While in town during the summer months, do not forget to take a day or weekend trip to Piney River Ranch. The employees of American Ski Exchange love to spend our time outdoors. On our days off, we love to go Jeeping up the dirt road to Piney River Ranch. Below are a list of the activities that we have done and recommend at this privately owned, forty-acre ranch. Just remember, the ranch is only open from June 21st to the last weekend in September.
Go for a Hike
Hiking: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/activities/hiking-2/
Hiking is something that almost every Coloradan is obsessed with. As such, we recommend hiking Upper Piney River Falls Trail. Pack a picnic in your backpack and enjoy relaxing in one of the meadows along the trail. When you are done, keep trekking through the aspens until you reach the waterfalls. It is a moderate hike – three miles each way.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/activities/horseback-riding/
Book a horseback ride at Piney Stables. You can venture out on one of their beautiful horses for a one or two hour horseback ride – $90 and $105 per person respectively. You can schedule your horseback ride at either 10am or 2pm each day. Feel like you have stepped into an old Western movie as you follow your wrangler on horse for a guided tour. Take in views of pristine Piney Lake and the Gore Range. Just make sure that you wear long pants and your cowboy boots (closed toed shoes are mandatory). For your rustic, low-maintenance bride – this is the perfect activity for a bachelorette party, We have had local friends who have done it and loved it!
Go Canoeing or Paddleboarding
Canoeing/Paddleboarding: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/activities/canoeing-stand-paddleboarding/
Enjoy some time on the water as you paddle in a canoe as a couple, or on paddle boards as a group. Both canoes and stand-up paddle boards can be rented for $30 an hour. This rental includes paddles, life vests, and basic instructions for your adventure. You may get lucky and spot a resident moose as he meanders down to the lake for a drink of water.
Go Fishing
Fishing: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/activities/fishing-2/
Head to WalMart, City Market, or Safeway to grab your fishing license. Then you are good to go! Pack up your rod and reel and head to Piney Lake. Imagine fishing for brookies, browns, cutthroats, and rainbow trout all day!
Enjoy a Barbecue Lunch
Lodge Restaurant & Bar Menu: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/9350-SUMMER-MENU-08.19.pdf
Piney River Ranch offers a restaurant that is open daily from 11am-6pm during the summer season. Enjoy a ranch style meal – a burger or pulled pork sandwich – as you are surrounded by picturesque views. Don’t forget to ask about their daily specials! Take it all in as you sit at one of their outdoor patio tables.
Attend or Plan a Wedding
Weddings: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/weddings-special-events/packaging-and-pricing/
The perfect place to get married for the Colorado couple that has a love of the mountains. Pose for your wedding photos with the Gore Range as your backdrop. Your photos will be highly coveted. It truly is one of the most sought after marriage venues in town!
Stay at a Rustic Cabin or in a Glamping Tent
Lodging: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/lodging/
After a day of hiking, fishing, or horseback riding, come back to your cabin or safari-style canvas tent to relax. Sit under the stars and roast marshmallows in an outdoor fire-pit. In the morning, sit on an outdoor deck with your coffee and a book to recharge!
Piney River Ranch offers a variety of lodging options. They offer six lakefront cabins and three glamping tents. The four large cabins – Bear Cabin, Fox Cabin, Osprey Cabin, and Beaver Cabin – accomodate up to eight guests. The two small cabins – Elk Cabin and Moose Cabin – accommodate up to four guests.
If you want to channel your inner Real Housewife and go Glamping, they offer three glamping tents – Pine, Spruce, and Aspen. These tents also accommodate four guests each. It is the perfect place for an overworked couple to rekindle their romance for a weekend, or a fun trip with your closest friends!
