Location: Aspen
State: Colorado
Best season: June to September
Elevation: 7000-9000 feet
Difficulity: Moderate
Just outside of Aspen, near the world famous Maroon Bells, lies one of the oldest working ranches in Aspen.
2008 will be the 70th anniversary of the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, which is located near the base of Maroon Bells, where horse riding, friends and family and cabin rentals were taking place well before Aspens inception as a popular ski destination.
Maroon Bells peaks in Springtime are breathtaking
T-Lazy-7 Ranch is something more than the ever popular “dude ranch” but is instead a real working ranch, which offers insight into the lifestyle to those who come to take advantage of the amazing horseback riding opportunities here.
Owned by the Deane family, the ranch is still in full swing, hosting some of the most scenic snowmobile riding in the United states.
One of the few ranches which has a special use permit from the Forest Service4 for the White River National Forest, the ranch can afford you the opportunity to ride some of the most beautiful country in the world today, including Maroon Bells, which holds the distinction of being the most photographed set of peaks in North America.
The T Lazy Seven has a few other distinctions, among them, they are always ready, able and completely willing to host a party for you, whether you are bringing along two or two hundred.
There is more here than meets the eyes too. ALso available on the ranch are several cabins six stand alone cabins with up to two bedrooms, and in the summer there are several “rustic” employee cabins available in sizes from studios to three bedroom.
There is also a full sized lodge type building that houses more cabins for rent.
Wintertime sees snowmobile riding, sleigh rides and, while summer offers wagon rides, western dinner dances and horseback riding, as well as some of the most elegant catered events available in Colorado.
The breakfast ride is something everyone should experience, and takes place from June to September.
Imagine a cool, crisp early morning ride under shady aspen trees with spectacular views of Pyramid Peak, one of Colorado’s highest mountains at 14,018 feet.Then followed by a linen tablecloth and one of the best breakfasts you’ve ever laid eyes on waiting for you when the ride is over.
The Ride and Dine package is a unique adventure beginning with a two hour private trail ride to the edge of Maroon Lake with picturesque views of the Maroon Bells. With the sun on their back, guests will follow the trail to a Chef-prepared private lunch or dinner on the banks of Maroon Creek.
Lunch will include BBQ Chicken and Ribs… Dinner will include appetizers, charcoal grilled steaks and will be accompanied with specially prepared side dishes by their own private Chef.
If you plan on a visit to Colorado, don’t pass up the chance to ride the best range in the world and tuck into the best food when its over.
Directions:
to Maroon Bells Lodge at T-Lazy-7 Ranch
Follow Highway 82 to the Aspen Roundabout (there is only one). Take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the Roundabout. Continue on Maroon Creek Road past the Aspen Schools complex, the Aspen Highlands ski area and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Maroon Bells Lodge is on the right hand side of Maroon Creek Road as you approach the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, approximately 1.5 miles from the Aspen Highlands Ski Area.
