Page 12 - NBY Cover - Jan 2020 R

On the Go...... Colorado’s Devil’s Thumb Ranch
On the Go...
On the Go......
On the Go
On the Go
By: Ronnie Greenberg room. On the lower level, the Ranch
Photos: Joe Hilbers Creek Spa specializes in providing
luxury treatments with aromas that
Craggy mountain ranges cast complement the wilderness. The cozy
their shadows across the shimmering facilities offer seven treatment rooms and
canopies of quaking Aspens that grow private relaxation areas, including a
thick along the Colorado River heading terrace with a hot tub, a sauna, steam
to Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Located in the room, and Jacuzzi. The carefully crafted
Colorado Rocky Mountains, Devil’s menu of spa treatments, massages and
Thumb Ranch encompasses 4,000 acres facials is designed to restore and pamper.
at the foot of the Continental Divide. A Right alongside the Spa is Zach’s
haven of myth and beauty, the land Mercantile & Rental and Adventure
reaches deep into America’s history, Center a retail shop and center offering
when buffalo roamed free and smoke an expansive menu of year round
signals were used to communicate. recreation options. Expert instructions
Towering high above the Ranch are available for all levels of winter ski
is the visually awesome 300 foot Devil’s and snowshoe programs; and in the
Thumb, a rocky outcropping and summer fly fishing (where you can learn
perpetual reminder of peace and to tie a fly and develop the perfect cast);
harmony Legend has it that back in river rafting and other guided events.
time, after the warring Ute and Licenses and top of the line equipment Cabin Creek Stables
Arapahoe tribes settled their differences, rentals are available for all sports.
they buried the Devil, but left his thumb
exposed to signify that good conquers Winter recreation activities on
evil. the Ranch from mid- November through
The Ranch is a rustically mid- April include: cross-country skiing
upscale year- round Resort and Spa and and snowshoeing on groomed trails, ice-
is a great place to reconnect to what life skating on frozen lakes, one horse open
is really all about. There’s a variety of sleighing, skijoring, swimming in the
lodging options ranging from five heated indoor/outdoor pool, and outdoor
historic base area cabins, to 16 deluxe- hot tub. Nearby activities that are
ridge-top loft bedroom cabins that are diverse enough to please everyone from
ideal for couples, two bedroom cabins beginners to experts encompass downhill
that sleep six, or the four bedroom skiing and snowboarding at Winter Park,
cabins that can be divided into two carving turns through Rocky Mountain
duplexes that’s good for up to 12 people. powder, and at Granby Ranch ski areas,
Each cabin is personally decorated and snowmobiling, dog sledding, hot air
furnished by the Ranch owners Bob and ballooning are all part of the local winter
Suzanne Fanch. All lodging includes a scene
complimentary Swiss style Continental Summer and fall recreation
Breakfast with house made breads, activities on the Ranch from Memorial
smoked ham, trout, cheeses, hard boiled Day to mid-October include: fly fishing,
eggs, granola, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh hiking, river rafting, kayaking, Devil’s Thumb Ranch
fruit, juices, coffee and tea. swimming in the indoor/outdoor pool,
The Ranch House Restaurant & outdoor hot tub, nature walks and bird
Saloon set in the Ranch’s original 1937 watching. You can try your hand at Hatha
homestead looks out across stunning Yoga, Pilates, Nordic Walking classes or
views of the Ranch and Continental even a guided mountain bike tour.
Divide. All aspects of food service Nearby you can ride a ski lift up a
presents a farming-based artisan-style mountain and take a gentle hike down a
dining experience. The more wildflower-strewn trail. Golf enthusiasts
adventurous foodies can get to savor the can enjoy one of the area’s three
mountain dishes for a true Colorado championship courses.
experience that include antelope satay. The Ranch’s Cabin Creek Stables
The more traditional can stick to provides a year round equestrian
something more familiar like beef adventure program for all ages and
tenderloin, Ranch trout, turkey cutlets, levels. Depending on the season, a half
lavender lamb, or Niman Ranch cowboy or full “day on the range” is available.
steak. The finale includes a medley of You can get to tour the Ranch’s 4000 acres
fine cheeses, a devilishly rich chocolate with an experienced guide or if you
pound cake served with mounds of “wanna feel like a real cowboy,” a little
whipped cream, and a fresh fruit cobbler cattle work can be added in the arena.
of seasonal fruits. The chef will be Ranch wranglers will show you the
happy to suggest wine pairings for the ropes.
various courses and menu selection. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is located at 3530
Re-claiming an 1850’s circa barn County Road 83 in Tabernash, Colorado. Winter Park
from Indiana, the Broad Axe Barn serves For information phone: (970)726-5632 or
as the frame for the Ranch’s multi use www.devilsthumbranch.c
activities center, Spa and private dining CONTINUED on page 13

12 January 2020