Vista Verde Guest Ranch

Vista Verde is one of the best vacation experiences we have ever booked - so much so that we have now been there 6 times! I can't speak highly enough about the quality of everything across the board - activities, staff, food, lodging, etc. While it offers a tremendous horse riding program, there are also a ton of other activities if you need a break from being in the saddle - hiking, mountain bike riding, fly fishing, and paddle boarding to name just a few. If you are searching for a great vacation look no further. Vista Verde is amazing for families (with activities for all ages), couples, solo travelers - literally everyone. We can't wait to return for visit #7!!

This is a 5 star resort! Did a family Reunion with 14 people. They are so accommodating from the time you get there until you leave. They have thought of everything to make your stay enjoyable. I have been to many ranches but they are tops to introducing you to your horse before they put you on them. Once on and giving you lessons, they don't let you out of the arena until YOU feel comfortable. They always made each and every guest feel at home. They have different things to do besides horseback riding. We did fly fishing, archer, roping, biking, hiking, picture taking, wine tasting I'm sure I'm missing more. We went on a breakfast ride or in the wagon. A dinner cookout. Enjoy happy hour in the evening. A long with a children's program. Which we didn't have any, but we never saw them very much because they were always together having fun! Beautiful scenery you just can't beat. Small or large groups and experience you will never forget!

Vista Verde is our happy place. My wife and I had a short visit for our 40th birthdays, and enjoyed it so much that we came back the next year with our kids. We will be coming back many more times. Everything at Vista Verde is just phenomenal; from the service, to the activities, to the food, to the accommodations, to the spectacular views.

Best vacation ever. The staff are friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. Truly second to none. The opportunities for riding are incredible. You will have a hard time leaving without newfound skills and confidence with a horse, even for the "dudes" among us. Beyond that, there is a wide array of fun activities available to cater to any interests. Thank you VVR!

Wrapping up the most spectacular family vacation at Vista Verde Ranch. A grand slam, 100/100 score! We cannot wait to return. The magic of VVR is its staff, each of whom goes beyond to make your stay spectacular. They learn your name, understand your objectives, and cater an unforgettable experience. They join you for lunch and cookout dinners, so you get to engage and get to know them and feel integrated into the ranch immediately. Ben and Jason lead the way with warm smiles and fun stories. The front desk staff is so welcoming and helpful. They meet with you daily to review plans. Special request? They’ll handle it. Roxy, Georgie, Cameron, Libby, Mette—thank you! The horseback riding is so fun. KP and Jackie curate riding to any experience level with orientations, clinics, trail rides (easy & technical), roping, and demonstrations. The cattle penning competition was so fun! Wranglers Luke, Nick, Olivia, Neve, Mackie, Siera, Tanner, Cruz, Nathalie, and Will make you comfortable, confident, safe, and elated. Ben runs the adventure center, which offers tons of other activities: fishing, yoga, hikes, UTV tours, paddleboarding, etc. Let them know what you want to do; they’ll set it up. Guides Taylor & Seth led exciting fly fishing outings; Will led an 8 mile hike with surreal vistas. Don’t skip massage—THE BEST 90 minute massage ever! Our cabin was so nice: fridge stocked with wine, beer, and of n/a refreshments. Humidifiers for dry air. Washer/dryer & detergent. Hot tub. Housekeeping staff is very thorough and attentive. The food is fantastic. You will gain weight enjoy doing so. Each day starts with a superb, hearty breakfast. Omelettes, huevos rancheros... don’t skip the breakfast ride mid week. For lunch, burgers, tacos, italian and asian themed spreads. Always a salad bar. Tea and lemonade (or beers) to wet your palate. Just be cautious—riding on a gorged stomach is no fun; hit the salad bar if you plan to be active. Happy hour each day at 5:30 pm. Generous pours and tasty wines. You can bring your own alcohol, but it’s not necessary; your room is stocked with wine, beer, and n/a refreshments. There are no spirits, so if bourbon closes your day, bring your own. The staff can arrange a pitstop in steamboat. Each evening alternates between a cookout style dinner to a more formal plated dinner. Cookouts boast prime rib, crab legs, brisket, and pastas. So good. For formal dinners, Chefs Gillespie and Houston sling delectable treats like octopus salad, scallops, pork loin, halibut, osso bucco, rabbit tagliatelle, etc. The wines are impressive—both the included and upgraded award-winning selections. And the serving staff is so very nice to see every day. Laine, Sophia, AJ, Damon, Caroline, Francis, Hadley—Thank you! Your bright, smiling faces were such a wonderful start to our day. And, of course, there’s the Steak dinner ride. (There are non-horseback ways to get there and back). So much fun! THE DESSERTS by Chef Margason are incredible! Brownies, cookies, pastries, pies and tarts—so good! Importantly, the ranch lacks any hokie or magoo overlay of evening activities that plagues other ranches. There was a barn dance and music night—both delightful. But, for the most part, after dinner you are free to relax on your own. The experience is organic, not forced; luxurious in its simplicity, elegant in its purity. No silly campfire story times or magicians; just a beautiful ranch to explore and enjoy. Your stay ends with a happy hour with your horse, live music, and a farewell meal. Trudging through the field with a glass of wine, you get to share a magical moment with your four-legged companion. It’s very special, and I was so very moved by how incredible our entire stay proved to be. I dare you not to tear up as you thank your horse for showing you the beauty of the ranch and thank the staff for being so wonderful. My apologies to any staff I missed—you all did such an amazing job! We love you and appreciate you and will see you soon!