About the Ranch

Sustainability at the Ranch

As a leading Colorado mountain resort with a focus on sustainability, we consider ourselves stewards of this lush and pristine landscape and do our part to protect it.

Awards & Accolades

About the Ranch

Awards & Accolades

Leave it as you found it. That’s how we see things.

While technically we do own the 6,500 acres upon which Devil’s Thumb sits, we’re really only inhabiting it for now. That’s why we maintain a strong commitment to sustainability and preserving our pristine wilderness in every way possible, so the next generation has a chance to enjoy it as much as we do.

a Proud Partner of Sustainable Grand

Devil’s Thumb Ranch & Resort is partnering with Sustainable Grand to strengthen its commitment to sustainability by improving energy efficiency across its accommodations, venues, and operations. Through this collaboration, the Ranch is implementing energy-saving solutions and launching educational opportunities for staff—empowering their team with the knowledge and tools to support more sustainable practices.

Learn More

Geothermal Heating

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Organic Skin Care Products

Eco-friendly recognition

Top 10 Green Spas – Organic Spa Magazine, Editors’ Choice (2014)
River Conservation Award – Trout Unlimited, Colorado River Headwaters Chapter (2013)
World’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotels – International Business Times (2012)
Top Eco-Lodges – Away.com (2010, 2011)
Best Green Facility – Colorado Meetings + Events Magazine, Editor’s Choice (2009)
World’s Top 10 Green Hotels – Travel + Leisure Magazine and Conservation International (2007)
Responsible Development Award in Tourism – Mountain Living Magazine (2006)
Sustainable Luxury – Outside Magazine’s Top 100 (2006)
Environmentally Sensitive Remodeling and Expansion – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2004)

Energy Conservation

A shining example in the hospitality industry

In addition to solar panels that supply nearly all of the spa’s electrical needs, we have battery banks to store solar energy so that we can use it when the sun is not shining. We’ve also converted a large portion of our pumps, motors, and outdoor lighting to run on DC power, a more efficient power source to use with solar.

A source of positive energy

Since implementing our solar program, we’ve supplemented our energy use on-ranch in the following ways:

Our 5 different locations of solar panel arrays have saved 437.68 tons of CO2 saved to date. That amounts to:

2,872,841 km driven 11,222 trees

Water Conservation

Use only what you need

Our low-flush water fixtures and pressure assist toilets in all guest rooms help to conserve tremendous amounts of water. Our state-of-the-art water treatment system filters, cleans, and recycles wastewater to the Ranch. Our landscaping also embraces native grasses which reduces daily watering.

Going Green

Responsible ranching

Custom bathroom amenity washes and lotions with re-fillable pump bottles reduce the small individual bottles. Water bottle filling stations located on every guestroom floor and throughout the lodges and our pledge to reduce plastics on the ranch.

Providing New Purpose!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Here at the Ranch, reclaimed building materials are used when possible. The stonework on building exteriors and fireplaces came from Winter Park area landslides and the interior wood paneling is local beetle kill pine. And in the spirit of ‘reduce,’ through digital newspaper subscriptions of the NY Times and Denver Post, we’re reducing daily newspaper consumption.

Energy Conservation

efficiency, outside the box

We exclusively use LED lighting throughout the property and leverage ground-source energy to heat and cool all of our buildings. This system uses the earth as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer to greatly increase the efficiency of the system. All of the main buildings utilize a BAS (building automated system) to increase the efficiency of heating/cooling systems and to identify potential energy losses.

Recycling program

Responsible ranching

In addition to the recycling bins in all guest rooms, and recycling containers on every guestroom floor used by staff and guests, our key cards, gift cards, marketing materials, and menus are printed on post-consumer recycled paper. We reduce plastics usage by using compostable cardboard containers for take-out orders.

Planet-friendly products

Housekeeping the natural way

All bath towels are made of micro-cotton, which reduces time in the dryer, we change linens and towels every third day, unless requested otherwise, and all cleaning products are organic, natural and biodegradable.

The Ranch-to-Table Experience

Being a working ranch that spans 6,500 acres, it’s only fitting we raise our own grass-fed cattle. We’re proud of our conscientious approach to sustainable ranching, as it allows us to not only care for our animals with passion and respect, but treats our guests to the freshest, best tasting beef possible.