Colorado 2010

Get up close and personal with Colorado’s Wild West heritage at a dude ranch or rodeo
here in 1869 and, each January, Denver
holds the world’s largest, the National
Western Stock Show. But even if you
don’t visit Colorado at the start of the
New Year, there are lots of ways to
watch exciting bull riding, team roping
and barrel racing at rodeo competitions,
especially in the summertime. T_h e
cowboys – and cowgirls – who compete
in the often-dangerous events are the
real deal, as evidenced by their skill and
professionalism, if not their plaid shirts,
well-worn blue jeans and scuff ed boots.
Rodeos in Colorado range from those
sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo
Summer Rodeo Series
Many cities and towns throughout Colorado
National Western Stock Show
hold family-friendly weekly rodeos all
summer long. Check out the offerings in
erence accommodation, activities and meals are
Beaver Creek, Carbondale, Fraser, Granby,
D
on’t know the diff
between a latigo and a lasso, a all included in one package price, you
Snowmass and Steamboat Springs.
wrangler and a rustler? It’s easy know the cost of your Western holiday
for visitors to get schooled in the ways of up front. Cowboys Association to small-town
the cowboy at any of Colorado’s more- Need help fi nding a dude ranch that’s events where experienced locals compete.
than 30 dude ranches and competitive just right for you? Go online at Many are often accompanied by down-
rodeos. www.coloradoranch.com. home barbecues and activities just for
kids, including pint-sized competitions
Dude Ranches Rodeos such as ‘mutton bustin’, in which children
Colorado’s dude ranches – also called Colorado is the world’s rodeo capital. see how long they can ride bareback on
guest ranches – range from upmarket After all, the very fi rst rodeo was held sheep – always a crowd pleaser!
resort-like properties with spa services to
rustic working ranches, where guests sign
JANUARY
on to help with tasks such as herding National Western Stock Show, Denver
sheep and cattle. While horseback als
MAY
riding is paramount to any guest ranch
tiv
Royal Gorge Rodeo, Cañon City
stay, there are typically dozens of other
es JUNE
activities off ered, such as hiking, river
rafting and mountain biking.
t F
Greeley Stampede, Greeley
Trail rides are tailored to just your
es
Evergreen Rodeo, Evergreen
speed, whether you’re a novice or an
W JULY
experienced equestrian. Either way, you’ll
ild
Cowboy Round-Up Days, Steamboat Springs
walk, trot or gallop through aspen groves,
W
Cattlemen’s Days, Gunnison
Rooftop Rodeo, Estes Park
across meadows dotted with wild fl owers
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Days, Colorado Springs
or along rocky mountain ridges. Ranch
locations off er picture-perfect vistas of
os &
Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, Golden
Eagle County Fair & Rodeo, Eagle
scenic peaks, and lush-green valleys are
ode AUGUST
often found around every corner.
Colorado State Fair, Pueblo
At the end of the day, guests gather
al R
Garﬁ eld County Fair, Riﬂ e
for meals around a communal table,
Delta County Fair & Rodeo, Hotchkiss
where it’s easy to make new friends
from all over the world. Dude ranches
Annu
SEPTEMBER
TRA Rodeo & Las Animas County Fair, Trinidad
are a convenient way to travel; since
Lake Mancos Dude Ranch
8 » www.colorado.com
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