The World's Top Guest, Working, Resort, Luxury and Ultra Ranch Vacations
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Lowdown

  • Established

    1996. Guest ranch since 2007
  • Owner

    Chrissy & Dave McFarren
  • Manager

    Chrissy and Dave McFarren
  • Tel

    (719) 837-2962
  • Open

    May-Oct
  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $384 - $499
  • Minimum Stay

    5 days
  • Maximum Guests

    8
  • Works with travel agents?

    No
  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Solitude, Diverse scenery, Weddings
  • Memberships

    Colorado Agri-Tourism Association, Audubon Conservation Ranching Initiative
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Badger Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated working ranch high above the Arkansas river valley in central Colorado. Working in alliance with our non-profit, Full Circle Alliance, our primary focus is land restoration and education. We're not a dude ranch, or even a guest ranch, but more of an educational center, with our Working Ranch Stewardship experience being an opportunity for guests to be part of our staff. We serve our ranch-raised meats and locally sourced food to our guests as often as we can. We also sell our ranch-raised meats to our meat customers via our website and local farmers markets.

Our goals are education, conservation and preservation of the land. Our ultimate goal is putting the land in trust for future generations.

Good time to go

From May through September there isn't a bad day to be at Badger Creek Ranch.

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 13 and over

Working Ranch Stewardship package - While we love children of all ages, due to the nature of our horse program and cattle work, guests must be able to ride independently. This is a more adult-focused ranch stay and to get the most out of a BCR stay, we recommend that our guests be at least 13 years of age.

Minimum age children can ride

13 and over

Activities

hiking, biking

Games

board games, horseshoes

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

“Green” Ranching

Here at Badger Creek Ranch, we believe that we are caretakers of this land. We practice living “green” and continue to learn and expand in this area. BCR is an “off the grid” property. This means that we rely on solar power for our energy use. We do our best to be mindful of this and build our energy use routines around the daylight hours in order to conserve fuel needed otherwise. The ranch composts all organic materials including manure from the animals and scraps from our kitchen. This compost then gets used as fertilizer for our garden and hay meadows. We recycle all plastic, cardboard and aluminum in order to minimize what goes into the landfill. We reuse MANY materials for our projects. This may include things like lumber, fencing materials, nails and screws. We use organic/non toxic cleaning supplies, laundry detergents and soaps in order to keep our runoff water clean and safe for the environment. We do our best to be minimal in our consumption AND our waste. We believe strongly in these practices and will strive to expand and share our knowledge.

Community

BCR produces beef, pork, lamb and eggs which we sell at the local Farmers Market in Salida, CO. We host community events at the ranch. We're members of the Salida Chamber of Commerce and on the board of several local organizations, including: Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Foodshed Alliance, Chaffee County Food Coalition.

Conservation

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is a philosophy based on the integration of human goals and the understanding of the long-term impact of our activities on the environment and on other species.

As stewards of Badger Creek Ranch, we recognize our responsibility to care for the land, which includes all the grasses that grow here, the soil, the water, and all the animals that live here, domestic and wild; predator and prey. For this reason we practice holistic management, a process of decision making and planning that maintains and improves the health of the land for future generations, with the goal of raising healthy, flavorful food to serve our guests, and sell to customers seeking all-natural products including grass fed meats, eggs, and other farm/ranch raised goods.

Ranch History

Our working cattle ranch is located in Colorado's Badger Creek Basin at approximately 9,000 feet on the Ute Trail (Fremont County Road #2), 40 miles northwest of Canon City and 20 miles northeast of Salida, with spectacular views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.

The area is rich in history. From the Ute Indians, who had their summer hunting grounds here, to the Spanish Conquistadors, to the pioneers, miners, and cowboys of the old West, to our present day Badger Creek Ranch, this is a land of countless tales, both fact and fiction.

Your Manager, Chrissy and Dave McFarren

Co-owners Chrissy and Dave are passionate about ranching and farming, and are deeply humbled to be stewards of the land. Chrissy loves creating healthy environments for all the animals (domestic and wild) that call the ranch their home, and loves bearing witness to the joy people have when they visit the ranch. Dave is “The back-office guy": doing the books, managing the meat inventory, and maintaining the equipment. He loves entertaining the guests on 'music night' and being the face of BCR at the farmers markets where they sell their meats and eggs.

