Family Time: Deer Valley Ranch- Colorado 2011

Since we haven't been on a vacation this summer, I thought I would share with you some photos of the trip we had last summer of 2011 in Colorado (of course). Every time we head our way back to Kansas, we always like to stop at Buena Vista, Colorado first and spend the night there. Once we secure a room  for the night, we like to go to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort to relax and enjoy the moment before heading home.

Last year, the town of Buena Vista was busy and rooms were booked, so we headed to Nathrop, Colorado and looked for a place to stay or even campgrounds for the night. We thought we were out of luck, but we found out that Deer Valley Ranch has a room available and we booked it right away. The room was actually a small cabin that sleeps about six (6) people and it was around $115/night. We were really desperate as it was late in the day and there aren't any places to stay, but the ranch. All-in-all it was worth it, we had a great time and we had an awesome Cowboy type breakfast, which they called it "Wrangler's Breakfast".

The cattle truck took us to the venue and there were other people already waiting for the rest of the crew to come. Some of them were horseback riding and some went on an early hike to get to the Wrangler's breakfast. Because we didn't plan on staying at a Ranch, we didn't dress the part. I didn't have my boots on, instead I had my Merrell sandals on and hop on aboard the back of the cattle truck, pregnant and all. It was very interesting! Our little boy on the other hand was so excited to ride the truck and didn't even need help climbing the ladder. He was very quiet, behave and he was looking forward to the ride. It is not everyday you get to ride in the back of the cattle truck.

What a way to start our day by spending it the cowboy way. After the breakfast, we headed back to the ranch and didn't ride the truck this time, instead we walked. I didn't mind walking back to the ranch even though it was quite a ways, because I know I can do the hike. I already made it to the top of the Harney Peak in South Dakota that year, which was about 7,000 some ft high, five months pregnant and all. This was an easy-peasy walk. Anyway, if you happen to plan to do something fun, exciting and new, I think the Deer Valley Ranch in Nathrop, Colorado would be a fun place to check out. Great location, wonderful environment, friendly folks, and fun time. Here are some photos!

 Sorry about the wrong info. Deer Valley Ranch is in Nathrop, Colorado and not Mt. Princeton, Colorado.

We had an awesome buffet style dinner that night. Great food!

The cattle truck that will take us to our breakfast area. First time ever!

Checking out the horses.

While we secured a room for the night at Deer Valley Ranch, that afternoon we headed back to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort and had a relaxing afternoon. We always love this place. This was our second time at the resort.

I sat on the bench, relaxed, sunbathe, people watching, admiring the amazing view in front of me, and watched my boys play as they came down the big slide. Our little man Harley loves this place.

And look at that view. AMAZING!!!!

Thank you dadda for taking us to Colorado and for the wonderful family vacation last year. Hope next year we get to go back to the mountains again and enjoy some much needed R and R. We miss the mountains  badly this year.