Glamptuary Review - Cedar Ridge Ranch
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A GLAMPING TRIP WITH MY BROTHERS, ALPACAS, GOATS, AND HORSEMANSHIP TRAINING CAPPED OFF WITH A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET TRAIL RIDE THROUGH THE ROARING FORK VALLEY NEAR CARBONDALE, CO.
I love that our Glamptuary excursions provide the opportunity for us to connect with ourselves, nature, and other humans on deeper levels. We’ve met some amazing folks on our journeys which we’re thankful for, and I’m most grateful for being able to experience all of this with the people I love. Up until now, I’ve only travelled with my wife and dogs. This trip was different. My brother’s Tim and Mike came to visit from Minneapolis, MN - my hometown.
From left - Tim, Mike, and Bobby
For reference sake, I am the oldest of three and we are a very close family. We’ve taken “brother trips” before but this one was extra special for me…because it was a Glamptuary trip. And it was the first time either of them had been glamping which made me even more excited.
We headed out towards Cedar Ridge Ranch located near Carbondale, CO on a Friday morning. My brothers and I all play golf, so I arranged a tee time at Ironbridge Golf Club so we could swing the sticks before arriving at our final destination.
View from the tee box on hole 12 at Ironbridge Golf Club
We all finished the day under 100 (it was a tough course) and had an awesome time (par for the course when we’re together).
On our way towards Cedar Ridge Ranch, a brief rain shower quickly moved in which often happens in the mountains. As we approached the gates of Cedar Ridge, the sun began to show and a rainbow appeared. There are many meanings associated with rainbows and the one I adhere to is “fresh starts” which aligns perfectly with the beginning of our Glamptuary experience.
Cedar Ridge Ranch is set on 67 acres in the Roaring Fork Valley, which is near Mt. Sopris and the town of Carbondale, CO. The ranch operates as a small hobby farm and ranch offering horse boarding + training and glamping stays. There are educational programs offered as part of the glamping stays as well as programs individuals and groups can register for on an ongoing basis. The ranch was purchased by Randy, Pam and Merrill Johnson in 1999 and they have continued operating the property as a working horse ranch.
Pictured from left - Merrill, Pam and Randy Johnson with their ranch pups - Source
Glamping and Agritourism were added to the mix back in 2018 which brings us to our Glamptuary stay. For glamping options, the ranch offers safari tents, a yurt, a remodeled barn, and a farm house. We chose the safari tent.
We met Pam at the door of the main barn which looked to be the center of operations for the ranch. Pam invited us to join her and the family for a BBQ which we happily accepted. We were then led to our safari tent to stow our gear and freshen up for supper.
The tent felt large which was great for 3 big-ish guys. There were three beds (1 king and 2 day beds) and plenty of room for gear and luggage. The tent was outfitted nicely with a couch, coffee table, hutch and plenty of lamps. There was also a filtered water container that provided cold and hot water which we really appreciated when it came time to make coffee in the morning. There was a small refrigerator next to the water cooler and the hutch came stocked with cookware, plates, silverware and drinking glasses. All the creature comforts were there which brought a sense a comfort to my brothers who were experiencing a glamping tent for the first time.
After we loaded into our tent, my brothers first question was “where are the bathrooms?” Fortunately for us, it was right next door.
Pictured - Restroom Tent on the left, Glamping Safari Tent on the right
The interior was a split design with a wood paneled divider wall. The shower was on the left and the sink and toilet were on the right. For full privacy - I’d advise one person in the tent only.
The restroom functions just like your home facilities, with running hot and cold water and a flushing toilet. The entire restroom structure has its own separate septic not hooked up to any main lines.
After we washed up, it was time for supper so we made our way back to the main barn. The interior of the barn looked clean and welcoming, was well maintained, and had the feel of a rustic mountain resort. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to squeeze in a quick shuffleboard game before dinner.
We felt like one of the family hanging out in the barn and were thankful we were invited in.
The dinner bell rang and we all gathered around a long dining table. There were some friends of the ranch at the table, and the Johnson family in attendance with us. For supper, we enjoyed some grilled prime rib sandwiches, homemade mac n’ cheese, and capresé salad.