Your manager

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Ranch-style, Health oriented
  • Meals served

    family style, meals roll with days activities, everyone eats together
  • Alcohol

    BYOB
  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, dining room (casual attire)
  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, ranch-raised pork, farm fresh eggs, locally grown produce
  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegetarians, Gluten free

At Badger Creek we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our guests share meals with us in the lodge dining room where we get to have great discussions about the day ahead of us and the one we just finished.

We provide ingredients and guests prepare their own breakfasts and lunches. Dinners are prepared and served family style in the lodge dining room.

Our goal at the ranch is to serve farm-to-table meals and we strive to source our products from local farmers and ranchers.

Badger Creek Ranch doesn't have a liquor license but you are welcome to bring your own.

Guest Favourites

  • Enchiladas
  • Chicken & Rice
  • Beef stew

Sample Menu

  • Entrées

  • Chicken & Rice
  • Salisbury Steak w/mushroom Gravy
  • Enchiladas w/Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Pork Carnitas
  • Desserts

  • Lemon Bars w/cream cheese bars
  • Lime Cake w/cream cheese icing
  • Banana Bread w/chocolate chips and whiskey sauce

Lowdown

  • Address

    PO Box 21
    Coaldale
    Colorado
    81222
    USA
  • Remote Location

    Yes
  • Elevation

    8,900 ft
  • Private Land

    250-1000 acres
  • Public Land

    5000-10000 acres

Nearest Town - Salida

Salida has a population of 6400 (approx), and is situated 20 miles / 45 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Salida include: grocery store, pharmacy, church, school, post office, medical clinic, hospital, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping Salida offers: small hometown necessity shops, boutique shops, western wear.

Ranch shuttle

Free, from Salida or Canon City

Rental car

Required, 4x4 recommended

Nearest Airports

Colorado Springs Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, CO

Distance

90 miles / 1 hour 45 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, United Express, American Airlines, Frontier

Rental car

Required, 4x4 recommended


Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, CO

Distance

150 miles / 3 hours 15 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Northwest, Alaska, United Express, American Airlines, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Boutique Air, British Airways, Copa, Edelweiss, Frontier, Great Lakes, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Volaris, West Jet

Rental car

Required, 4x4 recommended

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding
  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced
  • Most riders are

    Intermediate
  • Rides are grouped by

    Ability, Pace of Ride, Everyone rides together, Rides dictated by ranch work
  • Max riders per ride

    5
  • Wranglers per ride

    2
  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot
  • Guest Horses

    12
  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Draft, Draft Cross, Paints, Geldings, Mares
  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 4 hours

The Setting

Private Land (250-1000 acres)

Public Land (5000-10000 acres)


Our Riding

Guided rides

All rides are guided by the ranch staff. The cows decide for us where that ride will go or the day. We also do have a few rides to some fantastic Native American sites on the ranch. Our rides can be over varied terrain so we do recommend that you are in good physical shape to enjoy the ride.

Good to know

We prefer people have experience riding a horse before, but do not require any experience. Due to us riding cross country it is up to us when we feel the guest is secure enough in being able to stop and steer the horse before going out into big country.

Weight limit for riding

Up to 225 lbs

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, Riders should be confident without a wrangler by their side, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

Our rides are dictated by the ranch work that needs to be done.  They can be anywhere from 2 hours to 6 hours.


