book! A truly unforgettable week.” |
B. Curry - Florida
|
“What
a fantastic time we had with you all on the Ranch! It was everything
we had hoped for . . . and more. I still can't believe that I cried
when we left on Sunday, but I happily could have stayed forever.
The times listening to the evening poetry and songs made us rethink
our own evenings entertainment. Ben is now strumming away on his
guitar, and I've promised to dust the piano keyboard. We've been
playing cards and sitting in front of the log burner with our newspapers
and books. The television hasn't been switched on since we got home!” |
Ben & Serena - United Kingdom
|