After dinner, Pam asked each person to introduce themselves and what their passion is in life. There was such an eclectic mix of folks at the table which included a Welsh model + actress, retired international rugby player who is currently a filmmaker, and a former rodeo star.
This dinner was the first time I was able to tell the story of Glamptuary to a live audience, which was exhilarating (and a bit terrifying). Having my brother’s there made it special and the concept of Glamptuary was well received, especially by Pam, Randy and Merrill who are the living embodiment of what this blog is all about.
Before we left the barn, we were introduced to the newest ranch members - a litter of 4 week old puppies. We held them as they snoozed in our hands (they literally fit in our hands) and it was a wonderful way to end the evening.
We awoke the next day after a restful sleep. Pam provided us with some farm fresh eggs which went nicely with the bacon and sausages we had brought in. Tim manned the grill which was located right outside our tent and Mike approved of the breakfast.
After breakfast we strolled around the ranch and said hello to some of our neighbors. In addition to horses, Cedar Ridge Ranch is home to around 17 zebu, which is a smaller humpbacked version of a cow that originated in Asia.
The ranch is also home to horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, goats, alpacas, cats, and the aforementioned ranch owners who make sure every animal is happy and healthy.
There’s a lot to see on the ranch and there is a very informative farm tour offered to both glamping guests, and folks that would just like to visit the ranch and learn. We walked the property with Pam and she introduced us to all the animals, and provided detailed information about how each animal is cared for, how the ranch re-uses the compost for fertilizer, and the engineering solves that are installed at the ranch to create efficiencies with water distribution for all the animals.
Our last planned activity at the ranch had us crossing the line from observer to participant. We met up with Merrill Johnson who leads all horse care, boarding, training and trail rides on the ranch. She practices and teaches natural horsemanship and we were excited to be put through the paces and ride off into the sunset.
We started in the arena and Merrill did a wonderful job explaining how to read the horses body language, and how we can communicate with them with our body language. We learned about herd mentality, and eventually bonded with the horses. After we were all paired, we began the trust building exercises of walking with a lead rope, grooming, and eventually saddling and tacking up our horses in preparation for our sunset ride in the mountains.
We rode in the arena for a bit to get comfortable in the saddle, working on our one reign stops, turns about a point, and trots. Once everyone felt good, Merrill led us out of the arena just as the sun was setting.
We rode through the ranch and up into the mountains as the sun was setting, and it felt perfect.
We had a truly unique experience bonding with the horses, and each other. By taking our time in the arena to allow these bonds to form, a level of trust was gained which made the horseback experience truly special. Both of my brothers have minimal experience with horses and after we were done with our ride, they both said how at ease they felt in the saddle. This made my heart smile and I want to thank Merrill for her patience and approach to teaching natural horsemanship. This was truly the highlight of our Glamptuary trip to Cedar Ridge Ranch.
If you’re looking for an immersive ranch and farm experience, then Cedar Ridge Ranch is a great choice. There are a variety of glamping options for you to choose from which range from safari tents to yurts to a farm house. No matter what glamping structure you choose to stay in, the experiences you take part in will enlighten and entertain you, as well as create lasting memories. Thank you to Pam, Randy and Merrill for opening your ranch to us. It was truly a pleasure.
Helpful Information For Planning A Visit To Cedar Ridge Ranch:
Booking: Directly on the Cedar Ridge Ranch Website
Nearest Major Airport: Denver International Airport
Drive times: 3 hour drive from Downtown Denver, 3 1/2 hour drive from Airport
Nearest town is Carbondale - 6.7 miles away (13 minute drive)
Nearest hospital - Valley View Hospital - 15.8 miles away (23 minute drive)
Paved road access, dirt roads inside the property
No meals or beverages provided unless specified
Grills are provided at each glampsite and around the property.
Refrigerator and water cooler in each glampsite.
Each glampsite is fully stocked with plates, silverware and drinking glasses
Private restrooms and showers for each glampsite
Towels provided, some toiletries provided, hairdryer provided
Most of the ranch is not shaded
Wi-Fi is available around the ranch
Dog-friendly
Family-friendly
Open for group bookings
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