Why our riding stands out

  • Natural horsemanship instruction
  • Beautiful open country vistas
  • Safe horses

Riding Lessons

Details

lessons come with package, basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons

Given by

wrangler, ranch owner or manager

Location

on the trail, in the arena

Natural Horsemanship Clinic

Clinician

Anke Giegandt

Details

Clinics occur yearly, Included in package, Clinics occur in the arena, Clinics occur on the trail

Cattle work - pasture gathers

When

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Frequency

Daily

Interaction

Guests watch, Guests participate

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $384 - $499
  • Nightly Rates (non-rider)

    $165 - $195
  • Minimum Stay

    5 days
  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Sun
  • Preferred Departure Day

    Fri
  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Glamping
  • Packages available

    5 night
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Badger Creek Ranch can cater for up to 8 guests. Accommodation includes Cabins and Luxury Tents. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Bunkhouse Room w/private bath

Rates (Per Person)*

$399 - $499
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

5 nights

Description

Room in bunkhouse with queen-sized bed and double bed and private bath

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, seating area, wood fireplace

Luxury Tent | Glamping tent

Rates (Per Person)*

$384 - $469
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

5 nights

Description

We offer a 10x12 with two twin beds or a 12x14 with a queen bed. Both Glamping tents have access to a shared bath house.

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Shared bathroom

Amenities

fridge, seating area, wood fireplace


Booking Policy

To book a reservation for the ranch a guests would contact us for availabilty, either by phone or email. If dates are agreed on a 30% deposit is required to confirm the reservation. We will refund that deposit up to 30 days prior to arrival date minus any processing fees.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, lodging, Riding

Extras

Tax

7.4% tax

Gratuity

Gratuities are welcome and go to our interns.

Other

White water rafting, golfing, rental of ATV, guides for fishing etc. We are happy to recommend businesses, but activities off the ranch aren't included

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy hats, Cowboy boots, Riding helmets, Saddle bags, Rain coats
  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance.

Onsite

Shopping

Small gift shop.

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, wagon rides, bird watching, wild life viewing, hiking


Fishing & Wildlife

Badger Creek is one of the best kept fly fishing secrets around. If you like small stream fishing you will fall in love with Badger Creek. (when you get here we will give you directions!)

Fishing on offer

fly, stream, equipment available, unguided, instruction available, BYO equipment

Wildlife

coyote, bear, elk, deer, antelope, big horn sheep, birds of prey


Additional Services

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 20-30.

Please call us to discuss having the ranch host your small, intimate wedding.


Local Attractions

The Royal Gorge

Boasting the highest suspension bridge in the USA, cable car and zip line, the Royal Gorge offers a great afternoon of breathtaking views.

Distance

30 miles / 45 mins

Rental car

Required


Salida

Small cowboy town that has evolved into a great destination while at the Ranch. The town has everything a tourist would want. Ghost towns, white water rafting, musuems, shopping and some great festivals!

Distance

20 miles / 45 mins

Rental car

Required, 4x4 recommended


Cañon City

Offers train rides up the Royal Gorge valley, white water rafting, and shopping.

Distance

40 miles / 1 hour

Rental car

Required

Highs

  • Ideal for those looking for a working cattle ranch experience. The horses are their partners and horsemanship is the main focus. Instruction in all aspects of horsemanship (groundwork and riding) is provided by skilled and experienced horsemen
  • Small guest capacity of 6-8 guests creates an intimate experience. Guests become part of the BCR family and are invited to participate in all aspects of daily ranch activities
  • Guests will enjoy a beautiful and varied landscape with breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo range and the Collegiate Peaks of the Sawatch Range. Explore lands rich in Native and early American history
  • There is opportunity for off-ranch rafting, ghost town exploration, fishing, festivals and rodeos – don't forget to visit the highest suspension bridge in the world at Royal Gorge in Cañon City

Lows

  • It's set in a very remote location with over 20 miles of gravel to get to the ranch, but once you're there it's full of peace and quiet, making it well worth the drive. Being remote allows for a quiet getaway in a tranquil setting, with expansive night skies perfect for spectacular stargazing, rest and relaxation
  • No cell service, limited WIFI access is available. Perfect for 'unplugging' and enjoying connecting with nature

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Bucket List Vacation

My week at Badger Creek fulfilled one of my life long bucket list activities. I wanted to stay at a western ranch and work cattle. I feel like my time there was exactly that. It was very much like a bed and breakfast with horses. The owners of BC quickly became family and made sure our every need was met. We received personal, one on one attention which I think is only available at BC. I would recommend BC to anyone that really wants to experience the west as it was years ago.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Badger Creek Ranch on TripAdvisor